Aspire Public Schools 2013-2014 School Year in Review

2013-2014School Year in review

PreParinG STUDenTS K To 12 For colleGe

leTTer From oUr ceo anD BoarD chair

Dear Friends,The 2013-2014 fiscal year was a banner year for Aspire Public Schools! We marked our 15th anniversary by celebrating the accomplishments of our students, our history and our established reputation as a national leader in education reform.

Aspire serves more students in more schools than ever before and remains one of the largest public charter school systems in the nation. Today, we operate 38 schools, serving 14,600 students throughout California and in Memphis, Tennessee. For the fifth year in a row, 100% of our graduating seniors received admissions to four-year colleges and universities. We continue to make College for Certain a reality for our students.

College readiness drives everything we do. This remains our north star as we strive to increase the number of college-ready Aspire graduates year after year. Achieving this goal requires strong commitment and investment in developing highly effective educators in every classroom. We’ve created a robust model of observations, professional development resources and career opportunities and rewards for teachers and non-teaching staff.

Our mission calls us to go even further than the students we serve directly to share our successful practices with others to help catalyze change broadly. This includes opening Aspire schools in cities where broad ripple-effect is greatest, and supporting scalable opportunities to share. In the fall of 2013, we opened our first Aspire schools in Memphis, Tennessee, a city poised to redefine public education. We continue to help aspiring charter school organizations replicate and grow while maintaining quality student outcomes. We maintain our partnership with Schoolzilla, an Ed Tech data analysis company created at Aspire and spun out as an independent entity. Today, Schoolzilla serves over one million students nationwide, and is an example of our work creating national catalytic impact well beyond the students we directly serve.

Aspire has always operated within a highly efficient model, and strong financial stewardship remains a top priority. We weathered the California budget crisis incredibly well because our disciplined approach to managing resources served us well, and our philanthropic supporters continue to respect this key piece of our success.

We’ve learned a lot over the last 15 years, and have so much more learning to do. We embrace our role as a national leader and colleague for reform-minded educators. We remain committed to staying on the cutting edge of innovative practices in education to improve results for students. We cannot do this work alone. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to our supporters, educational partners, staff, students and their families. Together we can truly change the odds stacked against far too many students across our country.

Thank you for your support.

James Willcox Beth HunkapillerChief Executive Officer Chair, Aspire Board of Directors

Aspire public schools 2013-2014 1

2 Aspire public schools 2013-2014

In 1998, longtime public school educator Don Shalvey joined forces with Silicon Valley entrepreneur Reed Hastings to launch Aspire Public Schools, one of the nation’s first charter management organizations.

Aspire is now one of the nation’s highest performing and well respected school systems, serving over 14,600 students in 38 schools through-out California and in Memphis, Tennessee. Aspire provides a rigorous college readiness education from grades K to 12. For the past five years, 100% of Aspire graduates have received admission to four-year colleges.

our mission:To open and operate small, high-quality charter schools in low income neighborhoods, in order to:

• Increase the academic performance of underserved students• Develop effective educators• Share successful practices with other forward-thinking educators,

and• Catalyze change in public schools.

our vision:

Every student is prepared to earn a college degree.

celeBraTinG 15 YearS oF colleGe For cerTain


chanGinG The oDDS For UnDerServeD STUDenTS

Beginning in kindergarten, our students know they are heading to college. From their first day, our students are immersed in a college-going culture with rigorous instruction. They master critical skills to succeed, in school and beyond.

Studies show that by the 4th grade, a student’s academic achievement is a key indicator to their future college success. We are proud that our students, by their 4th grade and beyond, are on the path to college.

over two-thirds of aspire schools serve more than

who we Serve:

how we compare:

aspire schools serve

nearly

80%

85%

50%

economically disadvantaged students

students of color

of aspire students are or were english learners

National Average (Reading)

National Average (Math)

National Average (Reading) of Low-Income Students

National Average (Math) of Low-Income Students

more Aspire students read on or above grade level than the national average

more Aspire students are at or above math proficiency than the national average

more Aspire students read on or above grade level compared to their low-income peers nationally

more Aspire students are at or above math proficiency compared to their low-income peers nationally

60%

150%

80%

200%

Comparison of 2013 NAEP results and Aspire results for 4th grade.


“I have been in Aspire for eight years. It has only made me a

better person. Aspire has shown me that there is unlimited potential no matter what background you come from.”

–Aspire Graduate 2014

PreParinG STUDenTS K-12 for college

100% of graduates were admitted to four-year colleges and universities for the fifth consecutive year

Aspire’s four-year graduation rate is over 90% (as calculated by the National Governor’s Association)

On average, our students graduate with over 15 college credits already complete, giving them a huge leg up in their first year

of our graduates


aspire students are more prepared to succeed in college than their peers:

california

local Districts

aspire

100%80%60%40%20%0%

Based on completion rate of required courses for admittance to California State or University schools.

