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Project Zero Classroom 2026

LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
COST: $3,999
Dates: to
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The weeklong Project Zero Classroom (PZC) institute features research-based tools, frameworks, and approaches to instruction and assessment that deepen learning and understanding for all students. As a participant, you will explore ways to enhance student engagement, encourage learners to think critically and creatively, and make learning and thinking visible. Through a combination of presentations, interactive workshops, and small learning groups, you will have the opportunity to explore ideas and practices with PZ researchers, educators experienced in applying PZ ideas in their contexts, and fellow participants from around the world.

 

Overview

How can the classroom become a place where today’s learners become the citizens and leaders of tomorrow? For more than 55 years, Project Zero has pioneered research that examines key facets of human potential such as intelligence and creativity, asking how educators and schools can design learning experiences that are engaging and exciting for all learners.

From June 22 - 26, 2026, Project Zero will host the Project Zero Classroom (PZC) institute in-person in Cambridge, MA on the campus of the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). (We are sorry that we cannot provide a hybrid online participation option.) In the company of PZ researchers and experienced educators from around the world, participants open up the questions at the heart of teaching and learning: What kinds of learning experiences and assessment practices will best prepare students for the demands of an unpredictable, ever-shifting future? How does understanding develop? How do educators nurture critical and creative thinking? How do educators ensure that all students are learning?

 

Program Details

During this five-day, in-person institute, you will take part in a variety of learning activities that invite you to explore and practice Project Zero principles and strategies for teaching and learning. Whether you are a teacher or in the role of supporting and leading teachers and teaching, you will reflect on your current teaching, instructional leadership, and assessment practices and develop new approaches to learning, planning, and instructional strategies that respond to the diverse ways in which your students engage and learn.

The program explores fundamental educational questions including:

  • What does it mean to understand? How does understanding develop?
  • What are the roles of reflection and assessment in learning?
  • How can we nurture critical thinking and creativity?
  • How can we design learning experiences for and with diverse learners and contexts?

 

Who Should Attend

  • Early childhood, elementary, middle, and secondary school educators
  • School administrators and teacher educators
  • Those in other educator roles, including (but not limited to) artists, teaching artists, museum educators, after-school educators, nonprofit staff members

Participants may apply as individuals or as groups. Due to limited building capacity and anticipated high demand, schools/organizations may not initially register groups of more than 10 participants. PZ encourages schools and organizations of all means to register, and attendance preference will be given to educators working in schools/organizations that have regular, direct access to students.

 

Schedule

The PZC program begins on Monday, June 22 and ends Friday, June 26, 2026. All five days, the program will begin at 8:30 am with continental breakfast available at 8:00 am. Tuesday through Thursday, the program will end at 5:00 pm. On Friday, the program will end at 1:00 pm.

By late April/early May, paid registrants will receive a survey to help PZ learn more about all individuals attending the PZC in terms of their goals, experience, and hopes for the PZC. In addition, paid registrants will receive access to the PZC website to select their plenaries (large group sessions) and mini courses (smaller, interactive workshops) to attend throughout the week. (See more on plenaries and mini courses in the below “Schedule” section.) Faculty, plenaries, and mini courses will not be posted to the public; paid participants can access this information in the selection survey.

Monday, June 22

  • 8:30 - 10:15 am welcome and opening plenary
  • 10:15 - 10:45 am break
  • 10:45 am - 12:45 pm study group (lunch provided at 12:00)
  • 12:45 - 1:00 pm brief break
  • 1:00 - 3:30 pm mini course
  • 3:30 - 3:45 pm brief break
  • 3:45 - 5:45 pm study group

Tuesday - Thursday, June 23 - 25

  • 8:30 - 10:00 am plenary session
  • 10:00 - 10:30 am break
  • 10:30 am - 1:00 pm mini course
  • 1:00 - 2:30 pm lunch (on your own)
  • 2:30 - 5:00 pm study group

Friday, June 26

  • 8:30 - 11:00 am study group
  • 11:00 - 11:30 am break
  • 11:30 am - 1:00 pm closing plenary

 

Registration

Registration is now open for the PZC. The PZC registration and payment deadline is within 4 weeks of registering or by February 11, 2026, whichever comes first. However, the institute may fill before the registration deadline. Registration is rolling; on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants may apply as individuals or as groups.

