View Charter Founders Nihat Güvercin, Ed.D. Chief Executive Officer, iLearn Schools Inc. Dr. Nihat Güvercin is the Founder and CEO of iLearn Schools Inc., a network of 21 charter schools serving over 6,500 students in New Jersey and New York since 2007. Starting as principal of Bergen Arts and Science Charter School, he established iLearn […]
Founder
The Charter Story from Ember Reichgott Junge
Ember Reichgott Junge, former Minnesota State Senator and author of the first charter school law, recounted the origins and evolution of charter schools. The first charter school, City Academy, opened in 1992, serving students who had dropped out. Today, charter schools are in 44 states, including Guam and Alberta, Canada, with over 7,000 schools serving […]
2014 Charter School Hall of Fame: Doris & Donald Fisher Fund
Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools The Fisher family, through their philanthropic efforts, have significantly contributed to the growth and success of high-quality public charter schools, particularly the KIPP network. Their investments have inspired more entrepreneurs to enter the charter school space and have led to substantial innovations in education. The Fishers, led […]
2019 Charter School Hall of Fame: Fernando Zulueta
Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Fernando Zulueta expressed deep admiration for Armando, highlighting his music’s profound impact and the global reach of his message of hope and empowerment. He praised Armando’s new song, “Dream Come True,” for its simplicity and beauty in educating children. Fernando was initially hesitant to accept the NACS […]
2019 Charter School Hall of Fame: Dr. Margaret Fortune
Courtesy of: National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Dr. Margaret Fortune passionately advocates for charter schools, emphasizing their effectiveness in educating black students. She recounts her family’s history in education and activism, highlighting her parents’ roles in the civil rights movement. Fortune shares her personal commitment to improving education for black children, noting the challenges […]
Interview of Dick DeVos
November 11, 2024. James Goenner, Ph.D. of the National Charter Schools Institute, interviews Dick DeVos, Founder of West Michigan Aviation Academy in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dick DeVos, founder of the West Michigan Aviation Academy, discussed his journey from an uninspired student to a champion for educational freedom. He emphasized the importance of attitude, effort, and […]
Interview of Bishop Raymond Rivera, Ph.D.
\Bishop Dr. Raymond Rivera discussed his background in East Harlem and the founding of the Latino Pastoral Action Center (ELPAC) 33 years ago to holistically empower Latino communities. He highlighted the success of the Family Life Academy Charter Schools (FLACS), which started with one school and expanded to multiple high-performing schools. Rivera emphasized the importance […]
Interview of Graham Browne
Graham Browne, founder of Forte Prep Charter School in Elmhurst, Queens, shared his journey inspired by a life-changing scholarship. He emphasized the importance of creating educational opportunities for diverse students. Browne discussed the challenges of starting the school, including finding a building and recruiting staff, and the initial operation in a daycare basement. He highlighted […]
Interview of Ed Cox
Ed Cox discussed his entry into the charter school movement, inspired by the 1986 “A Nation at Risk” report. He highlighted the effectiveness of Catholic schools, which cost half as much but performed twice as well. New York adopted the Michigan charter school law, emphasizing transparency and fairness. Cox stressed the importance of governing boards […]
Interview of Randy Daniels
Interview of Randy Daniels, Founding co-chair, SUNY Board of Trustees Charter School Committee, New York Secretary of State (2001-05). Businessman, and former CBS News correspondent. With Robert Bellafiore, Founder & President of Stanhope Partners. Robert Bellafiore and Speaker 2 emphasized the need for accountability in public education, advocating for year-round schooling and more direct instruction […]
