Pendergast Launches District-Wide Research-Backed VR-Enabled Learning Experiences to Students

Pendergast School District partners with Dreamscape Learn to expand VR-enabled learning experiences proven to increase student engagement

Pendergast Elementary School District has become the first K–8 district in Arizona to launch a district-wide virtual reality (VR) learning program, thanks to a pioneering partnership with Dreamscape Learn. The initiative represents a major milestone in immersive, standards-aligned education, bringing cinematic storytelling and real-world science directly into classrooms across all twelve Pendergast schools.

 “Innovation is one of the core values of the Pendergast District. The implementation of Dreamscape Learn at Villa de Paz Elementary is a perfect example of how we are pushing the boundaries of education to create truly engaging and meaningful learning experiences,” said Dr. Jennifer Cruz, Superintendent of Pendergast Elementary School District. “We are proud to partner with Dreamscape Learn and ASU to provide our students with opportunities that will ignite their curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning.”

Launched in 2020 in partnership with Arizona State University, Dreamscape Learn combines cinematic storytelling, cutting-edge virtual reality, and research-backed pedagogy to create immersive experiences that place students at the center of an unfolding narrative, where they apply classroom concepts to solve real-time challenges. ASU was the first to implement Dreamscape through the co-developed Biology in the Alien Zoo experience, and a multi-year study showed extraordinary gains in student engagement and performance. Today, Dreamscape Learn is being adopted by educational institutions across the country.

Recognizing that today’s students learn differently and seek more engaging, standards-aligned tools, the district set out to ignite students' passion for learning through innovative approaches. After touring the Dreamscape Learn lab at ASU, Dr. Cruz and the district’s leadership are doubling down on that commitment, with plans to expand VR learning across additional grades and subject areas, cementing it as a core component of its instructional model. As the program scales, Pendergast stands as a model for how public education can lead innovation, not follow it.

“The integration of Dreamscape Learn into our schools marks a transformative moment in how we approach education. Virtual reality allows us to bridge the gap between theory and experience, making abstract concepts tangible and engaging for our students,” said, Don Neville, e-learning specialist at Pendergast Elementary School District. “It's incredible to see their enthusiasm and curiosity come alive as they explore new worlds and ideas. This is the future of learning, and I’m proud to be part of a district that embraces such innovative approaches to education.”

 Pendergast has been seeking tools that engage today’s learners—tools that spark curiosity and improve attendance, comprehension, and long-term outcomes. In November 2024, Pendergast conducted a pilot at Villa de Paz Elementary, integrating Dreamscape’s “Alien Zoo” curriculum into the 8th-grade science program. The impact was immediate: teachers reported increased attendance, deeper student engagement, and marked improvement in students’ ability to articulate complex scientific concepts like biodiversity, genetics, and adaptation.

“This partnership is proving what is possible when innovation meets intention. Dr. Cruz’s and the entire Pendergast team’s commitment to leveraging immersive technology to reengage students and fight chronic absenteeism is visionary—and deeply aligned with our mission.”, said Josh Reibel, CEO of Dreamscape Learn. “When students feel the material, when they experience the subject matter firsthand - that’s when learning changes students’ lives.”

For more information about the Pendergast District Virtual Reality Program or to schedule a visit, please contact:

Ramiro Alvarez 
Public Information Officer 
ralvarez@pesd92.org
623-772-2292