The Mind Trust

10/15/2026

The Mind Trust's North Star Fellowship fellows recently traveled to Atlanta to visit innovative charter schools, including Resurgence Hall Charter School, Charles R. Drew Charter School, Amana Academy, and Tapestry Public Charter School DeKalb Campus. Along the way, they learned about accountability, authentic community partnerships, leadership, and experiential learning. The visit was a huge success and a great bonding experience!

10/09/2026

⭐ Ready to open a charter school in Connecticut? Join The Mind Trust for an in-person North Star Fellowship information session!

LOCATION: NXTHVN, 169 Henry St., New Haven, CT https://www.google.com/maps/search/169+Henry+St.,+New+Haven,+CT?entry=gmail&source=g
DATE: Thursday, November 5 | 5:30-7:30 PM
Light food provided

Learn about:
• Fellowship benefits, including salary and national learning experiences
• Programming content and personalized coaching
• The application process and deadlines

The priority application deadline is Monday, November 30, 2026.

Reserve your spot: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8ZjyO7z3gzCdzcS174HrMSO4jYBAINZaXg5smHd2exIQgNA/viewform?usp=header

10/08/2026

Read The Mind Trust's CEO Brandon Brown's op-ed in the IndyStar on how accountability and autonomy are driving learning gains in Indy charter schools and why IPEC should consider these results to grow what works for students.

"IPEC presents an opportunity to do more of what works and less of what doesn’t, all while safeguarding the autonomy of educators to do what they do best."

Charter and innovation schools posted gains far above state averages on ILEARN while IPS direct-run schools stalled.

10/07/2026

At the end of September, our Indiana Charter School Fellows participated in a multi-day leadership intensive designed to strengthen their capacity to lead high-quality, sustainable charter schools. Sessions provided the fellows with opportunities to deepen their understanding of the authorizer-school relationship, explore effective governance practices and strategies for building and sustaining enrollment, and examine common leadership mindsets that can influence decision-making and organizational effectiveness. We are excited to see how the fellows learn from one another and identify areas for growth and support as they move into the next phase of the fellowship!

10/06/2026

Since August, Journalism Academy for Writing and Storytelling (JAWS) students have been exploring various career opportunities in media, ranging from broadcast journalism to digital content creation and filmmaking. Recently, the students heard from two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Rachael Wilkerson, Fox 59/CBS 4; Emmy nominee Chalandon Walker, WISH TV; and Deonna Weatherly, founder of Weatherhouse Company.

JAWS is a year-long fellowship for KIPP Legacy High School students, and a collaborative effort between the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, Edna Martin Christian Center, KIPP Indy Public Schools, and the Mind Trust. Learn more: https://indianapolisrecorder.com/spotlight-on-jaws/

10/06/2026

Applications are open for The Mind Trust's North Star Fellowship! This program offers exceptional leaders the support and resources needed to develop and launch new public charter schools in Connecticut.

Fellowship highlights:
- One to two years of competitive salary, with healthcare and benefits.
- Connecticut charter application support from industry experts.
- Nationwide travel to learn from some of the country's most innovative schools.
- Collaboration and learning with a fellowship cohort.

The priority application deadline is Monday, November 30, 2026. Learn about fellow qualifications, the application process, fellowship experience, and more at: https://themindtrust-the-mind-trust-fellowships.na.teamtailor.com/jobs/693840-north-star-fellowship?promotion=29981-trackable-share-link-social-media

10/05/2026

The 2026 ILEARN results show that Indianapolis independent charter and innovation schools are leading the way on post-pandemic learning gains and proficiency rates! This year, among the open enrollment schools located within and near IPS boundaries, 11 of the top 15 schools for low-income student proficiency are independent charter and innovation schools. Congratulations to these schools for supporting excellent outcomes for their students:

Allegiant Preparatory Academy
Christel House Academy West
Circle City Prep Elementary School
Girls IN STEM Academy
Herron Preparatory Academy
Indiana Math And Science Academy West
Paramount Schools of Excellence Brookside
Paramount Schools of Excellence Cottage Home
Paramount Schools of Excellence Englewood
Phalen Leadership Academies PLA93
Victory College Prep Elementary School

Learn more about this year’s ILEARN results: https://www.themindtrust.org/blog/2026/09/25/2026-ilearn-indianapolis-charter-schools-are-the-highest-performing-public-school-type-in-ips-boundaries/

10/02/2026

Thank you for joining us yesterday evening as we gathered to celebrate The Mind Trust CT’s vibrant community! We're glad so many of our friends could join us to celebrate the past two years of growth in Connecticut, and we hope you left feeling connected, celebrated, and empowered.

10/02/2026

In September, Danbury Charter School held a meet and greet for Daniel Hicks, a North Star Fellowship fellow with The Mind Trust and the school's founding principal. The school is planned to open in the fall of 2027, pending funding approval from the Connecticut General Assembly, and the event gave Daniel the opportunity connect with the community and share his vision for the school.

10/02/2026

Kelz Hoop Champions of Literacy—a partnership between the Kelz Hoop Foundation (Kelsey Mitchell), AD1 Legacy, and The Mind Trust—brought together Global Preparatory Academies' third-grade Literacy Champions and their parents for a special Indiana Fever game experience at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The event connected students' academic success and perseverance to an unforgettable celebration with Fever player Kelsey Mitchell's foundation and served as a fantastic tribute to the students' dedication!