Leverage Success
The best of the best
Established in 2012, the Excellent Schools Network (ESN) is a select group of BES schools that have demonstrated strong academic results, sound organizational practices and the genuine ability to close the achievement gap in their communities.
Because of their outstanding academic and organizational performance, these schools have been chosen for further investment and support from Building Excellent Schools.
By increasing its members’ ability to sustain high levels of student achievement—and by replicating their successes—the ESN serves to transform education for more students in more schools.
The five priorities of the Excellent Schools Network
- Deliver Expert Solutions
Connect ESN members through a network of experts driven by student achievement. - Prime Leadership Capacity
Prepare and hone the capacity of emerging leaders for successful replications and leadership transitions. - Grow and Replicate Wisely
Expand the supply of excellent schools through the growth and replication of high performing charter schools. - Amplify Our Collective Voice
Leverage the influence of a strong, unified voice to affect positive change in transforming more schools for more students. - Galvanize School Leaders
Embolden other school leaders, including new BES Fellows, to achieve excellence in their schools.
Criteria for membership in the Excellent Schools Network
An ESN member may be either a free-standing charter school founded by a BES Fellow or a Charter Management Organization (CMO) that manages multiple schools founded by a BES Fellow. Additionally, an ESN member must be in at least its third year of operation and meet the following criteria:
- Cultivate strong community ties
- Demonstrate proven, consistent results
- Share a common design that is independently executed
- Commit to growth
- Support the ESN and its members
The current members of the ESN are listed in the Excellent Schools Directory.