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A public charter school student and graduate

2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT

2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT

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A public charter school student and graduate

2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT

DOWNLOAD PRINT VERSION

2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT

2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT

DOWNLOAD PRINT VERSION
Friends,
More than 30 years after the first public charter schools took root in Texas, this community continues to flourish: sprouting diverse new opportunities, serving more communities, and nurturing future leaders.

Throughout 2025-26, I had the privilege of hearing from school leaders, board members, policymakers, funders, and partners who share a common belief that every student deserves access to a high-quality public education. This collective commitment shaped TPCSA's new strategic plan.

As we enter this next chapter, we are redoubling our focus on what matters — making sure that Texas public charter schools keep winning in Austin. Every member service, advocacy initiative, communications effort, and investment in our organization will advance that goal.

Of course, winning means more than passing legislation. It's about creating the conditions for growth and protecting the autonomy that allows schools to innovate. It means putting strong student outcomes at the center of every decision.

This year, we have an opportunity to build on historic facilities wins and tackle some of our schools' biggest challenges. But only if we come together.

Because when public charter schools speak with one voice, Texas listens.
Natalie Kaharick
Chief Executive Officer

Celebrating 30 years of 

Celebrating 30 years

of 

Charter schools have transformed public education in Texas. TPCSA told that story during a yearlong celebration of our community’s 30th anniversary — including original research that makes the impact of public charter schools undeniable.

Our three-part series struck a chord with 200,000 parents, educators, and supporters statewide, who opened 1.1 million emails and engaged 1,248 times on social media. Many actively joined the celebration by sharing their own pieces of Texas charter history.

More than 1.5 million students have attended a Texas public charter school.

Charter schools help more graduates earn college degrees, industry certifications, and higher wages.

More than 1.5 million students have attended a Texas public charter school.

Expanding Horizons report coverExplore Chapter 3

Charter schools help more graduates earn college degrees, industry certifications, and higher wages.

Building Brighter Futures report coverExplore Chapter 1

Findings
that
tell our
story

Public charter school students enroll in college at a rate about 12 percentage points higher than students in traditional districts.

370,000 Texas high school students have access to a great public school only because of their proximity to high-performing charters.

Public charter school students enroll in college at a rate about 12 percentage points higher than students in traditional districts.

370,000 Texas high school students have access to a great public school only because of their proximity to high-performing charters.

charter 

Unlocking the Power of Greater Facilities Funding

Before the passage of House Bill 2, Cedars Academy faced a dilemma. The school had outgrown its buildings, but securing a new home in East Austin was simply too expensive.

That’s why Dr. Leslie Sparacello, the superintendent, became the face of TPCSA’s 2024-25 facilities funding campaign. She repeatedly met with lawmakers and testified at the Capitol multiple times during the 2025 session.

In fall 2026, Cedars Academy began the year in its brand-new campus. In May, we even took a few legislative staffers to tour the new building and see the impact of their support during the 89th session. According to Dr. Sparacello, it’s a true Cinderella story — from cramped portable buildings and teaching in the cafeteria to ample classrooms with plenty of light and space for learning and play.

“We are absolutely, over-the-moon excited,” she shared. Two weeks later, trucks arrived to take Cedars to its new home.
For Cedars, additional facilities funding means the community can stay together. That means everything to parents like Brianna Everett, a Cedars graduate whose two sons are thriving at the school today. (She even met her husband at Cedars in middle school.)
For Cedars, additional facilities funding means the community can stay together. That means everything to parents like Brianna Everett, a Cedars graduate whose two sons are thriving at the school today. (She even met her husband at Cedars in middle school.)

the long bough of advocacy

Policy change doesn’t happen in a single season. This timeline traces how each advocacy win for charter school facilities grew into the next — blossoming into reduced costs, more cash, and greater access to buildings ready to help kids learn.

Planting New Seeds for Success

Every public charter school should have access to the facilities its students deserve. Today, some traditional districts are bending over backward to prevent public charter schools from purchasing unused buildings. Our top priority in the 90th session will be to give charters the first right of refusal for vacant buildings and to prevent deed restrictions that block buyers of those buildings from using them as schools.
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THE ANNUAL REPORT
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Advocacy In the Interim
Supporting A Vibrant Charter Community
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