Successfully innovative education got a big boost this fall through the Yass Prizes, a private grant-making effort whose final winners were announced on Dec. 14 in New York. The example of the winning school, and indeed of all 64 quarterfinalists, should inform educators everywhere.

The Yass Prize for Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless (STOP) education is a partnership between philanthropists Janine and Jeff Yass, the Center for Education Reform, and Forbes. This year it provided grants to 64 schools or educational programs, out of more than 2,700 nationwide who competed. Thirty-two quarterfinalists earned $100,000, another 23 semi-finalists earned $200,000, eight finalists earned $500,000, and the grand prize winner, announced this week, will receive a stunning $1 million award.