We invest in schools and education organizations that are operationally and financially sustainable and demonstrate a potential to serve as proof points for education innovation.

Investment Criteria

We support a mix of charter, district, and independent schools across the K-12 spectrum, as well as human capital organizations, and education support providers.

Fund Raising Capital for Schools

Schools

We invest in schools that demonstrate a(n):

Innovative educational model that pushes the envelope on new ways to run schools and personalize learning for students.

High quality leadership team with a track records of success.

Financially sustainable model that is self-financing on California public funding at full enrollment.

Understanding of the complexity of launching new schools or transforming exsting schools and the operational and educational challenges entailed.

Sound growth strategy for replication and ability to have national impact.

Deep commitment to creating a more just and equitable society with a specific focus on developing the next generation of leaders of color.

Education Support Providers

We invest in human capital organizations that increase the supply of high quality teachers and principals that reflect the demographics of California.

We invest in academic support providers with a proven track record of helping schools implement Tier 1 curriculum in ELA and math and training teachers and principals in effective pedagogy and coaching.

We focus on organizations that embrace new approaches and innovations, while rigorously testing assumptions and outcomes to ensure the sector develops new knowledge and spreads proven models.

Apply

To be considered for possible funding

Ensure Fit with Grantmaking Criteria

Please review the Our Work section of the website and our Investment Criteria above. If you are a strong fit for Silicon Schools, please send an introductory letter to proposals@siliconschools.com (no more than two pages) describing the following:

  1. Your vision for a new school or transforming an existing school to significantly improve outcomes
  2. Details about your school, model, location, etc.
  3. Members of your team and previous experience
  4. Track record of success and demonstrated impact
  5. What stage of the opening/transforming process you are in and details about timing