The APCSC Charter Check- In May 2026

Message from Executive Director

Dear APCSC Community,

May is always an exciting and meaningful time across our charter school community as we celebrate important milestones, recognize accomplishments, and prepare for the close of another successful school year.

This month, we proudly celebrate National Charter Schools Week, a time to recognize the impact and importance of public charter schools and the opportunities they provide for students and families across Alabama. We are proud of the innovation, leadership, and student centered work taking place throughout our charter sector and grateful for the educators, leaders, staff, and families who make it possible each day.

As the end of the school year approaches, I want to thank all school staff members for their continued hard work and commitment throughout the year. From administrators and teachers to counselors, operations teams, support staff, and community partners, every role contributes to the success of students and schools. Your dedication continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Alabama families.

I would also like to extend congratulations to our newly approved charter schools. These schools represent continued growth and opportunity within Alabama’s charter school landscape, and we are excited to see the impact they will make in their communities. APCSC remains committed to supporting strong, high quality schools that help expand educational opportunities for students across the state.

In addition, APCSC is proud to congratulate our first Charter School Program (CSP) Grant awardees. This marks an important step forward as we continue working to strengthen and expand charter school opportunities throughout Alabama. We look forward to supporting these schools as they continue growing and serving students and families.

Thank you for your continued partnership, dedication, and belief in the mission of public charter schools. We are proud of the progress happening across Alabama and excited for what lies ahead.

With gratitude and continued commitment,
Logan Searcy
Executive Director
Alabama Public Charter School Commission

APCSC recently approved four new public charter schools, continuing our work to expand high quality educational opportunities for students and families across the state. The newly approved schools will serve communities in Dothan, Tuscaloosa County, and Birmingham, bringing new learning models and innovative approaches designed to meet the unique needs of students across Alabama.

“We are proud of the work and dedication reflected in our 2026 application cycle,” said Logan Searcy, APCSC Executive Director. “These newly approved schools will help increase access to high quality public education and provide new opportunities for students across the state.”

The newly approved schools include TIME Leadership Academy, a K–8 school centered on leadership and whole child development; C.A. Fredd Jr. Career and Technical Academy, a workforce focused high school built around career readiness and technical education; xS.T.R.E.A.M. Minds Academy, which will provide a dynamic K–8 S.T.R.E.A.M. based learning experience; and Florecer Community School, a dual language immersion charter school focused on multilingual learning and cultural engagement.

Each school brings a distinct vision while sharing a common goal of preparing students for long term success through strong academics, meaningful student support, and innovative programming. As Alabama’s charter school sector continues to grow, APCSC remains committed to supporting thoughtful expansion, strong accountability, and educational opportunities that empower students and strengthen communities across the state.

A Day of Learning at University Charter School

APCSC Executive Director, Mrs. Logan Searcy; Academic Specialist Mrs. Madeline Jones; and CSP Grant Project Director, Mrs. Jane Ivey recently visited University Charter School for a day of learning and connection. During the visit, the team had the opportunity to spend time on campus, engage with school leaders and students, and observe the great work taking place at UCS. Thank you to University Charter School for welcoming APCSC staff and allowing the team to experience the meaningful work happening across campus. In additon, congratulations to UCS Students, Madison Pearce, Temaj Littlepage, Kirsten Jones and Caleigh Ward on placing in the 2026 Teen PSA Contenst.

The Alabama Public Charter School Commission is proud to announce the first recipients of the APCSC Charter School Program (CSP) Subgrants, an important step in our continued work to strengthen and expand high quality charter school opportunities across Alabama.

The following schools were selected to receive CSP Subgrant funding:

• Accel Day and Evening Academy — Mobile County, Alabama

• Covenant Academy of Mobile — Mobile County, Alabama

• Ignite Academy — Mobile County, Alabama

• Ivy Classical Academy — Elmore County, Alabama

• University Charter School — Sumter County, Alabama

Through these subgrants, APCSC is investing directly in schools to support stronger academic programming, increased operational capacity, and long term sustainability efforts. The funding will help schools continue building high quality learning environments while expanding opportunities for students and families in their communities.

“The Alabama Public Charter School Commission is proud to support schools that are expanding opportunities and delivering innovative educational options for students and families across our state,” said Mrs. Logan Searcy, Executive Director of the APCSC. “These subgrants will help schools strengthen their academic programs, build organizational capacity, and continue creating high quality learning environments that prepare students for long term success.”

