Simulation-Based Experiential Learning

Practice Critical Decision-Making in a Safe Environment

SchoolSims provides simulation-based experiential learning for K-12 professional development and higher education curriculums. Engage with our choose-your-own-adventure simulations featuring 6-8 decision points that bridge theory and practice. Experience the impact of your choices and connect learning with real-world applications.

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Who We Help
What We Do
When to Use
How It Works
Who We Help

At SchoolSims, we empower current and aspiring school leaders in K-12 districts, educators in school districts, independent and boarding schools, and higher education institutions with programs for teacher and counselor candidates and aspiring school leaders. We also support organizations dedicated to educational improvement. We bridge the gap between theory and practice through simulation-based experiential learning, providing professional development that enhances skills, fosters classroom success, and builds leadership confidence.

What We Do

At SchoolSims, we offer interactive educational simulations that cover essential topics such as equity and navigating difficult conversations. These immersive experiences help educators develop critical thinking and decision-making skills in real-world scenarios. Accessible online, our simulations support both in-person and remote learning, empowering educators to create engaging, practical experiences that prepare them for the challenges they face in their classrooms and schools.

When to Use

Simulations are essential throughout the academic year, seamlessly integrating into professional development meetings and intensive summer skill-building sessions for educators. They also serve as valuable supplemental activities in higher education. In K-12 schools, districts, and support agencies, our simulations enhance faculty training and support professional development. Colleges and universities use them to deepen understanding, provide experiential learning opportunities, and foster collaboration among educators.

How It Works

SchoolSims provides educators with a platform that integrates interactive and immersive learning experiences with real-world applications, customization, and data-driven insights. Our simulations foster engagement, critical thinking, and the practical application of knowledge. By leveraging contributions from educators worldwide, we ensure authenticity in our simulations, helping educators apply their expertise in realistic scenarios. This approach promotes a deeper understanding and higher-order thinking skills, ultimately enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities while improving overall learning outcomes.

Featured Video
Explore How Simulations and Self-Reflection Drive Educator and School Leader Development
Watch this on-demand webinar featuring Dr. David De Jong & Dr. Sara Dexter to explore the power of experiential learning in professional development.
Welcome to SchoolSims
Preview a Live Demo
The video on the right showcases a guided simulation demonstration led by Ken Spero, the President and Co-Founder of SchoolSims.
Client Success Stories & Testimonials
Latest Blog Releases
Leading Through Uncertainty: Lessons for K–12 Leadership from Harvard Business Review

For more than 35 years, I’ve had countless conversations with leaders—both inside and outside of education—about the challenges that keep them up at night. Over the last decade, in my work with SchoolSims where I have been focused on the challenges in Education, I’ve come to believe that leading a school or district is among the most demanding leadership roles anywhere.

Using Simulations to Foster Staff Retention in Schools

People rarely leave because they’ve lost faith in kids or the mission. They leave when they feel stagnant, unseen, or under-supported. Retention isn’t about keeping people in seats; it’s about giving them room to grow. When professional learning becomes meaningful—inviting reflection, building confidence, and honoring experience—educators rediscover purpose and begin to see their district as a partner in their growth, not merely their employer.

From Classroom to Career: Using Simulations to Prepare Students for the Realities of the Workforce

Simulations provide the missing link between education and employment. They create immersive environments where learners can explore the complexities of professional behavior and decision-making without risk. Scenarios mirror real workplace challenges—miscommunication, interpersonal tension, ethical gray areas, or the pressure of competing priorities.