The founder of Khan Academy built the ultimate school for kids to work and play together — take a look inside

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Sal Khan is probably best known for launching Khan Academy, the free online learning platform that covers everything from art to history to computer programming.

But Khan is also leading the charge on another learning revolution: flexible learning spaces.

Originally founded as an all-ages school in 2014 in Mountain View, California, Khan debuted for the 2017-2018 school year the brand new Khan Lab School for high school students. Designed and built by the architecture firm Kurani, the school blends traditional classroom learning with student-led projects.

The approach takes a hard left turn from regular schooling, and it could pave the way for schools of the future. Here's what it's like.

Kurani's founder, Danish Kurani, told Business Insider that Khan Lab School is meant to combine experimentation and education in a joint school and laboratory.

"We've added many specialty spaces so faculty can test different courses and experiences," Kurani said. These spaces include large interior windows that let everyone to see the experiments taking place, in addition to breakout rooms, commons, and a cafe to give people fixed meeting spaces.

"And just like a lab where scientists are expected to share the results of their testing," Kurani added, "the school is equipped with displays for student and faculty work."

In the library, for instance, students can duck into nooks for some privacy while they read.

Part of the flexible learning approach means giving kids the chance to be by themselves. Collaboration is important, but if they're surrounded by their peers many students could eventually feel overwhelmed.

"Even with limited space," Kurani said, "there's plenty of distinct micro-environments that offer students a mix of tools and settings to work in."

Students can also convene in spaces meant to encourage socialization and brainstorming. A growing body of research finds this kind of dynamism improves kids' performance.

Recently, a study of 36,000 students found "personalized learning" boosted standardized test scores in math and reading compared to traditional education. Personalized learning involves teachers taking on more of a coaching role, while students guide their instruction, typically with the aid of technology.

Khan Lab School embraces personalized learning in both its design and philosophy. Students are grouped not by age, but by skill level in various domains.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider