The Charter School Growth Fund has made a seven-figure investment in two St. Louis-area charter schools – Atlas Public Schools  and The Leadership School –  bringing significant philanthropy into the St. Louis region above The Opportunity Trust’s direct funding. 

The funding follows other investments from national funders that The Opportunity Trust helped attract to partner schools and grantee organizations in the St. Louis region, resulting in more than $3 million in national philanthropy going to education. 

NewSchools Venture Fund has invested heavily in partner schools such as Kairos Academies, Atlas, as well as grantee organizations. The Camelback Foundation has provided fellowships and funding to leaders of several of our grantee organizations.   

The Charter School Growth Fund identifies the country’s best public charter schools, funds their expansion, and helps to increase their impact. It focuses on schools in underserved communities. Ninety-two percent of the students in its portfolio charter schools are students of color, and 73% are from low-income families.

The money will help finance expansion costs for both Atlas and The Leadership School. Atlas opened in 2021 in St. Louis. The Leadership School opened in August in north St. Louis County. Both schools currently serve children in kindergarten through second grade. Atlas plans to add one grade level a year through fifth grade, and The Leadership School plans to expand by one grade level a year through eighth grade.