Federal Policy

The National Alliance works on behalf of the charter school community at the national level, including advocating for resources to launch and expand charter schools and for a supportive federal policy environment. We work closely with charter school stakeholders, the U.S. Department of Education, and key members of Congress to ensure that charter schools are treated fairly in federal policy and regulations. Our work on the Every Student Succeeds Act helped ensure that critical updates were made to help charter schools thrive and we advocate each year to ensure that the federal Charter Schools Program receives the funding it needs to help meet parent demand for charter schools.

The National Alliance is proud to collaborate with individuals and organizations to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality public education. Join us and become a charter school advocate.

Expand Congressional and Administrative Support

Charter schools have enjoyed strong, bipartisan support since the first charter school opened in Minnesota in 1992. The National Alliance works to cultivate this support by educating Members of Congress about the important role charter schools play in providing children access to a school environment that meets their unique needs. The National Alliance also serves as a critical first point of contact for policymakers as they make decisions that affect charter schools around the nation.

Increase Federal Funding

The Charter Schools Program (CSP) is the only source of federal funding to support the opening of new charter schools and the replication and expansion of charter schools that are producing results. Parent surveys suggest there are as many as 5 million children waiting for their chance to attend a charter school—and the National Alliance advocates for increased funding for the CSP to help close the gap by creating new schools and replicating or expanding existing charter schools that are producing results. We also advocate for other sources of funding for charter schools such as the New Market Tax Credits which are integral for investments in charter school facilities.

Represent and Protect the Charter School Model

The Charter Schools Program (CSP) is the only source of dedicated federal funding for the creation of public charter schools. At its current funding level of $440 million for FY20, the CSP amounts to less than 1 percent of federal spending on K-12 education, but is making a big difference for kids. Between school year 2006-07 and school year 2016-17, CSP has funded nearly 45 percent of operational public charter schools that serve 1.3 million students. For 25 years, the CSP has provided states with resources to help ensure that every child can access a high-quality education at a public school. It forms a backbone of both the public education system and the charter school movement to provide more equitable opportunities for all students. To learn more, see our Charter Schools Program overview or visit the U.S. Department of Education website.

Engage Constituents

An important part of representing the charter school movement is ensuring the voices of our parents, students, teachers and leaders are represented in the halls of Congress. The National Alliance creates opportunities for charter advocates to visit Washington D.C. and write or call their representatives.

The Latest from our Federal Team

Criteria for the U.S. Secretary of Education

Federal COVID-19 Response

Strengthen Federal Investment in Charter School Facilities

Education Priorities for 2021