Bold By Choice Podcast

National Charter Schools Institute
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Bold By Choice Podcast tells the untold stories of the charter school movement—its origins, innovations, and ongoing evolution. Hosted by Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner of the National Charter Schools Institute, each episode brings together bold thinkers, doers, and trailblazers who are shaping the future of public education. Whether you’re an authorizer, board member, school leader, teacher, or education advocate, Bold by Choice offers deep conversations, practical insights, and real-life stories from the frontlines of chartering. From navigating policy and governance to centering students and communities, this podcast is your go-to space for truth-telling, inspiration, and unapologetically bold ideas. Because chartering isn’t just a process—it’s a promise.

  1. S4 E5 One School, Many Paths

    3D AGO

    S4 E5 One School, Many Paths

    In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Jim Goenner, Ph.D., Vashaunta Harris, and Don Cooper from the National Charter Schools Institute explore what it means to design a school around community, purpose, and the whole child. Joined by Alastair Pullen, Executive Director of Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, the conversation brings educational pluralism to life—showing how public education can reflect the unique values and needs of the communities it serves. What began as a parent-driven vision in Grant Park has grown into a thriving, community-rooted school where learning extends far beyond the classroom. At ANCS, students engage in constructivist, experiential learning—from cultivating food on a school farm to designing real-world projects tied to their interests. The result? Students who don’t just attend school—they want to be there. As one student put it: “I get to go to school.” Through this conversation, the Institute team highlights a powerful idea: when schools are intentionally designed around relationships, collaboration, and student identity, motivation isn’t forced—it emerges. Episode Highlights Educational pluralism and why public education shouldn’t look the same everywhere The origin story of a parent-founded, community-driven school How constructivist and experiential learning shapes student engagement Why culture is built through relationships, morning meetings, and advisory systems The impact of collaborative teaching teams and high retention What it means when students say, “I get to go to school”

    35 min
  2. S3 E4 Personalized, Not Programmed

    APR 8

    S3 E4 Personalized, Not Programmed

    Season 4 continues with Episode 4: “Personalized, Not Programmed”, a conversation about what happens when schools stop acknowledging student differences and start designing around them. Hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, joined by guest host Don Cooper, ground the episode in Ted Kolderie’s argument that student motivation rises when personalization becomes structural, not aspirational. From there, we travel to Learning Community Charter School (Jersey City, NJ) with Dr. Colin Hogan, Pavit Thakkar (8th grade), and Mrs. Thakkar (parent). Hear the “before/after” moment: a bold acceleration decision—supported by a trial period, mentoring, and family partnership—designed to increase challenge without sacrificing belonging. In the reflective synthesis, Don connects the story back to the charter idea: autonomy used not for novelty, but to build civic infrastructure—schools that create the conditions where excellence and human flourishing can thrive. Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute | Sponsored by The Founders Library.  Show notes Featured school: Learning Community Charter School (Jersey City, NJ)—a diverse, community-rooted model approaching its 30th anniversary (2027).  Guests: Dr. Colin Hogan (Head of School), Pavit Thakkar (8th grade student), Mrs. Thakkar (parent partner). Season frame: Season 4 asks what the charter idea still makes possible—pluralism, innovation, democratic purpose, and intentional design tradeoffs. Reading anchor: Kolderie, Split Screen — “Above All, Try Personalized Learning to Maximize Student Motivation.”  Classroom story hook: Pavit’s acceleration experience (4th → 6th) reveals personalization as a careful, supported system—not a one-off decision. Design tradeoff explored: increasing academic challenge while protecting social belonging (trial period, peer mentor pairing, counselor supports, and ongoing feedback loops). Personalization structures: learning lab supports, flexible acceleration, teacher collaboration, and mechanisms that respond to students in real time—so motivation can emerge rather than be manufactured. Reflective synthesis: Don and Jim zoom out to the civic purpose of autonomy—structure matters, design matters, freedom matters—when schools are built around learners instead of forcing learners to conform.

    42 min
  3. S4 E3 Innovation That Opens Doors

    APR 1

    S4 E3 Innovation That Opens Doors

    Guest: Michelle Trojan, Principal, Intrinsic Schools (Chicago, IL) Hosts: Vashaunta Harris & Jim Goenner Guest Host: Don Cooper Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute | Sponsored by The Founders Library What does innovation in education really mean? In Episode 3, the conversation challenges a common assumption: innovation isn’t always about inventing something entirely new — it’s often about trying, improving, and adapting what works. Vashaunta Harris, Jim Goenner, and guest host Don Cooper explore key ideas from this week’s readings, including the tension between uniformity and pluralism and the role of innovation happening closest to students — in classrooms, not policy. Then, they turn to practice. Joined by Michelle Trojan of Intrinsic Schools in Chicago, the episode highlights a school where innovation is not a program — it’s a mindset. From its Montessori-inspired design to its team-teaching “pod” model and flexible use of time, Intrinsic continuously evolves to meet student needs. Students take ownership of their learning through structures like C Day, where they choose academic support, enrichment, and leadership opportunities based on real-time data and personal goals. The school also expands what success looks like — connecting students to careers, trades, college pathways, and real-world experiences. Michelle’s story brings it full circle: leading a school in the same neighborhood where her own family once struggled to find the right educational fit — now creating access and opportunity for the next generation. As Don reflects, Intrinsic embodies a core truth: innovation happens closest to the problem — and closest to students. Show Notes • Theme: Innovation as Iteration — Trying, Improving, Adapting • Readings: Kolderie: Innovation is Schools and Teachers Trying New Things Berner: Uniformity vs. Pluralism • Guest host: Don Cooper • Featured school: Intrinsic Schools (Chicago, IL) Key Model Elements: • Team-teaching “pod” structure (gen ed + special ed collaboration) • Montessori-inspired design adapted for secondary students • Flexible learning spaces and real-time data use • Weekly “C Day” for student choice, support, and enrichment Student Experience: • Ownership of learning through goal-setting and choice • Exposure to careers, trades, and postsecondary pathways • Networking nights, career shadowing, and partnerships • $1.5M annual scholarship support + alumni coaching Big Ideas: • Innovation is continuous improvement, not one-time change • Pluralism allows schools to reflect different student needs and communities • Structure — not just choice — shapes what’s possible in education • Schools should prepare students to be confident, capable contributors to society #BoldByChoice

    33 min
  4. S4 E2 Not Passengers. Crew

    MAR 25

    S4 E2 Not Passengers. Crew

    Guest: Belicia Reaves, Executive Director, Two Rivers Public Charter School (Washington, D.C.) Hosts: Vashaunta Harris & Jim Goenner Guest Host: Don Cooper Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute | Sponsored by The Founders Library In Episode 2, we move from theory to practice — exploring how the democratic purpose of education comes to life inside real schools. Vashaunta Harris, Jim Goenner, and guest host Don Cooper are joined by Belicia Reaves of Two Rivers Public Charter School, a community-rooted school designed around inquiry, diversity, and shared responsibility. From preschoolers designing and building a bench for their school garden to middle school students leading service projects across their city, this conversation highlights how students learn democracy by practicing it — through real problems, real decisions, and real relationships. Belicia shares how Two Rivers was founded to meet a deeper civic need: developing not just academic skills, but compassionate, responsible citizens. Through project-based learning, student-led conferences, and a strong culture of “crew, not passengers,” the school intentionally builds both individual agency and collective responsibility. Together, the hosts reflect on a central tension in public education: how to balance family choice with shared norms, and how schools can serve as true civic infrastructure — preparing students not just for careers, but for participation in community and democracy. As Belicia reminds us, when schools are designed with purpose, students don’t just learn about the world — they learn how to shape it. Show Notes • Theme: The Democratic Purposes of Public Education • Reading: Rediscovering the Democratic Purposes of Education (Moe, Ch. 6) • Guest host: Don Cooper • Featured school: Two Rivers PCS (Washington, D.C.) Host Framing Questions: • What is most misunderstood about democracy’s role in education today? • Are schools designed as democratic institutions—or delivery systems? • What did chartering originally make possible around voice, pluralism, and participation? • What tensions do schools avoid: choice vs. coherence, diversity vs. consistency? • What would change if we truly designed schools for democratic purpose? In Practice at Two Rivers: • Inquiry-based, project-based learning • Diverse, community-rooted design • “Crew, not passengers” culture • Students solving real problems (garden bench project) • Middle school service learning grounded in civic engagement • Student-led conferences and standards-based grading Big Ideas: • Democracy is learned through participation, not abstraction • Schools can serve as civic infrastructure • Balancing family choice with shared community values • Preparing students to be active participants in society #BoldByChoice