“Aspire has helped me by continuously pushing me to do

better in my school assignments. At Aspire, I learned that I can achieve greater things by continuously aiming for more.”

–Aspire Graduate 2014

100% collegewere admitted to


Aspire believes one of the most important keys to preparing students for college is a highly-effective teacher in every classroom. Aspire is leading the nation in providing tools and resources to train and develop teachers.

Our teachers have the tools they need to succeed.

100% of teachers receive a rubric-based observation

Over half of our teachers serve in leadership roles, supporting peers

Every teacher is provided an individual professional development plan

Teachers collaborate with grade and content-alike colleagues to share best practices

Compensation and rewards are based on years of effective practice

“ There’s a passion that everyone shares to educate and ensure that their students receive the best education and environment that can be provided.”

–Aspire Teacher

“ The administration, teachers, support staff, and students give it their all every single day.”

–Aspire Teacher

“ The commitment to serve students by building strong teachers is powerful.”

–Aspire Teacher

Developing highly-effective TeacherS & School leaDerS


With a focus on meeting the needs of new teachers, Aspire Teacher Residency (ATR) provides hands-on classroom experience, one-on-one mentorship from a highly-effective teacher, a Master’s degree and teaching credential.

“ ATR stands out for the way that it looks at the training of urban educators as a quality long-term investment, giving us incredible training and offering us significant support in the classroom.”

–ATR Graduate

“ The training I receive surpasses all of the training I have received in my tenure as an educator.” —APR Graduate

of aTr graduates are effective or highly effective in their first year

of our residents represent the communities we serve

of graduates are still teaching at aspire

95%

50%

Aspire understands strong school leaders are at the core of every successful school. We empower our school leaders, and have developed our in-house Aspire Principal Residency (APR) to develop new school leaders.

80%


caTalYzinG chanGe in PUBlic SchoolS

national expansion into MemphisIn school year 2013-14, Aspire opened schools outside California for the first time with our national expansion to Memphis. With a commitment to help catalyze change in public schools, Aspire is part of Tennessee’s state-wide efforts to turn-around the lowest performing schools.

2013-14: 2 schools serving 600 students 2014-15: 3 schools serving 1,100 students …growing to 10 schools serving 5,600 students

Increased grade-level reading from 3% to 25%

89% of parents rated our schools an “A” or “B”

90% teacher retention

“ What we like best about Aspire is the care they give to make each student be successful at school and in life.”

–Aspire Memphis parent

Editorial: Aspire Public Schools is doing neighborhood homework

How One LA School is Becoming a “Titan” of Blended Learning

Aspire teachers at center of fierce national debate

As Apprentices in Classroom, Teachers Learn What Works

Let public charter schools succeed A Win for Los Angeles Kids

in The newS


blended learning innovations Sharing successful practices with other forward-thinking educators is part of Aspire’s mission.

Aspire has expanded our blended learning model into more schools, allowing students to work with online tools at their level and pace, while teachers collect real-time data to inform their instruction. Aspire has launched 12 blended learning schools since 2011. Aspire continues to share our blended learning model with others, and currently has a book in production to further share our learnings and practices.

innovaTinG anD SharinG whaT we learn

Data analysis ed Tech Schoolzilla Aspire’s launch of Schoolzilla marked the first time a public school system developed and shared an innovative student performance tool with all other school systems. Schoolzilla is considered an innovative ed tech company, providing crucial student information to teachers and school leaders in school districts across the country.

Schoolzilla already serves hundreds of schools, district and charter alike, across the country, making data tools that originated at Aspire available to teachers and school leaders nationwide.

over 1 million Students Served


2013-2014 finAnciAls

Aspire Alumna Rena Stone speaks at Aspire’s Inaugural College For Certain Fundraising Dinner

FY2014 revenue

Government revenue$135,018,427

local revenue$1,283,703

Private Funding (grants, donations, and in-kind)

$14,597,444

89%10%

1%

fy2014 expenses

program expenses$111,360,574

admin Support$20,102,269

Fundraising$1,235,517

84%15%

1%

statement of financial positionCurrent assets $73,838,072Non-current assets $149,549,485total assets $223,387,557

Current Liabilities $17,328,282Long-term Liabilities $150,759,319Net Assets $72,628,238total liabilities and net Assets $223,387,557


2013-2014 supporters$1,000,000+

AnonymousCharter School Growth FundThe Bill and Melinda Gates

FoundationPatty Quillin and Reed HastingsHelen and Charles SchwabTipping Point CommunityU.S. Department of Education

$500,000+

Achievement School DistrictThe Eli and Edythe Broad

Foundation

$100,000+

AnonymousEDUCauseThe Green FoundationBeth and Michael HunkapillerJ.R. Hyde Senior Family FoundationSteven L. MerrillNewSchools Venture FundThe Ralph M. Parsons FoundationStuart Foundation

