Our country is witnessing a historic moment. While global leaders seek to aid the economy, charter school leaders are seeking to reform education in America. It is an exciting time for educators¬; our new president, despite having inherited an economy that requires domestic and international tailoring, is elevating the importance of education and encouraging innovation in our nation’s schools. Thanks to President Obama’s attention, education is in the midst of the discussion about how to move the country through the undeniable challenges it presently faces. Charter schools in particular are poised to have significant influence. The spring issue of Charter Schools Today delves into the successes of 22 charter schools from across the country and the ideas and philosophies that help them reach their students. It will also highlight topical issues facing the movement as we begin a new era of our nation’s history. From Washington, D.C. to the islands of Hawai’i, our journal looks to capture those sometimes fleeting moments that can leave indelible marks on our students. In Washington, D.C., Friendship Public Charter School is armed with an important mission: to serve under-privileged youth in the nation’s capital. Using some of the latest technologies available, the school makes a point to support the whole child. Anecdotal stories from Escambia Charter School in Cantonment, Florida embody such moments and show how at-risk youth can be best served. We also look for those schools that are truly redefining the landscape. Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School in Midland, Pennsylvania is one such school. In its 10 years since inception, the school has grown by leaps and bounds, against the national trend of decreasing and disappearing cyber schools. On the west coast, in El Cajon, California, Literacy First Charter School began with just three students and is today successfully flourishing, serving a diverse student body with hands-on projects and parental involvement. Kua o Ka La in Hawai’i exists for the purpose of catering to children of Native Hawaiian origin. Budding from the roots of a non-profit with a similar mission, the school is fostering a sense of Hawaiian culture in each student while still balancing, and in many cases surpassing, the necessary testing requirements. We are excited to see the successful implementation of ground-breaking ideas serving students and out-growing the mold of traditional education. And yet, we know that many challenges remain; this edition addresses some of these issues in a discussion on how we can overcome these barriers. From school expansion to unique learning curriculum and instruction, charter schools around the country are also listening. As a movement, we are listening and waiting to see how the new administration will re-draw education in America. As we continue to monitor these developments, we hope you enjoy and share what we included in the pages of the spring edition of Charter Schools Today. As we continue to serve as a voice in these undefined times, we are elated to see innovative and improving trends for our students’ and our country’s future.