Investing in School Quality: Inside GSNC’s School Quality Cohort
Leading a high-quality public school has never been simple, and today it’s more complex than ever. School leaders are navigating rising accountability pressures, talent sustainability, community expectations, and long-term organizational health, often simultaneously.
At Great Schools North Carolina (GSNC), we believe that school quality does not happen by chance. It is built through leadership, support, shared learning and sustained through a commitment to continuous improvement. That belief is what led us to launch the School Quality Cohort, an intentional, forward-looking investment in leadership and school sustainability.
Founded in 2023, GSNC exists to remove barriers to success for both new and existing public charter schools across the state. In essence, GSNC supports leaders BEFORE challenges become crises, creating space for reflection, growth, and the ongoing strengthening of schools over time.
Across school districts, conversations about school sustainability often emerge in response to urgent moments, such as leadership transitions, dips in performance, or organizational strain. The School Quality Cohort was designed to help prevent these issues.
Our 18-month cohort supports leaders of established charter schools who are committed to continuous improvement, strengthening the systems, leadership practices, and decision-making structures that sustain school quality over time. Rather than waiting for warning signs, the cohort creates intentional space for reflection, shared learning, and proactive planning, helping schools evolve thoughtfully and grow stronger year after year.
Each participating school receives $150,000 in total resources, along with tailored coaching, access to vetted partners, and participation in a community of practice with peers navigating similar complexity.
Inside the School Quality Cohort
The cohort experience is intentionally structured to balance shared learning and individualized support.
Months 1–6 focus on building a strong community of practice and exploring foundational levers of change.
Months 7–12 provide targeted coaching and partnerships aligned to each school’s unique needs.
Months 13–18 support implementation of action plans and best practices designed to strengthen long-term school health.
Beyond funding, leaders gain something equally critical: clarity, confidence, and connection, and the ability to learn alongside peers, test ideas, and make strategic decisions with support.
Meet the 2026 School Quality Cohort
This year’s School Quality Cohort includes two schools whose leaders are taking a proactive approach to sustaining excellence.
In Wilson, N.C., the Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Science will receive a $150,000 grant to support leadership succession planning, a critical lever for maintaining excellence at one of North Carolina’s most successful public charter schools. Serving more than 1,250 students in grades K–12, Sallie B. Howard has earned national recognition, including a 2021 National Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence in Closing the Achievement Gap and an “A” school performance grade in the 2024–25 school year.
Led by Dr. JoAnne Woodard, who brings more than 50 years of experience in education and community leadership, the school has built a model rooted in arts, science, and global citizenship, with experiential learning opportunities that include fully funded study-abroad programs. This cohort experience will help align leadership and governance systems to ensure the school’s impact continues for generations to come.
In Durham, N.C., Reaching All Minds Academy (RAM Academy) will also receive a $150,000 grant to strengthen academic and instructional leadership systems as the school continues to grow organizationally. Serving 450 students in grades K–8, RAM Academy is led by Thomas McKoy, a veteran educator with more than 15 years of experience in K–12 leadership.
Founded in 2014, RAM Academy is working toward becoming a North Carolina STEM School of Distinction, with a wrap-around model that emphasizes family engagement, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. As the Honduran population in Durham continues to grow, the school is intentionally building systems to better serve and engage its evolving community. Through the cohort, RAM Academy will deepen instructional alignment and strengthen leadership practices that support both teachers and students.
The School Quality Cohort reflects GSNC’s belief that lasting school quality is built with intention. By investing in leadership, strengthening systems, and creating space for shared learning, GSNC is supporting schools as they plan not just for the next school year but for the next generation of students.
This work centers leaders who are deeply committed to serving students furthest from opportunity and equips them with the tools, clarity, and support needed to sustain excellence over time. We strongly believe that when leadership is strong and schools are healthy, students are positioned to thrive.
For more information about GSNC, including our grant programs, please visit www.greatschoolsnc.org.