Crafting Your Two-Minute Charter School Story

When parents speak up for charter schools, their voices carry the most weight. Whether you’re meeting with a legislator, testifying at a school board meeting, or sharing your experience with neighbors, having a short, clear story ready can make all the difference. A “two-minute story” is a simple way to explain why your charter school matters to your family and your community.

Why Two Minutes?

Decision makers are busy, and attention spans are short. A two-minute story forces you to focus on what matters most: your child, your experience, and the impact of your school.

How to Build Your Story

Think of your story in three parts:

1. Introduce yourself – Who you are and your connection to your school (parent, grandparent, volunteer, etc.).

2. Share your “why” – Why you chose your charter school. Was it for academic challenge, a safe environment, personalized learning, or a fresh start?

3. Highlight the impact – Share a concrete example of how your child has grown, learned, or thrived. Keep it personal and specific.

Tips for Success

• Be authentic. Speak from the heart—your story doesn’t have to be polished, just real.

• Stay positive. Focus on what your charter school gives your child, rather than what’s missing elsewhere.

• Practice. Say it out loud a few times until you can share it smoothly without notes.

Putting It All Together

Here’s a quick template you can follow:

“Hi, my name is [Name], and I’m a parent at [School]. We chose this school because [reason]. Since enrolling, my child has [specific impact]. This school has made a huge difference for our family, and I hope more families can have this same opportunity.

EAC is here to help!

If you have any questions or need help crafting your charter school story please reach out to info@edalliance.org. Our team is here to support your advocacy efforts.