What happens when you take away the traditional rows of desks and the “sit and get” style of lecturing? For many, the mental image is one of chaos. But for Delisa Morales, the new Elementary Academic Dean at Anne Frank Inspire Academy, her first walk through the campus revealed something entirely different: a profound sense of purpose.

In a recent sit-down with Superintendent Justin Johnston, Morales reflected on her journey working for the Texas Public Charter School Association — where she observed dozens of different school models — back to the campus leader’s seat.

“I’ve had the privilege of being on campuses for so many different schools across South Texas,” Morales says. “Little charters, big charters, traditional ISDs. But the district that spoke most to me was Inspire Academies. When I decided to go back into the seat, I knew there was only one place I wanted to do it.”

Seeing “Real” Inquiry in Action

Many schools use buzzwords like “rigor” and “project-based learning,” but Morales noted that those values are often more visible on a brochure than in a classroom. Her perspective shifted when she saw the Inspire model firsthand.

“I was just blown away at the level of rigor and true inquiry in every single space,” she explains. “A lot of schools will say they believe in inquiry and pushing rigorous, open-ended questions. But every single room I went into, you saw that. And every student had their own path. One student might be here working on this while another student is over there working on something else. It was organized, and it felt purposeful.”

This unique approach is a hallmark of the Inspire Academies experience. By moving away from the “one-size-fits-all” lecture, students are empowered to take ownership of their specific learning journey.

The Calm Within the Movement

To an outsider, a room full of students working on different projects might look like a lot to manage. But Morales noticed a surprising atmosphere during her tour.

“What also impressed me was the level of respect that the students showed for each other, for the spaces, and for the grownups in the building,” Morales shares. “I felt calm, I felt the love. I felt like I knew a school like this could exist, and I was finally observing it.”

Superintendent Johnston acknowledges that the word “calm” isn’t always the first one people choose when they see the movement and energy of an Inspire Academy.

“A lot of people use the word’ chaos,’ “ Johnston notes. “We say we’re not afraid of the chaos, but inside of that chaos comes a calmness of knowing what to expect, how do I show up, and how do I develop an understanding of self””

Creating a Place to Belong

As the 2026-27 school year approaches, the focus for both Johnston and Morales remains on the student experience. The physical environment — the buildings and the flexible spaces — serves as the backdrop for a much deeper goal.

“I’m so excited to see the kids learning and talking and having fun,” Morales says. “I think the school year is going to be really, really great.”

For Johnston, the addition of leaders like Morales is part of a larger mission to redefine what school looks like for families. “We’re excited to be a place where we can create a place where your kid can belong, find joy, and be great.”

Interested in seeing our inquiry-based model for yourself? Visit AnneFrankIA.com to learn more about our learning philosophy and schedule a tour.

Philip Castillo is executive director of communications for BRAINATION.