Cost: Free vs. Tuition-Based

One of the main differences affecting families choosing between private and charter schools is the cost. All charter schools are free to attend, as they are funded by a blend of tax dollars and fundraising or grants. Private schools, however, are funded by the family paying tuition. They also often require fees for items such as books and uniforms. 

Oversight: State Regulated vs. Independently Run

Charter schools are overseen by the state government. This means that all students are required to meet the educational standards set by that state. Charter schools have stringent requirements, and if they are not meeting them, the school may be shut down. Private schools do not have that level of oversight. They are required to register with their state, but do not have to meet any licensing requirements.

Enrollment: Open Lottery vs. Selection 

Charter schools are open to any student who resides in that state. They do not have any admission requirements. If enrollment exceeds capacity, students are selected by a lottery process. Private schools do not have oversight on admission other than adhering to federal non-discrimination laws where applicable in their situation. Admission is often determined by ability to pay the fees, scholastic achievement, and an admissions process which may include interviews and academic tests.

Curriculum: State Guided vs. School Decided

Both private and charter schools have more flexibility in determining curriculum than a traditional public school does. Both models are able to experiment with different educational innovations, leading to rapid feedback and adjustments for what is working for their local population. However, because charter schools have to meet state standards, their curriculum is guided to specific educational standards, while private schools have complete freedom of curriculum.

Charter vs. Private Schools at a Glance:

Learn More About Charter Schools

If you are interested in exploring charter school options, is one of the largest charter school networks in Los Angeles. You can explore how charter schools like Ģ����Ƶ prepare their scholars for college through innovative classes and quality teacher preparation. 

Sources:

• The Ģ����Ƶ

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Charter schools, especially Ģ����Ƶ College-Ready Public Schools network, exist to address these sociocultural, academic, economic, and situational challenges first-generation college students face.

Ģ����Ƶ schools offer: 

• College-preparatory focused classes��
• Learning interventions to catch students up with peers
• AP courses for deeper understanding
• Expectation-setting experiences
• Building shared community values��
• Family education

This preparation works; compared to students from similar socio-economic backgrounds, Ģ����Ƶ scholars are 3.5x more likely to graduate from college. 

Building the Educational Foundation

Preparing first-generation scholars for college begins in the classroom. 

At Ģ����Ƶ schools, the curriculum is based on twin goals. The first is to ensure all students graduate from high school. The second is to prepare them to be accepted to and graduate from college. This includes building the skills, mindset, and support system to succeed in a rigorous college curriculum. 

Intervention classes provide additional help to scholars struggling in subjects such as math or English language development. Scholars who want to focus on a particular strength can take Advanced Placement courses in the topic or even apply to a school with a specialized focus such as STEM or leadership.

Creating an Experience of Expectation

One of the most important differentiators at Ģ����Ƶ is that students are referred to as “college-ready scholars,” building an identity of respect and capability from their first moment. By providing personalized college counseling and opportunities to visit college campuses, Ģ����Ƶ builds a community with a shared expectation of higher education success.  

Supporting the Network

Ģ����Ƶ offers multiple programs that help ease the transition to college. Families can attend workshops to learn about financial aid and applying for scholarships. Ģ����Ƶ hires education professionals from the alumni network to show current scholars models of success from their community.  Alumni and their families also offer programs to the current community, discussing how to best navigate the high school and college experience. 

Results

By building the skills and mindset that first-generation college students need to have a successful higher education experience, an incredible 95% of Ģ����Ƶ scholars graduate from high school and are accepted to college. 

Learn more about how Ģ����Ƶ supports first-generation college students and support our work at The Ģ����Ƶ.��

Sources:

• The Ģ����Ƶ��
• The Ģ����Ƶ��

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Step 1: Research Your Local Options

Start by identifying the charter schools near you. Look at grade levels served, location, school culture, and any specialized programs (STEM, arts, dual language, and so on) that fit what your child’s needs.