$50,000+

The Joseph Drown FoundationThe Sidney E. Frank Foundation

$25,000+

Jean-Pierre ConteKimberly and Jonathan GarfinkelLouise Muhlfeld Patterson and

Arthur PattersonHelen and Richard SpaldingJoyce and Robert Wisner

$10,000+

The Clayton Christensen InstituteSusan and Peter ColbyWarren Felson and Lucy SunMarci Glazer and Jonathan KaplanThe Peery Family FundSally and Jeff SnipesTPG Capital

$5,000+

CharterSafeLeslie and George HumeLynzi Ziegenhagen and Lindsey

LackSchoolzillaAnna Utgoff and Nicolas Spicer

$1,000+

Stephanie and Philip AlveldaNicole DeLorne Barker and Michael

BarkerConnie and Barry BaronGretchen and John BerggruenBingham McCutchen, LLPLeslie and Walter BurlockCharter Property GroupJohn ChinoNancy and Ed ConnerSayed and Elise DarwishSarah and Jason DiLulloSusan and Robert FinnochioCourtney Benoist and Jason FishRandi and Bob FisherColey and Steve FloranceCara and Scott FranceArthur J. Gallagher & Co.Gilbert Associates, LLPChi KimGary LarsonVictoria and Edward Leonard

Debbie and Peter MagowanTracy Leeds and Evan MarwellScott MauvisEileen and Peter MichaelJulie and Will ParishTom PeriacMary and Jeff PickardDebra and Andrew RachleffKaren and George RathmanRBC Capital Markets, LLCReasoning MindKristin and David RitterbushBetsy Blumenthal and Jonathan

RootNancy and Jason RosenthalDon ShalveySonitrolStifel, Nicolas, and CompanyAngie and Richard ThieriotLauren Dutton and Glen TrippUltimate Software Group, Inc.Wells FargoDavid WhortonLisa and Ted WilliamsDiane and Alfred WilseyCarey Wintroub

Includes funds received during the fiscal year from 7/1/2013-6/30/14.


oUr SchoolSBay area

Berkeley

Aspire California College Preparatory Academy, 9-12

east Palo alto

Aspire East Palo Alto Charter School, K-6Aspire East Palo Alto Phoenix

Academy, 7-12oakland

Aspire Berkley Maynard Academy, K-8Aspire College Academy, K-5Aspire ERES Academy, K-8Aspire Golden State College Preparatory

Academy, 6-12Aspire Lionel Wilson College Preparatory

Academy, 6-12Aspire Monarch Academy, K-5Aspire Triumph Technology Academy, K-5

los angeles

huntington park

Aspire Antonio Maria Lugo Academy, K-5Aspire Centennial College Preparatory

Academy, 6-8Aspire Huntington Park Charter School, K-5Aspire Junior Collegiate Academy, K-5Aspire Ollin University Preparatory

Academy, 7-10Aspire Pacific Academy, 6-7 &11-12Aspire Titan Academy, K-5South Gate

Aspire Firestone Academy, K-5Aspire Gateway Academy, K-5los angeles

Aspire Inskeep Academy, K-6Aspire Slauson Academy, K-6Aspire Tate Academy, K-6

Tennessee

memphis

Aspire Coleman Elementary School, Pre K-5Aspire Hanley Elementary School #1, Pre K-6Aspire Hanley Elementary School #2, Pre K-6

ca

Tn

central valley

Sacramento

Aspire Alexander Twilight College Preparatory Academy, K-5

Aspire Alexander Twilight Secondary Academy, 6-12

Aspire Capitol Heights Academy, K-5Stockton

Aspire APEX Academy, K-5Aspire Benjamin Holt College

Preparatory Academy, 6-12Aspire Langston Hughes Academy,

6-12Aspire Port City Academy, K-5Aspire River Oaks Charter School, K-5Aspire Rosa Parks Academy, K-5Aspire Vincent Shalvey Academy, K-5modesto

Aspire Summit Charter Academy, K-5Aspire University Charter School, K-5empire

Aspire Vanguard College Preparatory Academy, 6-12


SPonSorinG DiSTricTSachievement School District Alameda county office of educationceres unified school Districtlodi unified school Districtlos Angeles county office of educationlos Angeles unified school Districtmodesto city Schoolsoakland unified school Districtravenswood city School Districtsacramento city unified school Districtsan Juan unified school Districtstockton unified school DistrictSylvan Union elementary School District

BoarD oF DirecTorSBoard of Directors

warren Felson, Private investorJonathan garfinkel, tpg capitalBeth hunkapiller, Board chair, educator &

administratorSteven l. merrill, venture capitalistrichard c. Spalding, Kearny venture Partners

advisory Board

greg Jones, president & ceo (retired) of state farm General insurance

louise Muhlfeld patterson, human resources executive

Melvin J. Kaplan, chief executive officer, Wellington Financial Group

richard yanowitch, start-up executive and board Director

aspire Public Schools

1001 22nd Avenue, Suite 100 Oakland, CA 94606

510-434-5000

aspirepublicschools.org

[email protected]

Documents

Aspire Public Schools 2013-2014 School Year in Review