NACSA Blog

NACSA Blog

Press Releases


Multi-State Analysis of Charter School Proposals and Approvals Reveals a Diverse Sector Shaped by Authorizers

Report uncovers increased share of freestanding school proposals, decrease in for-profit and “No Excuses” proposals, and few proposals receive philanthropic support.  CHICAGO — A new report released today by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) offers a never-before-seen …


New Digital Campaign Highlights the Need to Improve Charter School Authorizing

New explainer videos demystify the role of charter school authorizers, which remains largely misunderstood 25 years into the charter school movement. The critical role authorizers play in determining the overall quality of …


NACSA CEO Testifies to Congress on Power of Charter School Authorizing

On June 13, 2018, NACSA President and CEO Greg Richmond and a select panel of education reform leaders will testify in front of the House Education and Workforce Committee on the value of charter …


NACSA Testifies on CA Authorizing Bill SB 1362

Today, the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) Policy Director Veronica Brooks-Uy will testify before the California Senate Education Committee on SB 1362, a bill that addresses charter school authorizing issues …


New Report Identifies What Charter School Authorizers Do Differently to Achieve High-Performing Portfolios

New report finds successful authorizing depends on great leadership, institutional commitment, and strong professional judgment CHICAGO — Today, the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) releases “Leadership, Commitment, Judgment: Elements of …


Applying Authorizing Principles Across Education

In 2022, NACSA thoroughly reviewed its historical work to identify the principles of quality authorizing with the greatest potential for broader applicability beyond the charter school sector. NACSA staff and advisors looked …


New Charter Schools Need Vetting. But the Process Shouldn’t Shut Good Ones Out

Over the last year, the National Association of Charter School Authorizers and our partners engaged nearly 150 school leaders, authorizers, organizations, prospective school founders and advocates — through interviews, focus groups, data …


NACSA’s New Schools With Communities Guide

In every community–especially those historically under-resourced–there is long-ignored and underutilized knowledge and potential. At the heart of NACSA’s work lies the recognition of these tremendous assets and a desire to work with …


Continuing Conversations on Multiple Measures

At NACSA, we work to ensure students and communities—especially those who are historically under-resourced—thrive. Thriving means different things for different students, schools, and communities. And to ensure we capture the value a …


Join the Conversation by Listening to Our New Podcast

Stream our podcast, Community Conversations with NACSA, wherever you listen! With new guests and hosts each episode, you’ll hear from a wide variety of experts as they answer questions like: “What can …


NACSA Names Elisa Westapher Chief Development & Business Officer

M. Karega Rausch, Ph. D., president and CEO of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA), announced today that Elisa Westapher will serve as NACSA’s chief development and business officer.   “NACSA …


Statement from M. Karega Rausch, Ph. D., NACSA President & CEO on the recent Supreme Court decision to deny certiorari in Peltier vs. Charter Day School

The decision by the United States Supreme Court to not take up the Peltier vs. Charter Day School case means the ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit …


New CREDO Study Affirms Authorizing’s Role in Transforming Public Education

NACSA’s work to strengthen the ideas and practices of authorizing so communities—especially those historically under-resourced—thrive was affirmed in the new National Charter School Study III 2023 from the Center for Research on …


NACSA statement on St. Isadore application in Oklahoma

The decision from the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board (SVCSB) to approve an application to establish the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School as a religious charter school is inconsistent …


NACSA Statement on U.S. Solicitor General Brief on Peltier v. Charter Day School

The National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) agrees with the recent brief from Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar who affirmed that charter schools are public schools. The Solicitor General’s brief is consistent with the ruling from …