In this episode of Great Leaders, Great Schools, FCI's Jessica Chapman and special co-host Ramsey speak with Dr. April Smith, first-year principal of Treasure Village Montessori in Islamorada, Florida.

Dr. Smith reflects on stepping into leadership at a K–8 Montessori charter school housed in a real castle in Islamorada, FL. She shares what she’s learning in her first year, how she’s prioritizing stability and observation, and what it means to lead a long-standing school community while honoring its culture.

The conversation explores leadership challenges, systems thinking, classroom visibility, and why strong schools are built on people, patience, and connection.

In this episode of Great Leaders, Great Schools, Jessica Chapman takes a behind-the-scenes look at the work happening through FCI Educate with guest Kathryn Perkins, leader of FCI’s Educate division.

Together, they explore how meaningful professional learning can move beyond inspiration and into real implementation that impacts teachers, instructional leaders, and ultimately student outcomes. Kathryn shares the philosophy behind FCI Educate’s work, the importance of research-backed instructional practices, and how schools across Florida are using these strategies to strengthen teaching and learning.

The conversation also highlights FCI Educate’s upcoming Summer 2026 professional learning opportunities, including the Leading for Learning: The Power of Studying Student Work Institute for school leaders and the highly anticipated Teach Like a Champion workshops featuring renowned educator Doug Lemov.

If you’re passionate about instructional leadership, evidence-based teaching practices, and building systems that help schools thrive, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration for your team, and our menu of offerings Summer 2026!

In this episode of Great Leaders. Great Schools., Jessica Chapman sits down with Carlos Alvarez, principal of SLAM Miami and President of the CIVICA Educational Foundation, for a powerful conversation on what it means to build more than a school.

Carlos shares his journey from paraprofessional to founding charter school principal to leading a growing network of charter schools across the country, all rooted in a clear mission: creating purpose and possibility for every student.

Together, they explore:

• What it really takes to build a charter school from the ground up
• How strong culture and authentic relationships drive student success
• Why connecting education to real-world opportunities changes everything
• The role of career pathways, partnerships, and exposure in shaping student futures
• How great leaders balance high expectations with deep care

At the core of this conversation is a simple but powerful belief: charter schools should help students see who they can become, and give them the tools to get there.

If you believe education should open doors, spark purpose, and expand what’s possible for every student, this episode is for you.

Because when leadership gets better, schools become more than a place to learn, they become a launchpad for life.