They support schools that help students grow and excel.
The networks in the portfolio serve all grade levels and range in size from one or two schools to as many as 40. They use a variety of traditional and innovative educational approaches, such as those based on Great Books, Montessori methods, and personalized learning, among others.
Data is critical to decision-making.
They use an anonymous screening process to analyze schools’ academic performance relative to their peers. They carefully evaluate every organization’s academic record, leadership capacity, and financial health to ensure that it has a strong foundation on which to build.
They tailor financial support to help charter schools succeed.
The large, multi-year investments include a mix of grants and low-interest loans tied to customized performance goals. They also make a small number of one-year grants to proven education leaders opening their first or second schools. The continued support of a charter school network is based on its progress related to academics, enrollment growth, and financial sustainability.
They want the portfolio members to meet their goals, and they support them in doing so.
One of the greatest benefits of being part of the portfolio is the opportunity to learn from innovative leaders tackling similar challenges. They coordinate meaningful learning opportunities and provide resources so charter school networks can build more effective organizations.