CGLA's Dr. Elaine Swafford Inducted Into 2025 Charter Schools Hall Of Fame

Dr. Elaine Swafford, CEO of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, was one of four "visionary leaders" the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools announced last night as the 2025 inductees of the Charter Schools Hall of Fame. Since 2007, the Hall of Fame has honored educators and philanthropists "whose groundbreaking contributions have shaped and advanced the charter school movement nationwide." 

Officials at the ceremony said, "When Dr. Swafford took the helm in 2012, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, the first all-girls public charter STEM school in Tennessee, was on the brink of closure. Under her leadership, it earned Reward School status, the highest designation under Tennessee’s federal accountability system." 

“I am blessed to have spent most of my 42-year educational career serving underserved youth, watching dreams become reality, to witness families realize that success is absolutely within their reach, proving that high quality education is the great equalizer,” said Dr. Swafford.  

School officials said, "We’re thrilled that Dr. Swafford has been inducted into the 2025 Charter Schools Hall of Fame by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Dr. Swafford has had an impact that has been nothing short of transformational. Under her leadership, CGLA became Tennessee’s first all-girls public charter school and a nationally recognized model of academic excellence, equity and empowerment. Her dedication to creating a student-first environment has not only elevated outcomes, but also changed the trajectory of countless young lives. This national recognition is a powerful reflection of what’s possible when leadership and vision come together, and students are put first."

Other honorees include: 

Chris Barbic, founder of YES Prep Public Schools in Houston, Constance Ranae Jones, former CEO of Noble Schools, and J.C. Huizenga, founder and Chairman of National Heritage Academies.

“These four school leaders serve as inspiration for all of us who believe in the infinite power of public education and public charter schools,” said Starlee Coleman, president and CEO of the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools. “Every day, these transformative leaders show us what’s possible in public education through flexible, innovative approaches that meet student needs, open doors to opportunity and change lives.” 

The 2025 Charter Schools Hall of Fame inductees were honored and presented with a plaque at the National Charter Schools Conference in Orlando.  

"From expanding public school access for students to breaking down financial barriers, these trailblazers embody a legacy of advocacy, leadership and innovation," officials said.