Our Work

NewSchools is a venture philanthropy that builds a better education system by connecting people, resources, and ideas. We bridge the gap between those with capital and those with the courage to put that capital to work on the frontlines of education.

Our Approach

Invest
in promising leaders and ideas

We guide capital to the right places and the right people in ways that align with our values and evidence-informed perspective.

Amplify
solutions and success stories

We challenge limiting beliefs about whose expertise and perspective matters. Our research and insights illuminate what’s working in education.

Build
broader and better coalitions

We use our unique position to bring together allies and unlikely partners who are committed to delivering better results for all students.

“My partnership with NewSchools feels different than other funders. There's a sense of care, support, and acknowledgment of how the landscape has shifted that I truly appreciate.”

"Looking ahead 25 years from now, I hope students have joy in their lives. I hope that, whatever they're doing, they find a sense of fulfillment and meaning. This is what I’m working toward with NewSchools’ support.”

"One thing I've learned in community organizing is that we have inherent power. I had a perspective of philanthropy as ‘us and them.’ NewSchools is shifting that narrative."

“NewSchools gave me a platform for my leadership. Young people deserve to co-create an educational experience that works for every student. We’re young and capable, and there is value in both.”

Venture Leaders Spotlight

Ana Fernanda Flores-Bolívar

Principal, La Promesa, Aldine ISD, Houston

Ruben Morris

CEO, Alabama Aerospace & Aviation High School

Monique Uzelac

Director, Washtenaw Alliance for Virtual Education

Our Investment Model

We are the first venture philanthropy focused on K-12 education. As a non-profit and intermediary funder, we raise charitable donations and then grant those funds to early-stage entrepreneurs who are reimagining public education.

Step 1: We put out an open call to innovators.

Our funding opportunity is open to anyone with a bold, innovative idea. We publicize our application broadly, with the goal of attracting diverse applicants representing a range of backgrounds, geographies, and solutions.

Step 2: We screen applications in, not out.

Our initial screen evaluates how well the idea and the team align with our investment strategy and our focus on innovation and equity. We review submissions to identify the most promising candidates for further diligence.

Step 3: We take a deeper look and seek community input.

During our diligence process, we evaluate teams against our full investment criteria. We conduct interviews, check references, and follow-up on open questions.

We work with students, parents, educators, and researchers to provide feedback, ensuring our investments are inclusive and impactful. All first-time investments will be informed by community leaders.

Step 4: We fund and support innovators.

We select a portfolio of promising leaders and ideas. In addition to funding, our ventures receive management assistance and participate in communities of practice to strengthen their organizations and deepen their impact.

Step 5: We keep learning and improving.

We engage with applicants and funded ventures to understand and learn from their experiences. This helps us improve our approach and better meet the needs of innovators.

Our Strategy

We are embracing an optimistic outlook for the future of education. Although tomorrow’s challenges are uncertain, one thing is clear: a better future begins in our classrooms. Education fuels progress!

Our Approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

NewSchools was founded on the idea that passionate entrepreneurs with powerful ideas could reimagine K-12 education and give all students a better opportunity to succeed — particularly those from underserved communities. We understand the privileged role we play in education as a funder and as an organization with access and influence.

We leverage our unique position by acting on our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) every day — whether it’s in our internal practices and decisions or how we partner to advance the fields of education and philanthropy.