List of School Districts Using Restorative Practices

Last Update: August 23, 2026

IN THE REPORT

Number of total states: 50 + District in Columbia

Number of total districts: 1,620

Number of total schools: 33,504

Number of total students: 19,375,127

SUMMARY

With the massive increase in school districts using Restorative Justice/Restorative Practices coupled with the unprecedented behavioral chaos being seen in schools, we have begun to track the school districts that use “Restorative Justice” or “Restorative Practices” as an official part of their discipline policy and/or code of conduct.

What is Restorative Justice (or Restorative Practices)?

Restorative justice is a philosophy for student discipline where reconciliation between the offender and the victim is the ultimate goal. This goal is theoretically achieved by conversations between the offender, the victim and others involved in the incident.  While restorative justice practices can be effective when dealing with minor incidents, it is largely ineffective when dealing with more disruptive and violent behavior. In many school districts, restorative justice has REPLACED exclusionary discipline in schools so the response to a violent action in class is not a suspension or expulsion, but to clear the classroom and have a restorative conference.  

“Restorative justice is an approach to justice where one of the responses to a misdeed, broken rule or actual crime is to organize a meeting between the victim and the offender, sometimes with representatives of the wider community. In restorative justice, reconciliation, not punishment, is the goal. The “Western” view of crime and punishment is thought to be a byproduct of colonialism.” — from our “Understanding Ethnic Studies Jargon” page.

Here is an example of how a Restorative Justice policy might look in your school district.

Below is a list of school districts by state that incorporate Restorative Practices (also called Restorative Justice) as part of district discipline. All districts included have listed these practices in writing in policy, a strategic plan, an equity plan, or their student code of conduct.

This list is not comprehensive; if you are aware of a district utilizing restorative practices that is not on the list, please notify Defending Education here and we will take a look.

DISTRICTS

Additional information on Restorative Practices:

Discipline in Schools: What Parents Need to Know

Understanding School Discipline Jargon

Restorative Justice Frequently Asked Questions

Groups Pushing Restorative Justice in Schools