Washington, D.C. – On Monday, May 10, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (National Alliance) kicks off National Charter Schools Week (NSCW) recognizing more than 200,000 teachers, 3.3 million students, and 7,500 public charter schools across the nation. This year’s celebration marks the 30th anniversary of the first charter school law, which changed the future of public education and student success forever. In honor of the movement’s history and future, this year’s theme is National Charter Schools Week 2021: 30 Years Strong.
To mark the occasion, the National Alliance is honoring 30 outstanding young leaders who are connected to these innovative public schools in some way. These Changemakers are using their ideas, talents, and platforms to make the world better. The 30 Under 30 Changemakers Awards shine a spotlight on individuals from across the country who are making a meaningful impact in their community via the Arts, Writing, and Sports; Education and Politics; Leadership; Science; and Social Justice. Follow @charteralliance on social media and visit 30 Under 30 Changemakers on May 10 to learn about the 2021 Changemakers.
“I am pleased to kick off National Charter Schools Week 2021: 30 Years Strong. As I reflect on 30 years of work to close the opportunity gap and deliver an excellent education to every student, I think about the millions of students and thousands of teachers and schools that make up our dynamic community. It’s important to look back at how far we’ve come in three decades, but even more important to look ahead. American families want more high-quality public education options. Student-centered charter schools are the future of education and I look forward to seeing our movement grow and to support many more families in the next 30 years,” said Nina Rees, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
Student-centered, tuition-free, and always public, charter schools have changed the American public education landscape for the better. NCSW is a time for everyone to highlight and celebrate the schools, students, education leaders, and advocates that have demonstrated the strength and promise of the charter school movement over the last 30 years.
Monday, May 10: Join Us in National Charter Schools Week Celebrations
Celebrate charter schools’ impact in their communities with us online! Check out the announcement of our 30 under 30 Changemakers and join the conversation on social media using the hashtags #CharterSchoolsWeek and #CharterLove to share your memories of the first 30 years of the Charter School movement. Charter schools are encouraged to use the NCSW 2021 toolkit with turnkey tools that make it easy for charter schools, charter management organizations, and partners to recognize and amplify the great work of charter schools and its next generation of leaders.
Tuesday, May 11: Recognize and Reflect: 30 Years of Charter Schools
Follow us on social media as we reflect on the milestones of the last 30 years of charter schools since the first law was passed in Minnesota.
Wednesday, May 12: 30 Under 30 Virtual Event
Join the National Alliance in celebrating our 30 Under 30 Virtual Awards Ceremony. The event will feature interviews with several of our awardees. You can tune-in at 4:00 p.m. Eastern here.
Thursday, May 13: Students Reach Out to the Congressional Representatives
Students from across the country will reach out to their congressional representatives (via their teachers) to share what they love about their charter school and why it’s important to continue to support the growth and expansion of more charter schools through programs like the Charter Schools Program.
Friday, May 14: #CharterLove Spirit Day
NCSW will conclude with our #CharterLove spirit day to wrap up the week. Be sure to tag @charteralliance on social media with photos and videos of students, teachers, and charter school advocates showing love for these innovative public schools.
