Great Schools North Carolina Opens Application Window for School Quality Grant
CHARLOTTE, NC – August 26, 2025 – Great Schools North Carolina (GSNC) announced that the application window for its 2025 School Quality Grant opens August 26 through September 9, 2025. The program invites charter school leaders across the state to apply for $150,000 in funding, dedicated coaching, and collaborative partnerships aimed at boosting student outcomes.
A 2024 analysis of more than 22,000 principals in the U.S. found that strong school leadership can add nearly three additional months of learning in math and reading for students each year. By investing in leadership capacity, GSNC seeks to accelerate progress for schools and communities across North Carolina.
“Strong leadership is the single most important driver of a school’s success, and we see every day how the right support can transform outcomes for students,” said Madeline Hannigan, Executive Director of GSNC. “This grant isn’t just about funding, it’s about giving school leaders the tools, partnerships, and confidence to turn good schools into great ones, especially for students who have historically been left behind.”
The School Quality Grant supports an 18-month School Quality Cohort designed for existing charter schools ready to take bold, strategic steps toward excellence. Participants will begin by building a strong community of practice, engaging in shared learning and experiences that focus on foundational levers of change. In later phases, leaders will receive tailored coaching and strategic partnerships to address their school’s unique needs, followed by dedicated support to implement action plans and embed best practices for sustainable improvement.
To qualify, schools must have had their current leader in place for at least one full school year, have two years of NC state test data (SY 23–24 and SY 24–25), hold a rating of D or higher on the most recent NC School Report Card, and have met or exceeded growth expectations in the most recent year.
North Carolina has a strong tradition of school choice, with more than 210 public charter schools serving students across the state. GSNC’s mission is to dramatically increase the number of A and B-rated charter schools reaching students furthest from opportunity by strengthening leadership capacity, elevating instructional quality, and expanding access to high-quality public education.
Charter school leaders in North Carolina are encouraged to apply. For more information or to apply, visit www.greatschoolsnc.org.
###
About Great Schools NC
The mission of Great Schools North Carolina (GSNC) is to bring scale and quality to the charter sector by investing in forward-thinking education leaders. GSNC is a funding intermediary and strategic partner dedicated to ensuring that every student in North Carolina has access to a high-quality public education. By investing in school leaders, removing barriers to success, and advocating for key policies, GSNC supports the long-term success of new and existing public charter schools across the state. As a trusted resource for charter school leaders, GSNC provides strategic guidance, funding, technical assistance, and collaborative partnerships to help North Carolina’s public charter schools grow, improve, and thrive—so that every family, regardless of location or background, can access a great public school for their child.