Our Investment Areas
We believe the genius to create an excellent and equitable education system already exists in our nation, in our communities, and that new ideas must have the support they need to grow. That’s why NewSchools offers not just funding, but partnership and support, to innovators who seek to build strong schools and organizations dedicated to a more just future in education. To get there, we support entrepreneurs in four investment areas: Innovative Schools, Learning Solutions, and Teaching Reimagined, while also investing in solutions that empower students with Learning Differences.
Please see our Apply for Funding page to learn more about our funding opportunities.
Innovative Public Schools
Excellent, innovative schools can transform the lives of students, their families, and communities. We support the creation of new charter and district schools that provide students with a solid academic foundation and the mindsets, habits, and skills needed for success in life. These schools will emphasize student agency, prioritize relationships and community collaboration, and engage students with the broader world as they explore their passions and develop their future plans.
Learning Solutions
Existing schools need help developing student-centered classrooms that offer learners personalized support. We invest in learning solutions — including tools, content, and models — that accelerate literacy and math growth. We aim to create new possibilities by supporting solutions that unlock the power of research and instructional expertise for all students.
Teaching Reimagined
It’s time to reimagine the role of educators and right-size the job so that teachers can support students to meet their academic and social-emotional learning goals. Within our Innovative Schools portfolio, we have observed a strong positive relationship between school culture, teacher retention, and student outcomes. The implications are clear: students thrive when educators thrive. Recent studies also reinforce the significant impact of educator well-being on student success. These impacts are greatest for students furthest from opportunity.
Learning Differences
We invest in ideas that enhance teaching and learning for students with diagnosed and undiagnosed disabilities within and beyond our three main focus areas, particularly ideas focused on professional development, special education workforce initiatives, and postsecondary readiness solutions.