Autonomous Schools: A New Path to Growing High-Quality, Innovative Public Schools
February 25, 2019

This report from Public Impact considers how U.S. school districts increasingly create autonomous district schools to give their schools the flexibility afforded to charter schools, in an effort to provide high-quality, innovative, and diverse public schools at scale. Like charter schools, autonomous district schools are exempt from some policies governing state-funded schools, and they have autonomy over some staffing, curriculum, budget, and operational decisions. They may be operated or supported by external school management organizations, but they remain part of the school district, which holds them accountable for their performance through contracts or alternative governance structures. This report, developed with the support of the Walton Family Foundation, examines autonomous district school models, how they differ from traditional district and charter schools, and design and implementation elements that districts should consider when creating autonomous district schools.

 

The Colorado Rural Collaborative Guide is designed to raise awareness and support rural communities in expanding college and career pathways through regional partnerships. Rural Collaboratives serve as intermediary organizations that bring together school districts, higher education institutions, and employers to create shared opportunities for students.

This guide covers:

  • The benefits of forming a Rural Collaborative
  • Examples of collaborative services that design, expand, and enhance pathways
  • Governance models and sustainable funding strategies
  • Lessons from the field

By fostering cross-sector partnerships, Rural Collaboratives can improve student outcomes and strengthen local economies. This resource offers actionable strategies and real-world examples to help rural leaders navigate the process of building and sustaining collaborative efforts.