The K–12 Initiative begins in Stanford's School of Education, one of the nation's top-ranked graduate schools of education. Here, distinguished scholars study teaching and learning and the political, social, and economic context of education. They also conduct rigorous research on uses of technology in the classroom, K–12 curriculum, teacher professional development, school reform, and other issues. The school's graduates become some of the nation's most dedicated teachers and outstanding leaders in education.

At the heart of the school's work is a fundamental belief that there are no simple fixes. Improving education in this country will require effective and synchronized policies and practices at every level, from classrooms and schools to districts and cities, as well as the state and federal policy environment. Much of the School of Education's work has been designed to address key issues at each of these levels. Faculty prepare teachers, work with schools and districts on reform, connect schools with community organizations that support youth, and provide policy makers with concrete data, analysis, and recommendations. Sustained partnerships with schools (including Stanford's own charter school), communities, and policy makers ensure this work is grounded in reality.