History

Building on more than a decade's track record of accomplishment, Building Excellent Schools has played an essential role in the national charter school landscape. Locally, we have offered access to preparatory sessions to all aspiring charter school founders, worked in some capacity with virtually every charter school in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and provided general information, referral services and in-depth consultation to more than 90% of the Massachusetts charter schools on issues related to board development, accountability, fundraising, curriculum and leadership development. Nationally, we have served as a model for groups in 18 states, including intensive start-up training for 10 weeks on how to develop programs and services to effectively support the development of their local charter schools.

As a leader in the charter school landscape, the organization was well-positioned to launch the Building Excellent Schools Fellowship in 2001. The Fellowship - an aggregation of lessons learned in the movement - raises the quality of urban charter schools in the United States by helping entrepreneurial individuals design, build and maintain excellent schools in underserved communities while building partnerships and networks of support. The Fellowship guides participants to apply the beliefs, structural and cultural elements, and organizational practices that have led the nation's highest-performing urban charter schools to success. A school that opens its doors grounded in these core beliefs, practices, and know-how can more efficiently navigate the day-to-day challenges of running a school, and focus attention on increased student achievement.