National Alliance for Public Charter Schools' Nina Rees Congratulates Uncommon Schools, Winner of The 2013 Broad Prize for Public Charter Schools

WASHINGTON, July 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Alliance for Public Charter Schools president and CEO Nina Rees today issued the following statement congratulating The 2013 Broad Prize for Public Charter Schools winner:

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"On behalf of the American public charter school movement and the more than 4,000 charter school leaders and advocates gathered in Washington, D.C. for the National Charter Schools Conference, I am thrilled to congratulate everyone at Uncommon Schools for winning the 2013 Broad Prize for Public Charter Schools.

"Uncommon Schools is a shining example of great public charter schools changing the course of children's lives. Even though more than 78 percent of Uncommon's nearly 8,000 students across Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York are low-income, these students are outperforming their peers statewide. 

"The data shows that the Uncommon Schools network of 32 public charter schools had the most outstanding overall student performance and improvement in the nation in recent years while reducing achievement gaps for low-income students and students of color. For example, Uncommon's seniors achieved an average SAT score of 1570 – 20 points above the college-readiness benchmark of 1550 established by the College Board.

"Results like this are indeed uncommon – and, by all measures, inspiring – to us all. I commend Uncommon Schools and every teacher, parent and student involved in this success. Generations of student lives will be changed because of your good work.

"One of the reasons public charter schools are set up for success is because the charter model is designed to have the freedom and built in accountabilities to keep improving upon itself. In this spirit, I encourage public schools nationwide to learn from Uncommon Schools – to learn how Uncommon is closing achievement gaps four times more often than other large charter management organizations across the country.

"And on behalf of the families and nearly one million student names on charter school waitlists today, I encourage legislators and policy-makers to remove barriers and allow for many more quality charter schools like Uncommon Schools to take root."

About the National Alliance
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is the leading national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the public charter school movement. Our mission is to lead public education to unprecedented levels of academic achievement by fostering a strong charter sector. For more information, please visit our website at www.publiccharters.org.

SOURCE National Alliance for Public Charter Schools