The Big Picture Learning Company was one of five finalists for the Yass Prize, awarded through the Center for Education Reform in partnership with Forbes.

The Yass Prize goes to education providers who exemplify sustainable, transformational, outstanding, and permissionless (STOP) education.

Big Picture, with more than 111 public and charter schools that include the Big Picture Learning Academy in Fresno, received a $500,000 prize.

Big Picture Learning Academy is a K-8 school at 2811 Mariposa St. and a high school and adult school at 1207 S. Trinity.

According to state data, the school, which is chartered through the Fresno County Office of Education, had an enrollment of 550 in the 2023-24 school year. On state assessment testing in the 2022-23 school year, 18% met or exceeded standards in English and 7% met or exceeded standards in math.

The school’s educational program focuses on student-centered learning, and students are partnered with advisers.