For over 30 years, national and regional philanthropists have fueled the growth of the charter school sector. But what’s next for the movement?
Starlee Coleman, who took on the role of CEO at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools in August 2024, recently spoke with Philanthropy Roundtable to help donors understand the sector’s current landscape. She outlined the key challenges charter schools face today and identified high-impact investment opportunities that could shape the future of education in the United States.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: What’s your take on the public charter school movement right now? What do you think are the biggest opportunities and challenges for the sector?
Coleman: Charter schools have been a part of the American education landscape for 30 years now, and their growth in terms of the number of schools, student enrollment and community reach is encouraging. Remarkably, charter schools have maintained bipartisan support, which is quite significant given today’s political climate.
But like all educational institutions, charter schools face challenges due to the country’s demographic shifts, including declining birth rates. This trend will inevitably affect school enrollments, budgets and overall expectations from educational institutions. Additionally, there’s a noticeable shift in parental expectations about what they want from schools for their children, which presents both challenges and opportunities for charters.
One of the more complex issues we face is navigating the current political polarization, which makes it challenging to keep charter schools as a bipartisan issue. It’s crucial to ensure that charters remain relevant and protected regardless of the prevailing political leadership at any governmental level.
Furthermore, there’s an ongoing debate about whether charter schools can be religiously affiliated, which would represent a fundamental shift in how we view public schools. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on this matter could significantly impact how charter schools perceive themselves and are perceived, as well as influence state laws.
Despite these challenges, there are substantial opportunities for charter schools. More parents are actively seeking schools that align with their family values and educational expectations, which opens avenues for charters to attract diverse families. Charter schools are not just an urban phenomenon anymore—they are thriving across various communities and demographics. A noteworthy trend is the increasing demand for classical curriculum-based schools among Hispanic families, indicating a broader appeal and changing preferences.
Additionally, the rise of private school choice programs and Educational Savings Account (ESA) programs in several states presents both risks and opportunities for charter schools. These programs could enhance the flexibility and attractiveness of charters, allowing them to cater to a broader range of student needs.
Q: Where do you think philanthropic dollars are most needed these days? If a donor wants to help new, great charter schools grow, where should they focus their investments?
Facilities funding is one of the biggest challenges facing charter schools today. Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools often lack access to funding streams for school building infrastructure. There isn’t a single state where funding parity exists between what charter schools and district schools receive for facilities. This financial gap makes it incredibly difficult for charter schools to afford the real estate and construction materials needed for expansion.
The most impactful way donors can contribute to the expansion of charter schools is by supporting the development of their physical infrastructure. Because state funding typically does not cover these costs, private support is vital.
Additionally, supporting organizations that work to improve the policy and regulatory environment for charter schools is crucial. This advocacy is important both in states with favorable conditions for charter schools, like Texas, and in states with more challenging climates, such as Illinois. These organizations ensure that elected officials are well-informed about the value and needs of charter schools. They also play a key role in driving policy changes that support charter school growth and autonomy, which individual schools cannot do due to IRS and state law restrictions.
Q: With the rise of private school choice and micro-schools, how do you see charter schools adapting or collaborating with these trends to better meet students’ and families’ needs?
Coleman: We’ve examined data from EdChoice tracking school enrollment trends over time across states with both charter and private school choice laws. Our analysis shows that charter school enrollment increases whenever a private school choice law is passed or expanded. This indicates that more families exploring educational options positively impacts charter schools.
In states like Arizona and Florida, where private school choice programs are universal, charter school enrollment continues to rise. Although these universal, portable school choice programs are relatively new, we anticipate that parents will keep seeing charter schools as a strong option amidst increased private school choices.
Charters can adapt to this evolving educational landscape by offering spaces and resources to homeschool co-ops and micro-schools. For instance, charter schools could provide science labs or offer individual courses like AP classes to students from homeschool environments or small learning communities. This creates opportunities for charters to serve as educational service providers, potentially sharing space, staff or even transportation.
Q: How will the outcome of the presidential election affect the charter sector?
Coleman: Public charter schools continue to grow and thrive, regardless of who is in the White House. This resilience is largely because the conditions for charter schools are primarily determined at the state level, not federally. While it’s definitely beneficial for the president to support charter schools, it’s not essential, as the significant work and decisions are made at the state level.
That being said, the president can influence how the Department of Education handles matters related to charters. We saw this when the Biden administration introduced new regulations to slow the growth of charters. The charter community was able to push back effectively, leading to some concessions by the administration.
Q: Where are the most charter-friendly states in 2024? What regions are primed to grow, and where are charters retreating?
Coleman: We recently released a comprehensive report analyzing charter school growth nationwide. Our findings reveal that charter schools are expanding in nearly every state. The exceptions are a few states experiencing overall population declines, which impact charter growth.
Interestingly, we observe notable growth even in states with challenging political environments for charter schools, such as Massachusetts, California and New York. Despite these challenges, charter schools are still making progress in these regions.
However, the most significant growth is concentrated in the South, Southwest and Mountain West. These areas benefit from favorable policy and regulatory climates, increasing populations and strong parental demand for charter options. For instance, several Mountain West states have recently enacted new charter laws, leading to substantial growth as they establish and expand charter schools.
Q: In June, the Heritage Foundation released a report claiming charter schools are becoming more ideologically progressive than traditional public schools. What’s your take on that?
Coleman: There are many types of charter schools, each catering to different educational philosophies and community needs. Recently, there has been a significant increase in demand for charter schools offering classical curriculum and more culturally conservative values. In Texas for example, the waitlists for these schools are the longest in the state.
It’s a misconception that all charter schools have adopted progressive ideologies. For example, in Idaho, a growing number of charter schools are founded and run by retired military officials who instill pro-America and more traditional values in their schools. These schools are far from being considered progressive.
But a challenge facing charter schools is the shift in donor support. Many conservative donors have redirected their philanthropy toward private school choice programs, particularly in red states, where these initiatives are more likely to succeed. This shift leaves charter schools, especially in blue states, more reliant on progressive donors who may be more likely to fund the expansion of schools aligned with their values.
For those who value charter schools, it’s crucial to continue supporting them. Data shows that charter schools remain the first choice for families leaving the public school system, regardless of the state’s political leaning. There is a significant opportunity for conservative donors to ensure that charter schools aligning with their values can grow and thrive alongside others.
Q: To close out, would you explain the ways charters are helping underserved communities specifically?
Coleman: Charter schools are key to helping American children achieve their potential and become full participants in the economy. They consistently outperform district schools for students from more challenged backgrounds. Given the demographic shifts in the U.S., with more low-income and children of color, it’s important for donors to know that charter schools are proving to be more effective in preparing these students for life beyond school.
For those interested in maintaining a strong economy and addressing social issues such as criminal justice and health care, charter schools are crucial. They don’t just educate—they prepare students for civic participation and equip them to thrive in a complex economy. I encourage donors to explore the performance of charter schools in their state. They might be surprised by the results and parent demand that still needs support.
Want to be part of this exciting movement? Visit the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools to learn how you can make a difference.
