Every student deserves a learning experience grounded in belonging, achievement, and joy.
Our Impact
For over a decade, we’ve partnered with schools, districts, and organizations across the country to make that vision a reality. Through courageous conversations, data-informed strategy, and authentic relationship building, we help leaders navigate real challenges — and create lasting change.
In Numbers
years combined leadership experience across 47 states
%
reduction in exclusionary discipline in focus schools
%
increase in student attendance in priority focus group
Real Stories of Change
Wake County Public Schools, North Carolina
The Situation
Wake County asked APC Leadership Collaborative to support their five middle schools with the highest suspension and expulsion rates for Black and Latino male students. The school principals wanted change, but weren’t sure how to do it without jeopardizing their careers.
Our Approach
We reframed the challenge with leaders: how can we create an environment that keeps our most vulnerable students in classrooms while supporting teachers? No mandates. No judgment. Just collaborative, data-driven problem-solving.
The Results
One year later, suspensions were down 50% — with one school reducing them by 70%. That principal? He went on to become district Principal of the Year and now leads as an Assistant Superintendent.
“As a principal, coaching support from APC helped me meet key strategic goals for reducing student suspensions, increasing student engagement, and improving instructional practice. As a district leader, I continue to draw on their support and try to engage as many principals and district leaders with them as I can.”
North Santiam School District, Oregon
The Situation
Students of color were experiencing racial slurs – online, in hallways, and even in classrooms – but staff didn’t know how to address it and avoided conversations about race. The school board was appalled, but wasn’t sure how to comply with state directives and support students without upsetting community members in their politically polarized county.
Our Approach
Over a multi-year partnership, APC Leadership Collaborative worked with the district to stand up a Cohort-Based Leadership Model of teachers and administrators from across the district and the central office. This created a culture of belonging and community-driven action towards shared goals informed by real data. High schoolers used APC Leadership Collaborative’s Students’ Six Process to work with staff on co-creating an environment that better supports learning and belonging.
The Results
Within three years, we saw a 76% increase in target student attendance at the elementary level. Middle school students launched a student advisory board to share honest feedback with staff about the student experience. At the high school level, students self-reported significant gains across the board — a 12% increase in engagement, 8% rise in experiences of academic challenge, 10% improvement in perceptions of school culture, 9% boost in positive relationships with staff, and an 8% increase in feelings of college and career readiness.
“One of the great things about partnering with APC Leadership Collaborative is that they don’t come in with an agenda or pre-made design of how to go about doing belonging work in your district. Two of their superpowers are that they are expert ‘questions-askers’ and listeners. Through asking expert questions, they help you identify your district’s intention around the work, your district’s distinctive context, and then support your district’s unique journey toward ensuring every individual feels welcome and that they belong. They literally meet you where you are and have become vital thought partners for staff. We love partnering with APC!”
“Creating safety and a sense of genuine care is vital. You’ve done this so well. It takes time and commitment to do work with belonging that truly impacts a system and community. I’m grateful that NSSD has made a longstanding commitment.”
“The things that I’ve learned here have helped me take leadership of equity and belonging at my school. Our team has buy-in for this work. The leadership in my school is strong and this work just enhances it in the perfect way that is needed for us to grow.”
Asheville City Schools, North Carolina
The Situation
It was 2020. Two Asheville City High School students knew their district could better support students of color, and they approached leaders at the Asheville City Schools Foundation to do something about it.
Our Approach
The Asheville City Schools Foundation brought on APC Leadership Collaborative to help lead through a delicate and culturally tense moment. We partnered to implement APC Leadership Collaborative’s Students’ Six Process, empowering a group of 44 volunteer students to voice to their teachers how to better meet their needs.
The Results
Because it was coming from their students, teachers were eager to listen. Students felt heard and seen, and teachers felt proud that they were making a real difference for their students and teaching more effectively. It led to a district-adopted framework that’s endured for 5+ years, spawned a Racial Equity Ambassador Program, and gained national recognition — even earning research validation from UNC-Asheville.
“Asheville City Schools Foundation has partnered with APC for over 5 years and our work together has been transformational for students, staff, and our school district as a whole. I use the word partner intentionally because APC Leadership Collaborative knows how to build relationships and create opportunities for growth together. APC excels in facilitating processes that cultivate both student and adult leaders. Our students have presented at three national conferences with APC support and guidance.”
Some of Our Partners
Support isn’t a luxury — it’s how courageous leaders stay aligned, persistent, and effective in the work that matters most.
You’re determined to do everything you can to invest in, support, and retain your staff so they can best serve your students.
We’ll help you make the best decisions for your people and act in alignment with your mission of meaningfully impacting students’ lives.
Ready to create lasting change?