Philanthropedia - Green Dot Public Schools nonprofit profile

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Education: Green Dot Public Schools

Mission: Green Dot Public Schools is leading the charge to transform public education in Los Angeles and beyond so that all children receive the education they need to be successful in college, leadership, and life.

BASIC INFORMATION	EXPERT ASSESSMENT	BENEFICIARY REVIEW

Basic Information
Social Cause: Education
Issue Area: Education

Year Founded: 1999
Problem

Green Dot Public Schools was founded in 1999 by Steve Barr in direct response to the terrible state of public high schools in the Los Angeles area. Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) high schools were not graduating over 50% of their students and those that were making it through were rarely prepared for college.
Solution

Green Dot’s approach is to create and operate high-achieving public schools where nearly all students graduate and go on to college. Secondly, they help parents throughout the city organize to strengthen their neighborhood schools. Finally, they push the LAUSD to move boldly to improve the city's public schools. What makes Green Dot’s schools different is:
1) Small, Safe, Personalized Schools

2) High Expectations for All Students

3) Locally Managed Schools

4) Increased Parent Participation

5) Maximum Funding to the Classroom

6) Keep Schools Open Later
Impact

Post-Secondary: 76% have been admitted to universities.

Graduation Rates: 80% of entering ninth-grade students graduate within four years. Graduation rates and 2006 API scores show that Green Dot schools significantly outpace those of local school districts (81% graduation rate for Green Dot versus 47% for LAUSD).

Charter Schools: Green Dot has opened 18 successful charter high schools in the highest-need areas.
Financial Breakdown

Expenses Breakdown

Program Expenses : 27319361
Administrative Expenses: 6574534
Fundraising Expenses: 96620
Charity Navigator Profile
Contact Information

Website: http://www.greendot.org/
Email: info@greendot.org
Phone: 213-621-0276

The contents of this page are primarily from this nonprofit organization's website. The views expressed on this page are those of this organization and not necessarily those of Philanthopedia.

SummaryLearn more about these experts>>

Summary: Education experts believe that Green Dot Public Schools’ success is partly due to their ability to proactively work with the district and teacher’s union. They have an innovative and strong mission to reshape public education, and they have proven that they can raise student achievement. At the same time, Green Dot Public Schools may be spreading themselves too thin with rapid expansion into new neighborhoods and cities. One major worry is if they will have enough strong school leaders to lead these new schools. Finally, now that they have proven that their model can work, they should work on changing their image from competitor to collaborator.

Strengths

Strong Political Player

"They approach unions head-on and with respect, when often unions are simply circumvented."
"They have a charismatic leader."
"They are high profile, and leveraged to push change at the district level."

Good Results

"They have great student achievement results."
"They have proven performance results."
"They have good results with tough kids."

Great Mission

"They have a strong model for their schools."
"They have a good mission."
"They are innovative."
"They are focused on public school transformation."

Areas for Improvement

Spreading too Thin

"They might be spreading the organization’s focus too thin with school takeovers and the New York initiative."

Leadership Not Replicable

"I am not sure how replicable the model is – because it depends on heroes."

Exist in Isolation

"They need to collaborate with other charter schools, focus more on information sharing, and work on managing the transition from competitor to collaborator within the district."

The views expressed on this page are those of each individual expert and not necessarily those of Philanthopedia. Note that each quote represents the views of just one person and may not reflect the sentiments of the entire group. We do not disclose the names of the experts who gave each comment to protect their anonymity

" The thing that is special about Green Dot schools is the fact that everyone cares about each other. There's just no way to get left behind because everyone pushes you forward."
-Zoro (Student - Cal State Pomona)

" I think that a lot couldn't be in any better hands than in Green Dot. They have always been a part of my life. I can go to my principal for any problem in the world."
-Dilbert (Student - Cal State Northridge)

" Everyone on the staff works so hard and is so devoted to our kids."
-Parent (GreenDot Parent)

" My child loves to go to school everyday. She has never felt this way."
-Parent (GreenDot Parent)

" I love the emphasis on academics. This is something I am not used to."
-Parent (GreenDot Parent)

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