    52 min
  5. S4 E1 Built Different

    MAR 18

    S4 E1 Built Different

    Featuring: Brett Peterson, Director at High Tech High Mesa (San Diego, CA) Student Guest: Isabella Coralez, Junior at High Tech High Hosts: Vashaunta Harris & Jim Goenner Guest Host: Don Cooper Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute | Sponsored by The Founders Library Season 4 of Bold by Choice begins with a new lens. Rather than focusing only on individual schools, this season explores the ideas behind the charter movement — the thinking that makes new and different kinds of public schools possible. The charter idea was never meant to create a separate sector of education. It was intended to introduce pluralism, innovation, and new possibilities within public education, allowing educators and communities to design schools around how students actually learn. In this opening episode, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner are joined by guest host Don Cooper to frame the season’s central question: What does the charter idea make possible today? Drawing on foundational readings including Reinventing America’s Schools and other core texts shaping the season, the hosts explore how chartering emerged as a movement to rethink the structure and purpose of public education. To bring those ideas to life, the conversation turns to High Tech High in San Diego, one of the country’s most influential project-based public charter schools. Director Brett Peterson reflects on the founding purpose of High Tech High — responding to concerns that students were graduating without the skills, confidence, and real-world experience needed for the modern world. High Tech High responded with bold design choices: integrated courses, project-based learning, exhibitions of student work, and strong relationships between teachers and students. Junior Isabella Coralez shares the student perspective, describing how internships, projects, and integrated coursework connect learning to the real world and help students see themselves as creators, problem-solvers, and contributors. Together, the hosts and guests explore the tradeoffs behind intentional school design — including High Tech High’s choice to prioritize project-based learning and authentic demonstrations of learning rather than traditional structures like AP course tracks. The episode closes with a reflective conversation about what High Tech High reveals about the charter idea itself: that the true promise of chartering lies in creating space for educators to design schools differently while remaining accountable to students, families, and communities. Season 4 invites listeners to think deeply about the future of public education — not by searching for a single model to replicate, but by exploring the ideas that make meaningful innovation possible. Show Notes • Season Theme: The Charter Idea Today — What’s Possible • Chartering as a movement for educational pluralism, not simply a sector of schools • Core reading: Reinventing America’s Schools by David Osborne • Guest host: Don Cooper • Featured school: High Tech High — San Diego, California • Key design elements: Project-based learning Integrated coursework Small schools and teaching teams No academic tracking Student exhibitions and real-world projects • Student voice: learning connected to community, internships, and authentic problem-solving • Tradeoffs in school design and why intentional choices matter • Season 4 explores pluralism, innovation, student agency, and the evolving charter idea #BoldByChoice

    43 min

  6. MAR 11

    S3 E11 Montessori for All

    Guest: Christie Huck, CEO, City Garden Montessori School (St. Louis, MO) Hosts: Vashaunta Harris & Jim Goenner Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute In this episode of Bold by Choice, we travel to St. Louis to spotlight City Garden Montessori School — a public charter school built on the belief that Montessori education should be accessible to every child. CEO Christie Huck shares the story of how City Garden began — not as an education reform initiative, but as a group of parents asking a powerful question: What kind of school do our children and our city truly deserve? What began with living-room conversations and a tiny preschool eventually grew into a public charter school serving more than 600 students across early childhood, elementary, and adolescent programs. Grounded in the Montessori philosophy, City Garden creates prepared environments where students build independence, responsibility, and a deep love of learning. In classrooms filled with hands-on materials, collaboration, and student ownership, children learn not just academics — but how to care for their community and for one another. City Garden reminds us that when schools trust children’s curiosity and design learning environments around their humanity, extraordinary things can happen. Stay Bold by Choice. Show Notes • Season 3 Partner: Diverse Charter Schools Coalition • City Garden Montessori School — St. Louis, Missouri • Montessori philosophy: autonomy, independence, and individualized learning • Prepared environments designed for beauty, order, and student ownership • Public charter model expanding Montessori access to diverse families • Grew from 53 students in 2008 to more than 600 students today • Teachers undergo rigorous Montessori certification and training • Students stay in multi-year classroom communities, strengthening relationships • Student lesson of the year: children show profound compassion and care for one another in times of hardship #SchoolBrag

