Back To MCPSA News
As students and educators settle into the new school year and find new rhythms, the recent release of the 2026 MCAS results gives us an opportunity to reflect and recognize the positive outcomes of charter public schools across Massachusetts.
The statewide results show there is still significant work ahead. However, they also show what is possible when schools pair high expectations with strong instruction and a focus on student success.
Sectorwide, charter students from historically underserved communities are achieving at higher rates than their district peers. Black and Hispanic charter students outperformed district peers in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math in grades 3–8 and grade 10, as did English learners and students from low-income households.
Individual schools also earned significant recognition. Berkshire Arts & Technology, Boston Prep, Collegiate Charter School of Lowell, Libertas Academy, and Rising Tide were named 2026 Schools of Recognition by the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) for their high achievement, significant growth, and progress toward meeting or exceeding accountability targets. Abby Kelley Foster, Benjamin Banneker, Codman Academy, Excel Academy, Libertas Academy, New Heights, and Pioneer Charter School of Science were recognized by DESE for meeting or exceeding their 2019 achievement levels in both ELA and math.
These results deserve celebration. But as I reminded the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) during their September meeting, MCAS results are more than just numbers. Those numbers represent children. They tell us whether our students can read, analyze, calculate, and think critically, and whether our children are developing the skills that will empower them to live the lives they dream of.
Throughout the BESE meeting, charter public school educators and leaders from Benjamin Banneker, Libertas Academy, Excel Academy, and Brooke shared how strong literacy instruction, high expectations, educator development, and a relentless focus on excellence are driving results. Secretary of Education Steve Zrike also highlighted Community Day’s early education work as a “strong model.”
That is what these results should ultimately inspire: not simply celebration, but learning.
When schools are getting strong results — particularly for students our education system has too often underserved — we should ask what is working, learn from those gaining momentum, and consider how all public school students can benefit.
Thank you to the educators, leaders, and families who are working to support our children every day.
Onto the work ahead,
Tim Nicolette
Executive Director, Massachusetts Charter Public School Association
*****************************************
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive K-12 public education updates, delivered straight to your inbox!
