ABOUT
We believe every child should have the chance to achieve their full potential
What is the opportunity gap, and why does it matter?
In order to enable every child to reach their full potential, we partner to create high-performing schools by dramatically accelerating student achievement
THE ACCELERATE INSTITUTE STORY
Driven by the possibility of closing the opportunity gap
Accelerate Institute was founded 30 years ago by Pat Ryan, Jr., after he served as a teacher on the South Side of Chicago. From early on, Mr. Ryan’s conviction has been that all children deserve access to a high-quality education. That became the genesis of Accelerate Institute.
Since then, Accelerate Institute has pioneered a strategic approach to creating transformational school leaders. The proof lies in the results its own charter school (Alain Locke Charter School) posts again and again. The school serves as an incubator for up-and-coming leaders, demonstrating a results-oriented leadership approach that is deliberate, focused, and replicable.
Our Values
Our Commitment to Diversity
Accelerate Institute’s vision is that one day, all children will thrive in schools that graduate them prepared for
the rigors of college/career and a life filled with meaningful work, active citizenship, and personal fulfillment.
We recognize that our vision cannot be fulfilled without actively challenging racism and white supremacy;
our vision cannot be fulfilled without actively defending the lives of BIPOC. Accelerate Institute is committed
to being an anti-racist organization. As such, in 2019, we partnered with SF-CESS to launch internal DEI
programming which includes monthly iGroup meetings with all staff.
Accelerate Institute embraces creating and nurturing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive space for all team
members. Having a diverse organization aligns with our commitment to an equal opportunity workplace. We
celebrate equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin,
sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or other legally
protected status. We are also ready to accommodate physically challenged or special needs individuals who
require any special assistance. Accelerate Institute is proud of our history of diversity and is a strong supporter
of the communities where we work.