Who We Are and What We Do
NACSA is a national nonprofit organization that strengthens the conditions for authorizers and practice of authorizing through research, policy recommendations, actionable resources, and learning opportunities
NACSA brings unmatched, on-the-ground experience, built by more than 25 years experience working alongside authorizers nationwide. Our work gives us a singular professional expertise on what quality authorizing looks like in practice—and what it takes to sustain it over time.
We advance and strengthen the ideas and practices of authorizing so students and communities—especially those who are historically under-resourced—thrive.
NACSA equips authorizers—the regulators who oversee public charter schools—with the information, support, and sector-leading guidance they need to do their jobs best.
Our Theory of Action
Too many children—particularly in under-resourced communities—are enrolled in low-performing schools.
All children deserve access to high-performing public schools.
Authorizers are best positioned to improve school quality at scale. But, the conditions in their states don’t always set them up for success. Too often, authorizers are isolated, understaffed, and unaware of best practices that have worked in other states across the country. NACSA connects, convenes and equips authorizers so that they have the information and the community they need to do their best work.
Improving school quality at scale requires:
- Expanding families’ access to quality schools
- Providing educators the autonomy they need to excel
- Holding schools accountable for performance
Charter schools can play a vital role in public education when:
- Quality authorizing is essential
- Authorizers ensure access, autonomy, and accountability
- Authorizers take responsibility for the overall performance of their portfolios
NACSA is uniquely positioned to provide and curate the resources authorizers need and to elevate the issues that most impact effective oversight and student outcomes