A message from Covenant Academy of Mobile
The quality of a child’s education shouldn’t depend on their zip code. But for too many Alabama families, that’s the reality: If the local school isn’t the right fit for their child, their options are limited. Private schools may be too expensive, leaving those parents with few alternatives.
Public charter schools help bridge that gap. They are designed to meet the needs of students in new and innovative ways, providing families with a wider range of choices without the burden of tuition. As principal of Covenant Academy of Mobile, I know this firsthand – our school is proof of what’s possible when students are given the right opportunities.
Covenant is a K–6 public charter school, on a path to becoming a full K–12 school. We opened our doors to students in August 2023, and in our first year, we earned a B grade from the state — the highest ever for a public charter school in Alabama. That grade represents more than just academic success and more than just what we do at Covenant; it shows what can happen everywhere when students are given access to a high-quality education that meets their needs.
Most charter schools don’t fit the stereotype of being exclusive or high-cost — in fact, many serve diverse student populations and operate with fewer resources than traditional public schools. Covenant, for example, is a Title 1 school, with 93% of our students coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and every student qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. But despite the hardships many of our students face, they are thriving. We’ve focused on building a strong, supportive environment where students feel seen and valued — and where families are welcomed as partners in their children’s education. Last year, we placed a special emphasis on culture, finding meaningful ways to bring parents and families into the life of the school and keep them engaged.
Public charter schools like Covenant are making a real difference in students’ lives, but they’re having to do it with fewer resources. Unlike traditional public schools, which receive funding from local, state, and federal sources, charter schools don’t receive local funding. That creates a real challenge, forcing charter school leaders to constantly seek grants and work with community partners to make up the difference.
This funding gap doesn’t stop us from providing a strong education, but it does limit what we can offer. With more funding, we could expand opportunities for the children we serve. We could grow our academic support programs and career readiness initiatives, provide music education to more children than the eight students currently in our string ensemble, and open up our athletics programs to greater participation. The list of possibilities goes on.
Charter schools aren’t here to compete with traditional public schools — we’re here to make sure every student has access to the best education possible. Alabama’s children deserve that, no matter which type of public school they attend.
We’re incredibly grateful to the Alabama Legislature for recognizing this and for supporting all types of public schools. Their continued commitment to providing supplemental funding for public charter schools like ours is helping close the gap and open more doors for students across the state.
Kristi July is Head of School and Principal of Covenant Academy of Mobile.