    35 min
  7. S3 E10 Learning That Moves You

    MAR 4

    S3 E10 Learning That Moves You

    Guest: Rachelle Martinez, Operational Leader, Odyssey Charter Schools (Altadena, CA) Host: Vashaunta Harris Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute In this episode of Bold by Choice, we head to Altadena, California, to spotlight Odyssey Charter Schools — a community built around active learning, strong relationships, and a workshop model designed for how students actually learn. This season, in partnership with the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition, we’re highlighting intentionally designed public schools across the country. Odyssey lives deeply into that promise — centering student voice, social-emotional well-being, and academic rigor in equal measure. Operational leader Rachelle Martinez shares how behind-the-scenes leadership shapes students’ daily experience — from navigating renewal years ago to leading through COVID and the devastating Eaton fire. Through it all, Odyssey remained focused on what mattered most: creating safe, responsive spaces where students feel known and supported. We explore the school’s workshop model, restorative practices like the Peace Path, and beloved traditions like Stone Soup Day — all grounded in community, collaboration, and resilience. Odyssey reminds us that great schools aren’t accidental. They are built — and rebuilt — on purpose. Stay Bold by Choice. Show Notes • Season 3 Partner: Diverse Charter Schools Coalition • Odyssey was founded in 1999 to challenge one-size-fits-all instruction • Workshop model: mini-lessons + collaborative learning + “organized chaos” • Responsive Classroom & restorative practices embedded from TK • Peace Path conflict resolution system across campus • Stone Soup Day community tradition rooted in collective responsibility • Led through COVID and the Eaton fire with a focus on safety and belonging • Operational leadership as a driver of student experience • Student lesson of the year: resilience, flexibility, and hope #SchoolBrag

    35 min
  8. S3 E9 Inquiry in Action

    FEB 25

    S3 E9 Inquiry in Action

    Guest: Tresha Ward, CEO, Prospect Schools (Brooklyn, NY) Hosts: Vashaunta Harris & Jim Goenner Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute In this episode of the Bold by Choice Podcast, we travel to Brooklyn to spotlight Prospect Schools — one of New York City’s first intentionally integrated charter school networks, grounded in the International Baccalaureate framework and designed around inquiry, identity, and belonging. This season, in partnership with the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition, we’re highlighting schools that are intentionally diverse by design — and Prospect lives that commitment every day. CEO Tresha Ward shares how her journey as the daughter of West Indian immigrants and a first-generation college student shaped her leadership and her commitment to ensuring students are not just college-ready, but life-ready. From shadowing students each year to building systems where every child is known by at least one adult, Tresha unpacks how intentional diversity and inquiry-driven learning prepare students to thrive in complex, global spaces. Prospect reminds us that excellence and belonging aren’t opposites — they’re partners. Stay Bold by Choice. Show Notes • Season 3 Partner: Diverse Charter Schools Coalition • Prospect Schools is one of NYC’s first intentionally integrated charter networks • Grounded in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework • Students engage in interdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning • CEO shadows students annually to lead through a student lens • Strong adult culture with 80%+ staff retention • Expanding focus on life-ready skills: digital literacy, financial literacy, college persistence & career preparation • Alumni partnerships supporting students beyond high school graduation #SchoolBrag

    37 min
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out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Bold By Choice Podcast tells the untold stories of the charter school movement—its origins, innovations, and ongoing evolution. Hosted by Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner of the National Charter Schools Institute, each episode brings together bold thinkers, doers, and trailblazers who are shaping the future of public education. Whether you’re an authorizer, board member, school leader, teacher, or education advocate, Bold by Choice offers deep conversations, practical insights, and real-life stories from the frontlines of chartering. From navigating policy and governance to centering students and communities, this podcast is your go-to space for truth-telling, inspiration, and unapologetically bold ideas. Because chartering isn’t just a process—it’s a promise.

Information

  • Creator
    National Charter Schools Institute
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Bold By Choice Podcast

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