The Power of Partnership: How Charter-Authorizer Collaboration Benefits Students

In the often-polarized landscape of public education, one of the most overlooked drivers of student success is collaboration—particularly the kind that happens between charter schools and their authorizing school districts.

At Method Schools, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful, mission-aligned partnerships between charter operators and authorizers lead to innovative academic programs and measurable student growth. Our relationships with both Dehesa School District and Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District are not just regulatory in nature—they are strategic, intentional, and centered on what's best for students.

Method and Dehesa: A Model of Innovation and Trust

In San Diego County, Dehesa School District, under the leadership of Superintendent Bradley Johnson, has been instrumental in supporting Method’s vision for flexible, rigorous, and student-centered learning. Superintendent Johnson’s innovative approach and the Dehesa Board of Trustees’ commitment to educational options have enabled us to launch and grow two cornerstone programs: Method Schools and the Method Sports Academy. These programs reach diverse student populations, including athletes, artists, and students seeking an alternative to traditional schools—offering personalized learning environments that adapt to individual needs.

As we turn the page on a successful school year and begin a new one, we feel it’s important to recognize the value of their leadership. Not only have they fulfilled their role as a charter authorizer—they’ve embraced it as a unique opportunity to champion educational innovation that serves all learners. 

A Shared Mission With Acton Agua Dulce USD

Further north, our partnership with Acton School District has been equally impactful. Like Dehesa, Acton-Agua Dulce USD views its authorizing role through a student-first lens, balancing accountability with flexibility. The result? A collaborative framework that empowers Method to focus on continuous improvement while remaining agile enough to meet the evolving needs of our students and families. Students in and around Los Angeles County benefit from Acton's commitment to putting students and families first in public education. 

This dual commitment—holding schools to high standards while encouraging innovation—is what defines a healthy charter-authorizer relationship. And it's why Method has been able to scale our programs, enhance instructional quality, and support thousands of students with unique learning journeys across California.

Why These Relationships Matter

Charter schools do not—and should not—operate in isolation. Our success as a charter operator depends in large part on the strength of our relationships with the districts that authorize us. When these partnerships are built on mutual trust, open communication, and shared educational values, students benefit.

Strong authorizer relationships:

• Promote responsible innovation in academic programming.

• Ensure accountability while encouraging flexibility.

• Allow for rapid program adjustments in response to student needs.

• Create space for collaborative problem-solving.

• Provide stability in an often-politicized educational environment.

• Take measured risks to ensure continual innovation occurs.

At Method, we are proud to work alongside both Dehesa and Acton. These districts exemplify what is possible when authorizers and charter operators move beyond compliance and toward true partnership.

A Call to Recognize and Replicate

As discussions about charter oversight and accountability continue statewide, and particularly in the state assembly, we believe more attention should be given to successful models like these. The future of public education depends on partnerships that elevate outcomes, foster innovation, and above all, prioritize students. Standing still and limiting innovative school options for California students isn't a good strategy for now or the future. Good charter/authorizer partnerships, such as the Method/Dehesa and Method/Acton ones, are. At Method, we're grateful to work with these outstanding authorizers on behalf of our students.