To register for the PZC, complete the following steps:

  1. Part 1: Complete the registration form. Within 2 business days after your registration form is submitted, we will send you an email from pzlearn@gse.harvard.edu with links to access the PZC payment site and scholarship application (if applicable). Registration forms are reviewed in the order they are received. Note: Project Zero will be closed November 26-28, and between December 23 and January 1. If you have submitted a registration form during these dates, please anticipate a delay in our response due to the closures.
    • Applying for a scholarship? Complete the above referenced registration form as a first step to access the scholarship application. If you are applying for a scholarship, complete the registration form first, indicating that you intend to apply for a scholarship. Learn more about eligibility criteria on the PZC scholarships page before indicating that you plan to apply for a scholarship. Within 2 business days of completing the registration form, we will send you an email with the link to the scholarship application.
  2. Part 2: Payment. Please complete the payment form within 5 days of receiving the link. Payment does not need to be made at the time of registration but must be completed within 4 weeks of registering or by Wednesday, February 11, 2026, whichever comes first.

Due to limited building capacity and anticipated high demand, organizations may not initially register more than 10 participants. Groups wishing to send more than 10 participants should also write to us at pzlearn@gse.harvard.edu.

Payment note: The registration process fully supports and accommodates those schools and organizations that go through an internal payment request process (e.g., purchase orders) to complete the application and select the payment option for that process. More information on the payment process is listed below.

Tuition

The tuition for the five-day 2026 PZC program is $3,999 per participant, the same as it was for 2025 PZC. Tuition includes the five days of programming, all instructional materials required for participation in the program, breakfast all five days, and lunch on the opening day. Also included are morning and afternoon snacks throughout the program. Travel, accommodations, and incidentals, as well as lunch (Tuesday - Friday) and dinner during the program are not included in the tuition.

We do not reserve participant hotel room blocks or have discount partnerships through the PZC, but the area offers many accommodations within walking distance or located on a nearby bus or subway route. We would recommend using travel and vacation rental websites to find nearby accommodations. Once on these travel sites, use the Harvard Graduate School of Education address where the PZC will take place: 13 Appian Way, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Scholarship

Click here to learn about the PZC scholarship program.

Payment & Policies: Please Read Before Registering

Payment

Project Zero accepts payment by credit card, check, and bank wire transfer. In your PZC registration confirmation email, you will receive specific payment instructions as part of the confirmation process. Payment is not required at the time of your registration but is due by February 11, 2026 or within 4 weeks of registering - whichever comes first. Once you register, please select “Check, Wire, Purchase Order, or Other.” For those who register after January 14, payment or documentation of payment is due by February 11, 2026 (the registration deadline). ​​​If payment is not received, your registration will be canceled.

If you are not able to make your payment within 30 days of registering, contact Project Zero staff to request an extension at pzlearn@gse.harvard.edu. You must provide documentation that your payment is in process (e.g. for purchase orders or other internal payment request processes). Please note that failure to pay by the payment deadline or by your approved extension will result in your withdrawal from the program. For those who receive an extension from Project Zero on their payment, all payments must be finalized by February 11.

Participation

The PZC program is highly interactive. Therefore, fluency in English is essential and required.

Participants are encouraged to attend in teams so they can reflect together during the program and, having had a common set of experiences, continue their learning after the program. Individual participants are also welcome.

Cancellations / Refunds

To cancel your participation and request a refund, please email pzlearn@gse.harvard.edu no later than April 1, 2026. We cannot issue refunds after this date. A 5% credit card processing fee will be subtracted from the original amount paid.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education reserves the right to change faculty or cancel programs at its discretion and is not responsible for any planning expenses incurred.

Substitutions

Substitutions for registered participants, including those registered as part of a group, will be made only on a limited basis, and for significant, qualifying events (e.g. death in the family, serious illness, etc.). In the case of a significant, qualifying event, please email pzlearn@gse.harvard.edu to request substitutions. We will not be able to make substitutions after May 29, 2026.

Completion Certificates

If you participate in the PZC and meet the completion requirements, you will receive a Certificate of Completion documenting 30 hours of professional learning. Certificates will be presented in person on the last day of the institute.

Questions?

If you have questions about the PZC, please email pzlearn@gse.harvard.edu.

Event Links

Register Here