Meghan K. Freeman Announces Next Chapter: From Founding Elite Academic Academy to Launching Illuminate XR’s Global Learning Mission
United States — November 14, 2025
Education innovator Meghan K. Freeman turns the success of Elite Academic Academy into a pioneering AI-powered immersive learning venture, marking a new era in human-centered education.
Meghan K. Freeman, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Illuminate XR and former CEO of Elite Academic Academy, announced today that she is entering a new chapter in her work to transform education. After years of leading one of California’s most innovative public schools, she is now expanding her efforts nationally through immersive learning, AI-powered student support, and human-centered design.
Freeman began her career in a single classroom with a belief that learning should be centered on the human experience. Years later, that belief grew into Elite Academic Academy, an award winning public school without walls that redefined personalized learning. The school was created from her own living room and built through long nights, courageous ideas, and a commitment to give students and teachers the freedom to grow.
Elite Academic Academy became a nationally recognized model for flexible learning. Its success and the results of the Elite X White Paper revealed something that would shape the next phase of Freeman’s work. The research documented the power of human skills such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. The outcome of that research became the spark for something larger. It showed that when these skills move from the margins to the center of learning, students thrive.
In early 2025, the education story that began in Freeman’s living room drew national attention when production began on her upcoming feature for All Access with Andy Garcia. The show’s senior producer recognized that the story was not only about a school. It was about a movement that placed humanity, purpose, and courage at the center of learning. Filming began on graduation day and continued throughout the year. The feature will premiere this December on public television.
Freeman has since launched Illuminate XR, a global education company that brings immersive learning and artificial intelligence into classrooms, districts, and organizations. Illuminate XR uses a human centered framework that blends neuroscience, instructional design, and immersive technology. The goal is simple. Prepare young people for a world that is changing faster than traditional systems can respond.
“Elite taught us what works when humanity leads the way. Students need connection, curiosity, courage, and opportunities that match the world they will enter. I created Illuminate XR because learning must evolve. We have the tools and we have the research. Now we can bring those experiences to thousands of students,” Freeman shared.
Illuminate XR provides immersive learning experiences, virtual reality environments, and AI guided support for teachers and students. Each experience is aligned to the skills that matter most for the future. These include the ability to communicate, think critically, manage emotions, collaborate effectively, and synthesize ideas with clarity and independence. The company works with districts, universities, and global partners to redefine what modern learning can look like.
Freeman views this chapter as a continuation of her life’s work. “From building a school from scratch to creating a platform that reaches learners around the world, the mission remains the same. Make learning human. Make it meaningful. Make it courageous.”
Educators, partners, and district leaders can review the Elite X White Paper and learn more about Illuminate XR’s work at meghankfreeman.com.
About Meghan K. Freeman
Meghan Freeman is an award winning educator, founder, and national speaker. She created Elite Academic Academy, co authored the Elite X White Paper, and is the Co Founder and Chief Academic Officer of Illuminate XR. Her work focuses on human centered innovation, immersive learning, and the future of education.
