Dear Friends,

As we prepare for the twenty-eighth year of charter public schools in Massachusetts, we are also taking a moment to reflect on the past year and the tremendous achievements of our students and teachers. The initial data points, shared below, tell a robust story. Over the past year, our schools demonstrated deep commitment to building culturally relevant and affirming communities, nurturing student growth, and deepening partnership with families. 

Be sure to check out our new feature at the bottom of this email to find some recent highlights of our schools in the media. Our students and schools are always up to something exciting, and we look forward to bringing you more of their stories each month! 

Gratefully,

Tim Nicolette
Executive Director, Massachusetts Charter Public School Association

"Since joining a charter public school, I’ve seen my children go from being bored in school to being engaged and excelling more, being challenged and able to think outside the box. It’s changed their conversations and has brought out a true joy of learning in my children."

- Myrca, KIPP MA Parent

Match Charter Public High School valedictorian stands up when she sees injustice, Boston Globe

Featuring Match Charter Public School

“In the classroom, she rarely draws attention to herself. But when she feels that anyone is being treated unfairly, she sheds her placid facade and reveals her tenacity."

Students juggling added pressures like jobs, anxiety seek out alternative high schools, WBUR

Featuring Phoenix Charter Academy 

“It helps that Phoenix Academy doesn’t have traditional grade levels. Students can take as much time as they need to work through required courses, without worrying about getting left behind. In a way, Caban said, the pandemic has helped expand this model of education.”

Parker Charter’s new head of school has found his niche, Sentinel & Enterprise

Featuring Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School

“‘I want to spend the rest of my career in education,’ he said, adding that this job allows him to ‘authentically work with kids.’ The goal meshes seamlessly with the school’s mission, and so does the term ‘authentic,’ part of a common vocabulary at Parker."