Step 2: Compare School Performance

Once you have a shortlist, compare how the schools perform. Sites like publish rankings and data on graduation rates, test scores, and college readiness, which can help you narrow down your top choice.

Step 3: Apply Online, for Free

Charter schools are public schools, so there are no entrance exams and no application fees. You’ll fill out a short online form for each school you’re interested in.

What Happens After You Apply?

Because charter schools are public and free to attend, they can’t turn students away based on ability or background. If a school gets more applications than it has seats, admission is decided by lottery rather than by merit. Some schools also use a rolling lottery, meaning applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis rather than by a single deadline.

Quick FAQ

Is there a cost to apply or attend? No. All California charter schools are public schools, so applying and attending are both free.

Do I need to meet any requirements to apply? No entrance requirements. Any family within the eligible attendance area can apply.

What if my student isn’t selected? Most schools maintain a waitlist and continue to admit students as spots open throughout the year, especially at schools with rolling admissions.

Ready to Apply? Start With Ģ����Ƶ

If you’re weighing your options in Los Angeles, is one of the largest charter networks in the city, with 25 tuition-free schools and a 96% college acceptance rate among its scholars. Enrollment uses the same free, rolling lottery process described above, no entrance fees or requirements.

Sources:

• The Ģ����Ƶ

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The post How Do You Get Into a Charter School? appeared first on The Ģ����Ƶ.

Therefore, charter schools, schools that were given a “charter” by an authorizing district, were given the freedom to create an individualized school curriculum that meets the needs of their particular population in exchange for oversight and accountability. More freedom allows charter schools to meet their students where they are and help them get where they need to go most efficiently and effectively.

Why Prioritize Autonomy?

The autonomy that charter schools have to operate independently and prioritize community -specific curriculum is important to Ģ����Ƶ schools. It allows schools to respond quickly to educational best practice findings and use research-backed experimental educational practices.

If a large population of learners is not native English speakers, schools can employ strategies like Ģ����Ƶ’s robust English Language Development (ELD) program. It integrates English learning across the daily curriculum and builds in extra support for teachers and small group intervention for the scholars who need extra help. 

Charter schools such as Ģ����Ƶ can craft their curriculum to directly serve the needs of their scholars, and Ģ����Ƶ has built a reputation for creating college-ready scholars through two decades of dedicated curriculum development. 

The Ģ����Ƶ Distinction

Ģ����Ƶ College-Ready Public Schools specialize in preparing their scholars for higher education. Scholars entering the Ģ����Ƶ schools know that they and their families will be part of a community that shares this goal. 

This priority shapes curriculum planning across Ģ����Ƶ schools:

• Curriculum priorities like the ELD programs prioritize specific needs
• Small group classes are available when scholars need more assistance than the standard in-class curriculum would provide
• Teachers have special training to ensure curriculum priorities are understood and being met
• Additional programs exist to help families deal with specific challenges, such as meal programs on school holidays or homeless and foster care liaisons
• Ģ����Ƶ scholars get the opportunity to visit colleges, even as early as middle school��

Specialization Schools

Though all Ģ����Ƶ schools prioritize preparing scholars for higher education, individual charter schools can also have a special curriculum focus or concentration. Scholars who are especially interested in pursuing a certain area of their education can apply to schools that specialize in that area. 

is a great example of specialization in practice. It is consistently ranked among LA’s top charter high schools. Scholars who want to pursue a higher education degree in STEM will not only receive the standard classes that prepare all Ģ����Ƶ scholars for their college programs, but also focused math and science classes for all four years.

And the frames the same college-readiness through the lens of leadership, offering courses to develop innovation and advocacy.��

Potential scholars can choose to apply to the school of their choice through Ģ����Ƶ’s website.

Changing the Landscape of Education

The freedom in curriculum at Ģ����Ƶ allows students and families who share the value of prioritizing college-readiness while supporting the full mental and physical health of the scholar to self-select into a similar supportive community.