Breakthrough Charter School Celebrates Historic Milestones

It has been an exciting season for Breakthrough Charter School as the school recently celebrated two major milestones. APCSC proudly congratulates Breakthrough on its very first graduating class, marking a historic moment for the school community. Breakthrough Charter School is also preparing to launch its first ever girls flag football program this fall after securing a $5,000 grant through the Atlanta Falcons and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. The new program will create additional opportunities for student athletes while continuing to expand extracurricular experiences for scholars both on and off the field.

i3 Students Gain Leadership Experience at Birmingham City Council Meeting

i3 Academy high school students recently attended a Birmingham City Council meeting through the Woodlawn United YES Leadership Program, where they had the opportunity to engage directly with city leaders and strengthen their understanding of civic engagement. During the visit, students met with Birmingham City Council members and Mayor Randall Woodfin, advocating for charter school students and families while learning more about local government and community leadership. Students gained valuable leadership development and a firsthand look at how civic involvement can create meaningful change. Thank you to Woodlawn United for helping make the opportunity possible as students continue growing as future leaders and agents of change within their communities.

Community Partners Support Covenant Academy Spring Fling Celebration

Covenant Academy of Mobile recently welcomed support from United Way of Southwest Alabama and volunteers from Regions Bank during their Day of Caring in support of the school’s annual Spring Fling celebration. The Regions team assisted with activities, supported students and staff, and helped create a fun and welcoming atmosphere throughout the event. Partnerships like these continue to make a meaningful impact and highlight the importance of community involvement in supporting schools and students.

Freedom Prep Leader Shares Vision for Students and Families

Freedom Preparatory Academy Alabama Executive Director Dr. Genesis Player recently joined Neonta Williams on The Advocate’s Chair with Black Alabamians for Education to discuss the importance of access, opportunity, and building strong educational communities for students and families.

During the conversation, Dr. Player shared her passion for creating environments where students feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to succeed. “Freedom Prep is a place where my passion meets my purpose,” Dr. Player shared. “I’m able to open doors for students that may not have been opened elsewhere and provide families with an educational home where they feel safe, supported, and secure.”

The discussion highlighted Freedom Prep’s continued commitment to serving students and families while creating opportunities that inspire long term success and growth.

Covenant Academy of Mobile Announces New Head of School

Covenant Academy of Mobile has announced Mrs. Jessica Reed, Ed.S., as its next Head of School. A respected educational leader, Mrs. Reed brings a strong passion for academic excellence, student development, and community impact. She has faithfully served the local educational community with dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to supporting students and families. Her leadership, vision, and experience position her well to guide Covenant Academy of Mobile into its next chapter of growth and achievement.

Empower Community School Welcomes New Leadership

Empower Community School is excited to welcome Dr. Luther Riley as its new Upper Campus Principal. Dr. Riley brings years of experience in school leadership along with a strong passion for supporting student growth, strengthening school culture, and creating positive change. His background includes serving as a principal, assistant principal, teacher, mentor, and coach. The school also announced that Mr. Payne will transition into the role of Director of Assessment, Data, and School Improvement, where he will continue supporting the academic success of scholars.

Grant Opportunity Available Through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Alabama schools are encouraged to explore funding opportunities available through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Be Healthy Initiative. The Be Healthy School Grant and Be Healthy Health Science Program were both established to support important health and wellness needs in schools, though each program offers different funding levels, focuses, and areas of support.

Schools interested in expanding wellness initiatives, student health programs, or health science related opportunities are encouraged to review both grant options to determine which best fits their school community’s needs.

The application period is currently open and will close on July 24. Schools can learn more and apply using the link below:

🔗 https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=bcbsal

 The program is administered by Scholarship America^® , the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Eligibility for individual programs is determined at the sole discretion of the sponsor and eligible applications are reviewed by Scholarship America’s evaluation team.

Eligibility

• Be current high school seniors.

• Reside in a county* in Alabama within the Alabama Power Company (APC) service territory.
  *Residents of the following counties in Alabama are outside of the APC service territory and are NOT eligible: Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Jackson, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison and Morgan.

• Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year.

• Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).

More info here: https://scholarshipamerica.org/scholarship/apfcommunity/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ_9lleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWWHhUWDlYZEtUc1lXaWNCc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoyLgv5I3iFxNLLcCaOin_Cs5_VSi-76PwfjLYRPVuCwoUYKfaTzke2F0QlS_aem_prnMvvZwHypSSmKlJfz5TQ

Upcoming ACT 2026 Test Dates

For more information visit, https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/test-dates.html

Memorandum: Fiscal Year 2027 Classroom Instructional Support Funds

Memorandum: Local Education Agency (LEA) Credit Recovery Plans

Memorandum: PowerSchool Student Plan and Problem-Solving Team (PST) Processes

Memorandum-Report Cards-School Level Per-Pupil Expenditures

Memorandum: End-of-Year Process and Key Dates