BARR Schools

More than 500,000 students have benefited from the BARR Model across the country.

BARR has been proven to show positive impacts in nearly 500 schools by transforming the student and educator experience. And we plan to keep growing the network because we believe that every student deserves to walk into school every morning knowing they are understood, cared about, and supported in and out of the classroom.

BARR Schools

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The BARR Model is currently in 26 states plus D.C. and growing.

Map of the United States showcasing where BARR Center operates
  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • California
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Our proven impact

lower chronic absenteeism* in BARR schools
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average reduction in failure rate
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students have benefited from BARR
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BARR improves standardized test scores in English and Math

BARR has more than 20 years of research demonstrating statistically significant improvements in 21 areas of academic performance, alongside well-being improvements for both students and teachers.

A student in the BARR program in a black hoodie focusing and learning.

SCHOOL STORIES

Recognizing and celebrating BARR schools.

Each year, the BARR Center recognizes schools that have completed three years of outstanding implementation of the BARR Model. This year, there are eight standout schools that we’re recognizing.

Lake Elmo Elementary School in Stillwater, Minnesota, has been named a 2025 BARR School of Excellence because of its outstanding commitment to the BARR Model and its successful implementation of the framework.

BARR has also identified the 20242025 BARR Accredited Schools. These seven schools are being recognized for demonstrating expertise, dedication, and commitment to the implementation of the BARR Model:

  • Bruce Whittier Middle School (Poland, ME)
  • Mountain Valley High School (Rumford, ME)
  • Mt. Blue High School (Farmington, ME)
  • Noble Middle School (Berwick, ME)
  • Sacopee High School (Hiram, ME)
  • Sacopee Middle School (Hiram, ME)
  • San Jacinto High School (San Jacinto, CA)

Join us at the BARR National Conference!

We invite you to experience firsthand what’s possible when we take a different approach to the way schools work. Join passionate BARR advocates, educators, and leaders who are shaping the future of education. 

About BARR Center

Educator-created. Educator-led. Passion-fueled.

Our expert staff are dedicated to the success of BARR schools nationwide, including onsite coaching visits and reports, weekly calls, and supporting educators and staff throughout their three-year implementation.

Teachers and faculty in the BARR program sitting around a table laughing and talking

*In BARR’s i3 Scale-Up study, BARR significantly reduced chronic absenteeism. The rate of chronic absenteeism among ninth graders in the treatment group was 19 percent, compared to 22 percent in “business as usual” schools.