How Women in Education are Changing Charter Schools

Women's Journal Staff

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By: Legacy College Prep

When it comes to shaping the future of education, strong leadership makes all the difference—and at Legacy College Prep Charter School, women are leading the charge. Their success story is a powerful reminder of how female leaders are building inclusive, thriving learning communities that leave a lasting impact on students’ lives.

Founded by Summer Schneider, Legacy College Prep exhibits a unique approach that allows it to achieve outstanding results. The 100% college acceptance rate is proof that their approach is working, with a dedication to its students and a deep understanding of the importance of education, regardless of background.

Female Leadership that Drives Success

At the heart of Legacy’s success is its founder and executive director, Summer Schneider.

Legacy College Prep wouldn’t achieve such success without the efforts and innovative ideas of its founder and Executive Director, Summer Schneider. With 15 years of experience in education, she has coached and managed numerous teachers and staff, previously serving as a Dean of Instruction and math teacher at Noble Network of Charter Schools. Drawing on her years of experience in education, she was quick to realize what the industry was lacking: strong female leadership that would inspire both students and staff.

Only 21% of high schoolers in the U.S. are well-prepared for college (Source: Skillademia, 2024). Summer wasn’t okay with that, and her determination to change the narrative has shaped Legacy into the standout institution it is today.

According to the Education Data Initiative, female high school graduates are around 65% more likely to immediately enroll in 4-year institutions compared to males (Source: Education Data Initiative, 2024). It’s not surprising that women started an educational reform that will change the way educators and students approach learning processes.

A Strong Academic Foundation

Legacy College Prep’s rigorous academic structure goes beyond the basics, offering rigorous instruction and character development that prepares students for school and life success. Teaching students to be ambitious prepares them for professional aspirations, allowing them to set and achieve their goals.

Every middle school student spends 100 minutes daily on both Math and English Language Arts, while the high school students focus on AP courses, and electives designed to give students a well-rounded education. Success is only possible with repetition, so all teachers track student progress and make adjustments when needed. In middle school, intervention courses are held twice a week for additional math and reading growth. These constant interactions with students help ensure personalized support and better results overall.

And the best part? Teachers aren’t just instructors — they’re creators. Legacy uses teachers not only as instructors, but creators of unique learning experiences. Legacy allows its educators to design their own courses, providing students with dynamic, engaging learning experiences that go beyond traditional methods. This innovative approach aims that students are not only learning but also growing into curious, self-driven individuals.

Building Character, Not Just Academics

Math and ELA classes are not the only focus of Legacy’s teachers. Special attention is given to proper character development necessary for future success.

Several studies highlight the importance of the character of people pursuing higher education. It is revealed that students with strong “academic perseverance” were more than twice as likely to enroll in a four-year college than their peers with lower perseverance levels (Source: The University of Chicago Consortium on School Research, 2017). Non-cognitive factors significantly predicted college enrollment beyond academic achievements like GPA.

This is reflected in the Legacy’s PRIDE core values: (P)rofessionalism, (R)espect, (I)ntegrity, (D)etermination, and (E)ngagement. They are woven into every aspect of school life. By teaching students proper character traits, such as good judgment, mindfulness, self-discipline, respect toward others, and taking risks when necessary, the teachers prepare them for the work environment and life outside college walls.

No matter how bright the students are, without proper character development, they won’t reach the same levels of success, and sadly, many charter schools and educational systems overlook this.

College-Ready Culture

Part of helping schoolers transition is creating a college-focused environment. At Legacy, classrooms are named after universities, college banners line the hallways, and students participate in annual college seminars. This creates an environment where higher education isn’t just a dream; it’s an expectation.

Annual college seminars and dedicated alumni support guide younger generations, preparing them for a life beyond high school. At the same time, extracurricular clubs like anime or slime clubs teach them that learning can be fun, and a volunteer mandate creates an involved community.

Legacy has become a hub of growth and learning that includes not just students but also teachers and parents. It is an inclusive place that combines rigorous academics with a values-driven culture, creating future academic citizens and, more importantly, successful members of society.

Strong female leadership can help bring a fresh perspective into an existing work field. We can all learn from Legacy College Prep School and Mrs. Summer Schneider about the benefits of an open mind and inclusive environment. By thinking outside of the box, Legacy has created a 100% college acceptance rate – an outcome not many charter schools can brag about. These results showcase how this new, well-rounded approach might be the future of education.