In case you missed them, here’s a recap of the National Alliance’s top five blogs of 2024! This year featured bold advocacy, the celebration of diverse voices, and initiatives that empower the next generation of leaders. These stories underscore the resilience, creativity, and commitment driving the charter school community forward and helping students from every background thrive.
NCSC24 Recap: The Power of Education and Advocacy by National Alliance Manager of Marketing, Daniel Tellez
The 2024 National Charter Schools Conference in Boston brought together over 4,300 charter school leaders, educators, and advocates for four days of inspiration, learning, and community. Highlights included powerful keynote speeches from leaders like Congressman Stephen Lynch, National Alliance President and CEO Starlee Coleman, and neuroscientist Dr. Vivienne Ming. Breakout sessions tackled critical issues such as advocacy, legal opportunities, and increasing parent demand for charter schools. And, charter school champions, including former National Alliance President and CEO Nina Rees and Spencer Russell were celebrated for their outstanding contributions.
Charter Schools Lead the Way in Restorative Practices by National Alliance Senior Manager of Data and Research, Cynthia Xu
Public charter schools are leading the way in adopting restorative practices, leveraging their flexibility to create inclusive and supportive environments tailored to their communities. With 72% of charter schools involving students in restorative practices—14 percentage points higher than district schools—these institutions prioritize innovative strategies that promote equity, build relationships, and address students’ social-emotional needs. Smaller learning communities, strong local engagement, and a commitment to equity enable charter schools to integrate restorative practices into holistic education approaches. Charter schools empower students to succeed by fostering meaningful dialogue and reconciliation. They strengthen communities and set a model for creating nurturing, just, and compassionate school climates.
Riding the Green Wave: Charter Schools Across the U.S. Benefit from Federal Facilities Funding by Bloomwise Partners Founder, Katie Piehl
Charter schools are riding a growing “green wave” of federal funding by leveraging unprecedented opportunities to improve facilities and promote sustainability. Programs like the Department of Energy’s Renew America’s Schools grant enable organizations such as Charter Schools Development Corporation (CSDC) and Raza Development Fund (RDF) to secure nearly $25 million for energy-efficient upgrades in under-resourced communities. Initiatives like CSDC’s Charters RISE and RDF’s Green Equity Fund are transforming charter schools with cleaner energy systems, healthier indoor environments, and reduced operational costs, paving the way for reinvestment in education. As additional funding streams become available, including the Inflation Reduction Act and state-level programs, charter schools are finding green initiatives increasingly accessible. These efforts create sustainable learning environments and open pathways to climate education and green career opportunities, ensuring long-term benefits for schools and their communities.
Why You Should Apply to the Rising Leaders Initiative by 2023-24 Rising Leader, Maya Maliakal
The Rising Leaders Initiative, a year-long advocacy training program for charter high school students, inspires the next generation of leaders to shape education policies and advocate for equitable access to high-quality education. Maya Maliakal, a junior at Harmony Science Academy Carrollton and a member of the program’s second cohort, exemplifies the impact of this initiative. A lifelong charter school student who is passionate about leadership, Maya gained invaluable skills in communication and advocacy, learned to navigate diverse viewpoints, and effectively use her voice to support causes like education equity. Through the program, she collaborated with fellow Rising Leaders to create an advocacy guide to empower students, parents, and community members to advocate for charter schools and other vital issues. Her story highlights the transformative power of the Rising Leaders Initiative and its role in shaping future advocates.
Embracing Truth, Pursuing Change: Beyond the Confines of Black History Month by 2023-24 Rising Leader, Nathan Duguid
Nathan Duguid, a member of the Rising Leaders Initiative, believes Black History Month should be a starting point for year-round engagement with Black history as a vital part of American history. He advocates for integrating comprehensive Black history into education to foster a deeper understanding of our shared past. For Nathan, the lessons of Black History Month should guide continuous action and a commitment to equity every day of the year. By actively engaging with these issues, Black history becomes an intrinsic part of our collective consciousness, shaping a more inclusive future.
With so many inspiring stories waiting to unfold, 2025 will be another exciting year for charter schools!
Bree Butler is the media communications coordinator at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
