Distinctive Schools is a non-profit organization dedicated to operating, supporting and accelerating the work of charter schools serving kids from traditionally under-served backgrounds. The organization is committed to demonstrating results by collaborating with existing networks, providing strong support and resource allocation at the local level, and by utilizing proven programs and practices that have evidence based in recent research as measured by value added outcomes for students. Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. Distinctive Schools embraces the power of parents and communities to eliminate barriers to learning and create a culture of caring.
Our goal is to be instrumental in closing the achievement gap in our nation between rich and poor, and to improve our position relative to other nations’ academic performance, especially in regard to mathematics and science. Given the deficit many children have when they join our schools, it will be expected that all students in schools we operate will experience the equivalent of 1.5 years of academic growth each year (as measured by NWEA Measure of Academic Progress—MAP). Our overarching goal is to increase the number of high achieving charter schools and consequently the opportunities for children from low-income and other families to succeed in school, in college and in life.
Distinctive Schools aspires to achieve in each of its schools a model of collaboration and support, based on current research and utilizing creative staffing and technology solutions to support the growing U.S. charter school market. Too often organizations seek to create new models when, in fact, sufficient research and examples already exist that demonstrate high levels of learning for all students. What is often missing is the vehicle for linking best practice with fidelity of implementation. Distinctive Schools at its core represents a dynamic network of education and business thought leaders all committed to one critical mission – ensuring that all students in the U.S. have the opportunity for a bright future.