Visit the Ģ����Ƶ Foundation to learn more about impact.

Sources:

The Ģ����Ƶ��

What is the Difference Between Charter, Magnet, and Public Schools?��

The post Do Charter Schools Follow the Same Curriculum as Traditional�� Public Schools? appeared first on The Ģ����Ƶ.

Jason is deeply engaged  in supporting Ģ����Ƶ Foundation through philanthropy, mentorship, school visits and strategic connections that help advance opportunities for scholars and educators alike. 

We asked Jason about how his entrepreneurial experience building businesses from the ground up informs his work as a trustee:

“I’ve operated businesses from startup through exit, so most of what a board works on connects to my lived experience. I’m also serious about helping the students. I had a hard time keeping up as a student myself, and I understand the effects of getting left behind. I believe support has to come early, before they fall behind.” 

Why did you decide to join the Ģ����Ƶ Foundation Board of Trustees?

“Spending time with the students and faculty through the mentorship program convinced me.  The kids stood out as confident and clear about their goals for school and their future careers. You don’t see that often at their age. The impact the volunteers and faculty were having on them was obvious. Helping kids find that direction early is something I care about, and joining the board gives me a way to contribute beyond the time I could spend with the students.”

What are your hopes for the Ģ����Ƶ Foundation/Ģ����Ƶ Schools in the coming years?

“To continue producing positive outcomes for students and keep finding innovative ways to teach. With the Foundation’s partnership, we need to keep attracting great educators and giving them the support and room to grow. They’re the ones who actually change kids’ lives.”

Jason is a passionate advocate for Ģ����Ƶ scholars and educators, and we’re grateful for his leadership and continued commitment to expanding opportunities for young people across our community.

The post Meet Ģ����Ƶ Foundation Board of Trustees Co-Chair, Jason Borg appeared first on The Ģ����Ƶ.

California’s economy has remained resilient, with strong state revenues driven by personal income, corporate, and sales taxes. 

Because public schools, including Ģ����Ƶ schools, are funded primarily through the state budget, strong state revenues should translate into stronger support for schools. If the state is flush, why are many Los Angeles schools hurting for funds in 2026?

The reality is more complex. Geographically-based enrollment declines, unfunded state mandates, and overall cost increases have created significant financial pressure for many Los Angeles schools. 

How Much of California’s Budget Goes to Education?

Though there is a statewide fiduciary commitment to funding education, the precise amount varies each year. 

Since the passage of Proposition 98 in 1988, California has guaranteed a minimum level of funding for K–12 schools and community colleges, typically accounting for roughly 40% of the state budget. Because the funding amount is determined by a percentage of total revenue instead of a set number, California schools directly benefit from more resources when the state is flush with higher tax income. And when there is less cash coming in, schools immediately receive a smaller amount. 

How Does CA State Funding Work?

Through California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), the state distributes baseline funding for all students, and then additional supplemental funds for special circumstances such as students from low-income communities, in foster care, experiencing homelessness, and English-Language Learners. 

California is a leader in national educational policy reform. The LCFF provides school districts with local control of their general funds. This program has been praised for allowing flexibility in helping distribution match actual local needs. 

However, sometimes state budgets do not precisely align with the requirements that legislators have put in place. At the same time, schools are increasingly expected to implement new programs, reporting requirements, and student support without always receiving dedicated funding to fully sustain them.  In practice, districts are often required to absorb these additional responsibilities within existing funding structures, stretching already limited resources even further. 

Why are Los Angeles Schools at a Disadvantage?

Enrollment is one of the main factors in school funding. A significant portion of school funding is tied to Average Daily Attendance (ADA), meaning schools receive funding based on how many students are consistently attending. Across the state, the average “per-student” allocation is $20,427 per student, the highest ever. However, enrollment is determined by average daily attendance. In Los Angeles, both total enrollment and daily average attendance have had major decreases in the past 7 years. 

