Listen "S3 E2 Beyond College Prep"
Episode Synopsis
Bold by Choice, powered by the National Charter Schools Institute, is hosted by Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, and in this episode, they’re joined by Sarah Anderson, CEO & Superintendent of Blackstone Valley Prep, for a conversation about what it truly means to expand opportunity for students and communities.
Season 3 of Bold by Choice is all about schools worth bragging about—and this episode delivers.
We head to Rhode Island to spotlight Blackstone Valley Prep (BVP), a charter school network intentionally designed to bring together students from four neighboring but historically unequal communities. Across six campuses, BVP blends rigorous academics, joyful school culture, and a deeply rooted college-going mindset that begins early and lasts well beyond graduation.
Sarah Anderson shares how BVP’s integrated model, co-teaching approach, strong family partnerships, and intentional design help expand the circle of success for more students—academically, socially, and culturally.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Going beyond college prep to prepare students for life
Designing integrated public schools with purpose
Creating belonging alongside academic rigor
Supporting teachers through collaboration and coaching
Leading with pragmatism, optimism, and heart
Listen in, share with a colleague, and join us this season as we celebrate bold schools, bold leadership, and bold choices.
Season 3 of Bold by Choice is all about schools worth bragging about—and this episode delivers.
We head to Rhode Island to spotlight Blackstone Valley Prep (BVP), a charter school network intentionally designed to bring together students from four neighboring but historically unequal communities. Across six campuses, BVP blends rigorous academics, joyful school culture, and a deeply rooted college-going mindset that begins early and lasts well beyond graduation.
Sarah Anderson shares how BVP’s integrated model, co-teaching approach, strong family partnerships, and intentional design help expand the circle of success for more students—academically, socially, and culturally.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Going beyond college prep to prepare students for life
Designing integrated public schools with purpose
Creating belonging alongside academic rigor
Supporting teachers through collaboration and coaching
Leading with pragmatism, optimism, and heart
Listen in, share with a colleague, and join us this season as we celebrate bold schools, bold leadership, and bold choices.
More episodes of the podcast Bold By Choice Podcast
S3 E3 Designed With Students
14/01/2026
S2 E14 Building Excellent Schools
10/12/2025
S2 E13 The Birth of Aspire Public Schools
03/12/2025
S2 E12 Passing the Baton
19/11/2025
S2 E11 Power of Sharing
12/11/2025
S2 E10 Legacy & Future
05/11/2025
S2 E9 From Ideas to Schools
29/10/2025
S2 E8 Birth of Authorizing
22/10/2025
S2 E7 The Charter Wave Spreads
22/10/2025
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