Supporting Charter School Leaders at Every Stage
Every charter school has a beginning. It starts with a belief that every student deserves access to a high-quality public school, especially those who have had fewer opportunities to access the learning environment that best meets their needs. Other times, it begins with a school leader asking an important question: How can we do this even better? While those journeys may look different, they share a common thread. Building a high-quality charter school, and sustaining one over time, requires more than a great idea. It takes thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and access to the right support at the right time.
That idea surfaced again and again during Great Schools NC's recent Launching a High-Quality Charter School in North Carolina webinar. Throughout the conversation, speakers shared practical insights into designing a school model, engaging families and community partners, navigating the charter application process, and preparing for the realities of school leadership. Beyond the logistics, however, one message stood out: successful schools are built by leaders who are willing to learn, ask questions, and grow alongside others who are committed to the same mission.
If you weren't able to join us live, or if you'd like to revisit the conversation, you can watch the full webinar below.
The webinar may have ended, but the conversation certainly hasn't. In many ways, it serves as a starting point, a chance to spark ideas, answer questions, and help leaders think more intentionally about what's next. For some participants, that next step is taking a vision for a new charter school and turning it into a strong application. For others, it's finding new strategies to strengthen an existing school and improve outcomes for students. Wherever leaders find themselves, having access to ongoing support can make all the difference.
That's why Great Schools NC offers two distinct opportunities designed to support charter school leaders at different stages of their work. The Founder's Fellowship is intended for leaders who have an idea for opening a charter school but have not yet submitted an application to the North Carolina Charter Schools Review Board. Through technical assistance, coaching, and guidance on everything from school model design and financial planning to community engagement and the approval process, the Fellowship helps aspiring founders build a competitive application with confidence.
Selected participants may receive up to $50,000 in indirect funding and technical assistance, with opportunities for additional support following charter approval. The next application cycle opens in August.
For leaders whose schools are already serving students, the School Quality Cohort offers a different kind of opportunity. Over the course of 18 months, school leaders work alongside peers while receiving individualized coaching, strategic partnerships, and implementation support focused on their school's unique goals. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the cohort helps leaders identify the levers of change that will have the greatest impact on student outcomes and provides the resources to put those plans into action. Schools selected for the cohort will receive $150,000 in resources and support, with applications opening this August.
To learn more about the cohort, register for the August 11 information session.
While these opportunities are designed for leaders at different stages of leadership, they are connected by the same belief: investing in school leaders is one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes for students. Whether you're preparing to launch a new school or looking to strengthen one that's already making a difference, leadership is never a finished product. The strongest leaders continue learning, refining their vision, and seeking opportunities to grow, and that's exactly what these programs are designed to support.
As we look ahead to August, we encourage you to watch the webinar, reflect on where you are in your own leadership journey, and explore which opportunity is the right fit for you. We look forward to supporting the leaders who are helping shape the future of high-quality public charter schools across North Carolina.