Schools across the country experienced sharp enrollment declines following the COVID-19 pandemic, and many districts have still not returned to pre-pandemic attendance levels. Chronic absenteeism has direct negative effects on school funding. 

In Los Angeles, several local factors have compounded these challenges. More than 50,000 people have moved out of the county, the largest city population decline in the US, according to 2024-2025 US Census numbers. The Los Angeles fires displaced many families, and disruptions to the entertainment industry have caused ripple effects in the total population. And many families are cautious about sending students to schools due to immigration enforcement. 

When attendance declines, schools receive less funding, regardless of whether operational costs remain the same or continue to rise. In addition to reduced enrollment, Los Angeles remains one of the most expensive regions in the country, increasing the cost of staffing, facilities, transportation, and student support services. It’s in the top 2% most expensive cities in the country, and the top 11% in the state.

The Ģ����Ƶ Foundation exists to help close the gap between public funding and what scholars truly need to thrive. Through philanthropy, advocacy, and partnership, the Foundation works to ensure that Ģ����Ƶ scholars continue to receive an excellent college-preparatory education, regardless of broader funding challenges facing public schools.��

Sources:

The Ģ����Ƶ��


Understanding California’s Budget and its Impact on Schools��





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The post California is Doing Well, So Why Are LA Public Schools Still Underfunded?�� appeared first on The Ģ����Ƶ.

California public schools, including charter schools like , are free and open for all students to attend, Public schools funding is based on student characteristics, enrollment and attendance and allocated to schools from the State based on the Local Control Funding Formula.  However, Charter Schools receive less public funding than traditional public schools and pay fees to the Districts for oversight and compliance.  

The Need for Charter Schools

In public schools, almost all of the funding is provided by a split of state and local resources, with a smaller share coming from federal sources that is intended to complement specialty areas, not provide core foundational operating funds. 

Affluent areas may pass additional bonds or parcel taxes or endow an educational foundation. Every aspect of the school’s resource base is affected by the local community’s economy.  Parents in wealthier areas often have more available free time to commit to volunteering within the classroom and advocating with administrations, and may have more expendable income to spend on targeted school initiatives. 

These structural and societal factors pile up to create a momentum of imbalance that charter schools that serve historically underfunded communities seek to assuage.

Charter schools were created to help address the structural imbalances and inherently different needs of specific groups, often including historically underserved communities. The “charter” in charter schools is an agreement between the school and the government. In exchange for more flexibility in running the school, the school will provide the government with more data and active oversight. This charter provides schools the autonomy to adjust to the real needs of their students and experiment with the implementation of cutting-edge understanding of best educational practices while preserving the need for increased accountability. 

Charter School Funding Sources

The main source of funding for charter schools is calculated by the LCFF (Local Control Funding Formula), which adjusts funds as available fund information becomes known. This is a combination of state funds and “in-lieu of property taxes” funding. It generally works out to be significantly less than equivalent local public school funding. There are also special grants that may contribute:

• Charter School Facility Grant Program (helps offset facility costs for schools serving low-income families)
• New schools can receive the Public Charter School Grant Program (PCSGP) to help with startup costs.
• Special Education funds (IDEA) help with the education of students with disabilities

While current government policy creates an excellent opportunity for innovative charter schools to exist, it leaves gaps in the necessary funds to support those same initiatives. Charter schools are expected to make up those gaps with internal fundraising efforts. 

Ģ����Ƶ Foundation – Building a Base for Success

The Ģ����Ƶ Foundation was created to help close the gap that is created between current funding sources and ideal funding for charter schools. It is composed of enthusiastic thought leaders committed to transformative public education through engaged philanthropy and advocacy. 

