Spotlight AZ: Charter One

Chamber Business News takes a closer look at Charter One, an education management organization helping shape high-performing, values-driven schools across Arizona and beyond. In this Q&A, Charter One CEO Bill Guttery discusses what sets their schools apart, how they prepare students for college, the trades, and careers, and why family engagement and community culture are central to their approach. They also share plans for growth in the Valley and what makes their campuses strong places for both students and educators to thrive.

What is Charter One? 

Charter One is an all-inclusive Education Management Organization (EMO) founded in 2015. Our organization provides management to charter schools, private schools, and district schools at all stages of operation. Our methods and drive have helped shape schools across Arizona, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and beyond to reach their maximum potential.

 What sets Charter One apart when it comes to serving Arizona students? 

Charter One is proud to support American Leadership Academy’s schools across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, giving families more school-choice options right in their own communities. Our campuses provide a safe, moral, and wholesome environment where students can thrive in a traditional, structured setting. As tuition-free public schools, we combine strong A-rated academics with values-based learning called the “R.A.I.S.E. values”, which stand for Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. Our schools offer a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that reflect each school’s unique community, from equestrian and dance to robotics, fine arts, and so much more. 

How do you prepare students for the postsecondary education, the trades and future employment? 

At Charter One-supported schools, we prepare students for success in college, the trades, and future careers through a well-rounded, intentional approach. Our schools are among the top schools in the Valley, giving students the strong academic foundation they need to reach their collegiate goals. Our commitment to student success is reflected in our yearly partnership with a tutoring program that offers free ACT preparation for all ALA students.

For those interested in the trades, ALA Applied Technologies High School in Mesa helps students gain real-world skills and earn industry certifications before graduation. No matter the path, we focus on helping every student build the confidence and skills to thrive in the future they want.

 How do you help parents and families engage with school programming to support their kids’ education? 

Our schools are deeply committed to engaging the whole family in the educational experience. We host a wide range of community events that welcome students, parents, neighbors, and friends, including seasonal festivals, theater productions, and art shows. Families stay connected through monthly newsletters that highlight school updates, upcoming activities, and student successes. We also offer meaningful opportunities for parents to get involved on campus through active Parent Organizations. By creating regular touch points and welcoming spaces, we help families feel informed, included, and truly part of our school community.

What would you tell a family that is considering sending their child to a Charter One school? 

If you are looking for a traditional, patriotic, A-rated school environment where your child can grow, feel supported, and truly thrive, a Charter One-supported school is a wonderful choice. Our campuses offer strong academics, values-based learning, and a warm sense of community that helps students feel at home. Families appreciate the safe environment, dedicated teachers, and the many opportunities for students to explore their interests and build confidence. We are honored to partner with Valley families in their child’s educational journey.

Can you talk about plans for expansion? Any new schools in your portfolio? 

Yes, ALA schools continue to grow in the Valley. In Fall 2026, we will open American Leadership Academy Radiance, a Pre-K through 12 campus serving families in the Eastmark, Mesa, and Apache Junction areas. This new school will offer another high-quality school-choice option for local families. It is an exciting time for our community, and we welcome families to enroll in our brand-new campus.

Is there a wide variety of educational models in the Charter One portfolio? Or are all of the schools fairly similar?

Our ALA Arizona schools all follow a traditional, values-based educational model that emphasizes strong academics, character development, and a supportive school community. While each campus reflects the unique needs of its local families, the core approach is consistent across all schools, ensuring a unified and high-quality experience for students.

What makes your schools an attractive place for teachers to work?

At American Leadership Academy, we believe our teachers hold one of the most important roles in the world: partnering with parents to help raise the next generation of educated, compassionate, and capable leaders. We work hard to create a supportive environment where teachers feel valued, respected, and equipped to make a real impact. To attract and retain outstanding educators, we offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.