The Design for Excellence 2020 focuses on technology and 21st-century learning, "All learners will demonstrate the 21st-century learning and technology skills and knowledge that will prepare them for success in school, postsecondary education, work and life in a global society."

Vestavia Hills City Schools uses the instructional approaches of blended learning and project-based learning to engage students and prepare them to succeed in the 21st century. Blended learning combines the best of face-to face instruction with online instruction enabling anytime, anywhere learning. Project-based learning engages student interest in learning through an extended inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products and tasks.