The Foundation’s mission is to “raise resources and visibility for the Ģ����Ƶ network of schools, advocate for policies that improve quality public education for historically underserved youth, and build partnerships to strengthen Ģ����Ƶ schools and the communities that Ģ����Ƶ serves. We believe in the unlimited potential of our scholars and work to shine a bright light on what is possible for all public schools.”

The Ģ����Ƶ Foundation has already granted more than $31 Million in funds that have gone directly to services bringing educational excellence to 25,000 alumni and an additional 12,000 current scholars across 25 schools.

If you are passionate about improving the quality of public education in our Ģ����Ƶ Communities, we encourage you to learn more and get involved with the Ģ����Ƶ Foundation.��

Sources:

The Ģ����Ƶ��
Ģ����Ƶ Foundation: Who We Are



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Brett serves as a Managing Partner at Sequence Equity, a private investment firm focused on developing innovative businesses in sports and technology. 

A longtime leader in the Los Angeles community, he is an active angel investor and leader in the Los Angeles area, serving on the boards of BeBe, InterMix Media, and PacSun. 

Brett co-founded Intermix Media/MySpace, which sold for $580M, and later served as President of Adknowledge, where he increased their revenue tenfold. Brett also co-foundedCrosscut Ventures, leading five funds for a total of over $350M in assets under management.  

We asked Brett about how his experience building high-impact organizations has influenced his work with the Ģ����Ƶ Foundation.

You specialize in investing in innovative businesses and have started a few yourself.  In what ways do you see Ģ����Ƶ changing the face of education currently and in the future?

“I look to Ģ����Ƶ to continue innovating, especially as we see huge leaps forward in technology and AI. The opportunity is to use these advancements in ways that benefit our scholars, support our teachers, and strengthen Ģ����Ƶ as a whole.

What makes Ģ����Ƶ special is that we’ve resisted falling back on what’s comfortable or familiar. Instead, we’ve consistently challenged ourselves to raise the bar. First, focusing on graduating high school, then on college acceptance, and now on college graduation.

We continue to push ourselves to expand what’s possible for our scholars. And by 2030, I expect we’ll be asking ourselves what the next bar is to raise – because we know our scholars have enormous promise and potential, and it’s our job to help them realize it.”

You’ve created a great impact through education, including founding LA Tech Cares to provide tech, academic, and mental health resources to underserved students. What lessons or priorities do you bring to the Ģ����Ƶ Board of Trustees to change the face of education?

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through LA Tech Cares is that you can accomplish far more than you think if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and take action.

If you can see it, you can be it. Progress doesn’t always require endless process; you have to be willing to act. Too often, the real choice is action versus inaction.”

I also strongly believe that advances in technology can benefit all students, and especially the students we serve. Our responsibility is to make sure those tools are used in ways that expand opportunity.”

What are you proudest of during your time on the Ģ����Ƶ Board of Trustees?

“Ultimately, what I’m most proud of is the quality of the education we’ve been able to help deliver to our students. That’s 99% of what I care about. Knowing that Ģ����Ƶ scholars are receiving an excellent education and opportunities that can truly change the trajectory of their lives is what matters most.”

Brett’s leadership reflects a deep belief in what’s possible when innovation is paired with purpose. His perspective continues to help shape a future where every Ģ����Ƶ scholar has the opportunity to thrive.

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Scope and Scale of LAUSD

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is one of the largest public school systems in the nation, serving a vast and diverse population across the city of Los Angeles and surrounding communities. 

LAUSD includes:

• 710 square miles
• 4.8 million city residents
• 45 Unified school districts
• 1500+ schools
• 83,000+ employees
• Average of 400,000-550,000 students annually

With this scale comes both opportunity and complexity. The district is governed by an elected Board of Education and led by a Superintendent. The Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization is a publicly elected committee that manages decisions about district organization and territories. The financial and educational services for the county are supported by the Los Angeles County Office of Education.

