News from Jay: May 2025 

Dear FCCS Family, 

May is a powerful month of celebration and recognition—a time to honor those who make education a transformative force in our communities- as well as commencing the advancement of high school graduates- off to college. We are proud to recognize both National Charter Schools Week and Teacher Appreciation Week. Our deepest gratitude goes out to the educators who show up each day with passion, creativity, and resilience. You are the heartbeat of our movement, and your work is changing lives.

We’re also thrilled to continue our “FCCS in 5 Minutes” video series, where we spotlight charter school leaders making an impact in real time. These short but mighty stories uplift the incredible work happening across the country—and remind us that behind every great school is a story worth telling.

This month, we kept a close eye on the potentially groundbreaking Supreme Court case St. Isidore v. Drummond. The Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling in the state of Oklahoma that charter schools are public schools and as such cannot be operated by religious institutions. FCCS is committed to keeping you informed and will continue to share updates on news that will affect our community.

We’re excited to celebrate the amazing achievements of our affiliates:

• Freedom Academy Charter School in Pennsylvania is expanding after achieving a record 98% graduation rate—a testament to their innovative approach and dedication to student success.
• Capital Prep Academy’s Class of 2025 earned a 100% college acceptance rate! Their College Preparatory Model continues to prove what’s possible when we set high expectations and provide the right support.

This spring, we wrapped up our 2024 Policy Forum series with powerful discussions led by experts from The Education Trust–Texas, Teach Plus Texas, Mental Health America of Greater Houston, and KIPP Atlanta Collegiate. These forums created space for meaningful dialogue on issues ranging from educator diversity to student mental health—and left us energized and inspired for what’s ahead.

Thank you for being a vital part of this movement. As we head into summer, know that FCCS remains committed to uplifting your stories, advocating for equitable policies, and amplifying the voices of leaders and families who believe in the promise of charter schools.