OUR WORK
What We Do
Rhode Island’s charter public schools are tuition-free, open to all, and held to the state’s highest standards of accountability. Our work strengthens what these schools can offer so every family has access to a school that is right for their child.
At the League, we are committed to ensuring all children and families across Rhode Island have access to high quality public schools. We believe that we are stronger together. The League works to help schools work together instead of alone, provide families with information about their public school options, and support school leaders and boards.
Featured Initiative:
ACCESS Leadership Lab
The ACCESS Leadership Lab, started in September 2025, is a multi-year initiative led by the Rhode Island League of Charter Public Schools to strengthen how charter public schools serve students with disabilities. The ACCESS Leadership Lab builds the skills of charter leaders, gives families clear information about their options, and helps schools work together so every student has access to a public school that meets their child’s needs.
Coaching for School Leaders
Charter school leaders join a learning group led by the Special Education Leader Fellowship (SELF). Over eighteen months, leaders take part in school visits, hands-on training days, and monthly coaching calls to help bring new ideas to their own schools.
Support Across Schools
The League partners with the Center for Leadership Equity and SELF to help charter public schools work together. This work includes a statewide look at schools’ strengths and needs, a tool that gives families clear information to choose the right school for their child, and ways for schools to share services and spend smarter for students.
Accountable Leadership
An Advisory Committee of experts, leaders, and family members helps guide the project. WestEd, an outside evaluator, tracks progress along the way.
TOOLKIT
Coming soon!
Frequently asked questions
Do charter public schools serve students with disabilities?
Yes, all charter public schools serve differently abled learners or students with disabilities. In 2025-26, 15% of all charter public school students were differently abled learners.
What is the ACCESS Leadership Lab?
The ACCESS Leadership Lab is led by the Rhode Island League of Charter Public Schools to strengthen how charter public schools serve differently abled students or students with disabilities. It is funded by a federal Charter Schools Program grant and runs through 2030.
Which charter public schools are participating in Project ACCESS?
Cohort 1 includes Achievement First, PVD Prep, RISE Prep, Segue Institute for Learning, and SouthSide Elementary. Two more cohorts will join over the life of the grant.
How does Project ACCESS help my child?
Every Rhode Island charter public school benefits from the systems-level work through the ACCESS Leadership Lab. This work includes a statewide needs assessment to help charter public schools identify areas for improvement, a family navigation tool, and shared services recommendations. These efforts will result in better communication for families and improved services for families.
Who evaluates whether efforts through the ACCESS Leadership Lab is working?
WestEd, an independent evaluator, tracks progress and supports continuous improvement throughout the grant. Findings and tools will be shared publicly with charter public schools across Rhode Island and nationally as they become available.