charter schools Archives

A classroom full of students in a charter school in St. Louis.

The Charter School Lenders

Katy Reckdahl - February 4, 2016

Despite the controversy surrounding them, charter schools have become a major segment of the CDFI field’s business, requiring new assessment tools to keep the lending mission-focused.

A group of people stand behind a red ribbon before the opening of an art exhibit at a charter school. To the right, youngsters prepare to cut the ribbon with large scissors.

Feature

Charter Schools, Gentrification, and Weighted Lotteries

Halley Potter and Philip Tegeler - February 4, 2016

Charter schools in gentrifying neighborhoods have the power to exacerbate the inequity that exists between low-income residents and wealtheir newcomers. How can they use their power to instead ensure their student populations are as diverse as the neighborhoods they operate in?

A female dentist cleans a young boy's teeth.

Feature

The Place-Based Charter School?

Martin J. Blank - February 4, 2016

What is the relationship between charter schools and neighborhoods—and what could it be?

Ralliers gather in Washington, D.C., with a sign that reads "Stop, Don't close public schools."

Organizing

Don’t Call It a Comeback for Neighborhood Schools

Esa Syeed - February 4, 2016

In the face of widespread school choice, some D.C. residents are advocating for an equitable system of neighborhood schools. But what's the chance that will become a reality?

Editor’s Note

Community Development and the School Reform Fight

Miriam Axel-Lute - February 2, 2016

In the community development field there are innumerable conversations about improving a struggling neighborhood or moving toward economic equity that have been ended abruptly...