As the nation’s top school-choice state, Arizona is home to over 560 charter schools. Each school has its own goals, curriculum, and methodology for educating 230,000+ students. With this type of diversification, how can charter schools network to support each other, receive training and share resources? Enter the Arizona Charter School Association (AZCSA).
In 1994 Arizona became the 11th state in the U.S. to pass a charter school law. This year, 2024, is commemorating its start with a “30 Years Strong” slogan splashed all over charter school websites to celebrate.
In the year after passing the charter school law, school leaders foresaw the need for an organization to sustain and support the many charter schools that began springing up all over the state. In fact, in 1995 alone, Arizona saw 67 new charter schools emerge on the educational landscape. Thus began the formation of the Arizona Charter School Association.
What is the Arizona Charter School Association?
The Arizona Charter School Association (AZCSA) is a nonprofit, (503(c)(3)) organization located in Phoenix.
The AZCSA has a vision: “All Arizona students have access to a high-quality public charter school”. A diverse membership of policy decision-makers, participants from the community, educators, and school leaders make up its members, with a focus on policy transparency throughout all facets of the organization.
Currently headed by President and CEO Jake Logan, the Association’s board of directors includes a chairman, vice-chairman, district administrator, chief operating officer, chief academic officer, and treasurer. Meetings are held on a monthly basis.
Grants from foundations and other nonprofits support the Association, which reported a 2023 revenue of $1.8 million and $1.5 million in expenses.
What Does the Association Do?
To uphold autonomy, equity, and quality for Arizona charter schools, AZCSA provides:
- Professional development programs for teachers and leaders to support student learning objectives
- Operational assistance to help schools be more cost-efficient in their day-to-day operations
- Resources for charter school boards to assist with the stewardship of funds and trusts
- Research to support school quality and tools for educators
- Events for charter schools to network, collaborate, and create a legislative impact on the charter school movement
What Events are Hosted by the Association?
Three main events are held annually and include the Fall Conference, Charters at the Capitol, and the Charter Compliance Summit. Although these events are only open to AZCSA members, individual schools hold annual events for parents who would like local school information.
Among the many sessions held at the 2024 Fall Conference in Phoenix were:
- Taking the Science of Reading Home
- Crafting Effective Pay Structures to Retain Top Teaching Talent
- Shedding Light on AI Implementation
Charters at the Capitol is held in March. This is a gathering of school leaders, teachers, parents, and students who meet with their state’s legislators to encourage recognition and provision of Arizona’s charter schools within its legislature.
The Arizona Charter Compliance Summit meets in the spring of each year to discuss strategy for board composition, support for school leaders, and data-driven governance practices.
Where Can Parents Find More Information?
Information about the Arizona Charter School Association can be found online at https:// www.azcharters.org. On this website you can find:
- A search tool to compare district as well as charter schools across the state including school type, enrollment information, grade levels served, and the A-F letter grade rating given to each school by the Arizona Department of Education.
- How to advocate for charter schools at the state government level
- Information about state funding for charter schools in Arizona.
As the state that ranks fourth in the nation with the most charter schools, (California, Texas, and Florida are home to more), services provided by the Arizona Charter School Association are the glue that connects, sustains, and uplifts the schools. In this way, it’s the bedrock that enriches the lives of thousands of Arizona’s students.