Family Preference

In most school districts in the United States, students are assigned to school districts purely by residential address and have no choice in the process. Unlike this default system, LAUSD incorporates student preferences into the equation. 

LAUSD operates within a school choice framework. Families may choose to apply to a range of  programs that best meet their child’s needs, such as:

• Magnet programs
• Public charter schools, includingĢ����Ƶ College-Ready Public Schools
• Dual-language immersion programs
• Gifted and high-ability pathways
• STEM academies

There are some communities within the geographical boundaries of Los Angeles that have strict district assignments, such as Torrance, Beverly Hills, and Arcadia. Other than those exceptions, families have a broader range of choice in LA County than most other districts. 

Trends Over Time

In recent years, LAUSD has experienced declining  enrollment, driven by factors such as rising housing costs, shifting demographics, the lasting effects of COVID-19, and now, immigration raids. As enrollment decreases, so does funding, creating real challenges for schools working to serve students at the highest level. 

These shifts have deepened the importance of community-centered support systems—shifts schools and organizations like Ģ����Ƶ take seriously. Across Los Angeles, we are seeing real investments in:

• Mental health and legal resources
• Attendance and re-engagement efforts
• Family support services 

Ģ����Ƶ: A Charter Network in LAUSD

Ģ����Ƶ operates as a nonprofit network of public charter schools  in Los Angeles, serving scholars within the broader LAUSD system. 

Because charter schools are considered public schools in California, all are funded by LASUD public funds and are free for all scholars. Through the Los Angeles school choice system, any family can choose to apply to an Ģ����Ƶ school through the regular application process. 

. Ģ����Ƶ serves:

• 25 Total Schools 
• 16 High Schools
• 9 Middle Schools
• 12,000+ scholars
• 8 California Distinguished High Schools (2026)

The Los Angeles public school system is complex, but at its core, families have agency. Within that system, Ģ����Ƶ exists to expand what’s possible for scholars in  historically underserved communities within the district. By combining academic rigor, innovative programming, and community-rooted support, Ģ����Ƶ schools are designed to help scholars thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Sources:

The Ģ����Ƶ��

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A passionate advocate for mission-driven work, Kara brings forward-thinking strategy and vision to everything she does, including her service on the Ģ����Ƶ Foundation Board of Trustees.

We asked Kara about how her experience working with hundreds of organizations informs her leadership on the board of the Ģ����Ƶ Foundation.��

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“What I am proudest of is helping champion the belief that access to an excellent education should never be determined by circumstance. Ģ����Ƶ has built a system where students who have historically been underestimated are instead expected to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

That commitment to equity and opportunity has been  tested in very real ways during my time on the board. We’ve navigated two profound national moments at the same time: the global health crisis of COVID-19 and the national racial reckoning following the murder of George Floyd. Those moments required educational institutions everywhere to respond with urgency, compassion, and clarity. Almost overnight, we had to rethink how education could continue, how we could support families facing unprecedented disruption, and how we could ensure our students felt seen, supported, and safe during a period of deep national pain and reflection.

What stood out to me during those times was the steadiness of the Ģ����Ƶ community. Our educators, school leaders, and staff rose to the moment with extraordinary commitment. The board’s role was to help provide resources so the organization could continue to serve scholars without losing sight of its mission. Institutions reveal their character most clearly during times of challenge, and Ģ����Ƶ demonstrated exactly the kind of leadership our scholars deserve.

What I wish more people understood is that Ģ����Ƶ is not simply a network of schools. It is an engine of generational opportunity.

Scholars who may have once been underestimated leave Ģ����Ƶ seeing themselves as future doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. That transformation is the story more people need to hear and support.

When you create an environment with high expectations, exceptional educators, and a culture that truly believes in the potential of every student, young people rise in ways that redefine what people thought was possible.”

The Ģ����Ƶ Foundation is grateful to have Kara Sax’s leadership and vision as she works alongside our community toward a future where every scholar has the opportunity to thrive.

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