Inside One City Schools: A Decade of Innovation, Impact, and Future,Focused Education in MadisonDiscover how One City Schools is transforming public education in Madison, Wisconsin with its unique charter model, two,generation impact approach, and vision to develop tomorrow's leaders. Check out Fusion's exclusive interview with founder Kaleem Caire and board member Noble Ray.
A Bold Vision for Education in Madison
At the heart of Madison’s south side stands a movement that’s redefining what public education can look like. One City Schools, founded in 2014 by Kaleem Caire, is more than a charter school network—it’s a community,powered revolution with the mission to cultivate future leaders who are not only academically prepared but also passionate about changing the world for the better.
In an exclusive interview with DJ Fusion on 93.1 JAMZ's Fusion Afternoons, Kaleem Caire and former Madison Police Chief and current One City board member Noble Ray shared powerful insights into their work, growth, and goals for the future.
A Mission Rooted in Equity and Excellence
One City Schools operates with a clear mission: to prepare children for college, careers, and community leadership. Through an extended school year and longer school days, they ensure that every child—especially those historically underserved—has the time, support, and environment they need to thrive.
"We’re producing transformational leaders," said Caire. "Our kids are joyful, engaged, and motivated. We’re working with a high,need population, and it shows in our academic gains."
A Two,Generation Impact Approach
One City isn’t just educating kids—they’re empowering families. With programs serving children from infancy through 8th grade, they take a holistic approach to success, combining rigorous academics with family and community engagement. The preschool accepts children as young as two, while staff with infants can enroll them onsite in the school’s infant center.
What Sets One City Apart
As a public charter school authorized by the Universities of Wisconsin, One City is open to students from across the state. With no entrance exams and a lottery,based admission when applications exceed capacity, equity is baked into the process.
Key features include:
Year,round academic calendar (ending in mid,July) , Athletics from kindergarten through middle school , Diverse extracurriculars like golf, ice skating, and Topgolf partnerships , Strong father involvement and parent,teacher engagement , High staff retention and community volunteerism
Real Results, Real Progress
Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, One City Schools has delivered impressive academic growth. From 2023–2024 alone:
Black student reading proficiency rose from 2% to 21% , Latino student reading proficiency jumped from 16% to 42% , In third and fourth grade, the gains were even greater—up to 60% for Latino students
"We’re showing what’s possible when you believe in kids," Caire noted. "We’re not just trying to catch up—we’re setting the bar."
A Culture of Belonging and Joy
Visitors to One City consistently notice three things: the joy on students’ faces, deep engagement in learning, and a visible, diverse parent presence—especially fathers. The culture is vibrant, welcoming, and focused on developing proud, solution,driven young leaders.
Community Partnership, Not Competition
One City Schools works alongside MMSD and other local districts to elevate all students, not divide them. As Noble Ray emphasized, "Education is too important to lock into one model. We need innovation, collaboration, and community commitment."
10th Anniversary Celebration: Rally for Our Future
On July 10, 2025, One City Schools will host "Rally for Our Future" at The Sylvee in Madison. Featuring keynote speaker LeVar Burton and education icon Dr. Gloria Ladson,Billings, this celebration is both a fundraiser and a rallying cry for the future of Wisconsin’s children.
Proceeds from the event will support One City’s operating costs and ongoing renovations at their Pleasant Rowland Leadership Campus—a 157,000,square,foot hub for K–8 education on Madison’s Beltline.
How You Can Support One City
Attend the Rally on July 10: Tickets available at weareonecity.org and The Sylvee’s website , Donate: Your support helps bridge the funding gap between charter and traditional public schools , Visit the school: See the difference for yourself , Spread the word: Share their mission, stories, and success
One City Schools is building more than a school system—they’re building a movement. A movement focused on joy, achievement, and leadership for all children, especially those too often left behind. With ten years of proof and a bold vision for the future, One City is creating the change Wisconsin needs—one student at a time.
