TeamCFA is a growing national network of Challenge Foundation Academies — public charter schools dedicated to the mission of achievement, excellence and measurable results.

Our schools use a scientifically based, content rich curriculum, with a detailed outline of specific knowledge in the core subject areas. Through a partnership of teachers, parents, and students, Challenge Foundation Academies strive to mold young citizens who are motivated and capable learners with positive, disciplined attitudes. Every child has the right realize their full potential.

The Challenge Foundation is a private charitable trust that has developed a design for a model charter school based on over 18 years of research. The foundation lends its name, start-up funds and support to leaders and parents who embrace our mission, goals and model school concept.

There are five basic operating principles that outline the philosophy of all of our academies:

Learn More through a commitment to Core Curriculum
Desire More through a commitment to academic growth
Expect More through a commitment to measurable results
Do More through a commitment to creating a sense of community
Contribute More through a commitment to outstanding moral character

Since 1989, the Challenge Foundation has supported more than 180 charter schools, which led to a partnership with the Core Knowledge Foundation, an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1986 by acclaimed education expert E. D. Hirsch, Jr.

The Core Knowledge Sequence is a detailed outline of specific content to be learned grade by grade across the different subjects from preschool to grade 8. The sequence leads students through a broad range of topics that build their knowledge and skills from one year to the next. This research-based curriculum offers a coherent plan that easily integrates with state standards while providing the flexibility to meet local needs.

TeamCFA students develop true mastery and have at their command a core of knowledge that prepares them for life-long learning and educational success.

The Trustees and Advisory Board of the Challenge Foundation are proud to announce a new foundation: the Academy Leadership Foundation in Action (ALFA). This new foundation will lend support and oversight to all Challenge Foundation Academies (CFAs) and enhance the growth of the TeamCFA network of charter schools. ALFA's mission is to promote the concept of school choice while providing oversight, ensuring high academic standards, and championing free-market principles to create efficient, effective schools.

ALFA takes inspiration from the book Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits. Based on a thorough four-year study, the book outlines the authors efforts to analyze thousands of nonprofits for successful practices. Through systematic peer review and interviews, the authors identified twelve nonprofits that demonstrate significant impact in the areas they serve. The authors identified six shared practices that distinguish these nonprofits efforts. They are:

1. Advocate and Serve
2. Make Markets Work
3. Inspire Evangelists
4. Nurture Networks
5. Master the Art of Adaptation
6. Share Leadership

ALFA will embody these principles and ensure that the TeamCFA network of schools is supported in a highly effective, sustainable fashion for years to come.

For more information on ALFA: www.alfa.teamcfa.org