School Founder for a Day: Explore What It Takes to Build a School in Alabama
Details
Are you committed to transforming education in Alabama? Join national nonprofit BES (build. excel. sustain.), New Schools for Alabama, and local leaders for a special in-person experience focused on educational leadership, community impact, and school founding. Aspiring and early-stage school founders interested in learning more about the BES Fellowship are invited to attend.
***We are currently seeking applications for the BES Fellowship in Alabama. This Fellow will start the program in January 2027 and will be part of the 2026 Cohort cycle. BES Fellows have varied start dates to accommodate different charter authorization deadlines across regions. Learn more at bes.org/fellowship.***
If you are interested in attending, please complete the registration form below.
https://forms.gle/Y2XqG37fp5FAxHpi9
WHAT:
During this in-person experience, you will have the opportunity to:
- Tour a BES Fellow-founded school (Independence Preparatory Academy) and hear directly from the founder (Dr. Calandra Sales) about the Fellowship journey and how this vision came to life.
- Learn more about how you can design, found, and lead a high-quality public school in partnership with New Schools for Alabama.
- Meet the BES team, ask questions, and explore next steps to apply for the BES Fellowship.
WHEN:
Saturday, November 7, 2026 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
WHERE:
Independence Preparatory Academy
4411 Lloyd Noland Parkway, Fairfield, AL 35064
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Educators, community leaders, aspiring school founders, and others who are passionate about strengthening education in Alabama and ready to build what’s next for their community. Whether you’re ready to apply to the BES Fellowship or simply looking to explore this opportunity, we invite you to attend.
COST:
This event is free to attend.
ABOUT BES:
The BES Fellowship is a national school incubator for aspiring school founders. Over a four- or five-year process, BES Fellows design, found, and lead schools that meet the unique needs of the communities they serve. Since 2001, BES Fellows have founded more than 220 schools across 23 states and Washington, D.C., currently serving over 75,000 students.