Charter Schools: What You Need to Know

Our Dear New Leaders Series continues with a conversation featuring our President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, Starlee Coleman. In this episode, Starlee shares the pivotal moments that inspired her 25-year advocacy journey and why public education is essential for a thriving democracy. Hear her personal story as a parent, her vision for educational equity, and what’s ahead for charter schools in 2025 and the opportunities under a new administration.

Featured Guest

• Starlee Coleman, President and CEO, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

Key Takeaways

• Charter schools are free, public, and open to all.
• Public education is foundational to a strong economy.
• Access to a high-quality public education should not depend on a student’s zip code or their family’s financial status.
• Charter schools help equalize opportunities by providing high-quality, public, and tuition-free education to all students.
• Policymakers can help increase the impact of the Charter Schools Program for students and families by increasing the flexibility of the program to ensure funding can be fully utilized.

Quotes

• Starlee Coleman, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
  • "Every child deserves an environment where they can thrive, not just survive."
  • "The strength of our economy is built on the foundation of a well-educated workforce."

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction
01:53 - The Role of Education in Democracy, Economy, Health, and Equity
05:20 - How Charter Schools Meet the Needs of Diverse Students
08:45 - Enhancing Charter Schools with a Supportive Administration
09:44 - Challenges of Grant Programs and the Need for Flexibility
10:15 - Outro