MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Dear Friends of Caliber,
I am thrilled to share the 2024 Caliber Public Schools Annual Impact Report with you. This last year has been trajectory-changing for Caliber and our students, and I’m eager for you to see what they have accomplished.
The 23-24 school year saw tremendous growth in our students’ attendance, reading, and math performance. We are on a path to be the top-performing elementary and middle schools in the districts where we operate. Our school communities are strong and continue to build on the foundations of predictable learning environments and rigorous grade-level content in every classroom, underpinned by our emphasis on student social-emotional learning and belonging.
In this year’s annual report, you’ll see some key successes:
Academic Growth: Caliber students are consistently making more than one year’s worth of growth in Math and Reading every year they are with us.
Attendance and Student Engagement: Caliber students boast some of the highest average daily attendance in our Districts.
Talent and Human Capital: As public schools continue to navigate layered and challenging talent landscapes, Caliber remains an excellent place to work with pattern-breaking teacher retention.
Thank you for your support of our mission to shift expectations and outcomes for our students in Richmond and Vallejo.
In partnership,
Terence Johnson Chief Executive Officer
WHO WE SERVE
Caliber students are demographically representative of the school districts in which we operate: Vallejo City Unified and West Contra Costa Unified.
students served across two campuses in grades TK-8th
99% of students are children of color
28% of students are English learners
77% of students are low-income
12% of students are youth with disabilities
SENSE OF BELONGING AT CALIBER SCHOOLS
Whether it is academically, socially, or holistically, Caliber students love their schools for the growth opportunities and relationships that allow them to flourish. At Caliber, we believe that a sense of belonging is essential for our students to be themselves and grow into the agents of change we believe they can be.
See what two of our students had to say about why they love being a Caliber student:
“At Caliber, I love how they celebrate diverse cultures, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month. The teachers help us learn and they also show us how to build friendships with one another.”
– Belen
CBA 3rd Grader
“My favorite thing about Caliber is the community. My teachers care and always want the best for me. I’ve made great friendships and what I’ve learned at Caliber will help me in high school and beyond. ”
– Emma
CBA 7th Grader
CALIBER STUDENTS MAKE MORE THAN ONE YEAR’S WORTH OF GROWTH IN MATH AND READING
At Caliber, we do not accept that just one year’s worth of academic growth in one year is enough to change trajectories for our school communities. Caliber students routinely make more than one year’s worth of growth in Math and Reading, and these results compound year over year.
Caliber students make 1.3x a year’s worth of growth in Reading each school year.
Caliber students make 1.25x a year’s worth of growth in Math each school year.
THE CALIBER MIDDLE SCHOOL EFFECT:
Caliber is the #1 public elementary/middle school in Vallejo serving similar student populations, and the #2 public elementary/ middle school in West Contra Costa serving similar student populations. Students at a Caliber school are more likely to be reading and doing math on grade level than the vast majority of their peers.
Vallejo City Unified School District student proficiency in SY24
ELA
West Contra Costa County Unified School District student proficiency in SY24
Math
Caliber Middle School students make 1.85x a year’s worth of growth in Reading every year, and teachers like Evelyn remain committed to trajectory-changing growth for our students as they move into 9th grade.
“Teaching and instilling a path to high school for students is SO important for me. Growing up in Richmond and attending public schools myself, I never really had the opportunity to have these guidelines and privileges that we’ve brought to Caliber. I do this work to be able to provide for my community.”
– EVELYN CORRAL
8th grade Social Studies Teacher Caliber Beta Academy
92% Teacher retention at Beta Academy 89% Teacher retention at ChangeMakers Academy This year:
Black or African American 32%
Hispanic or Latino 30%
White 16%
Asian 8%
Native American or Alaska Native 0.4%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 0.4%
Two or more races 8%
Unspecified 5%
WHY WORK AT CALIBER?
The teaching profession has never been more difficult and embattled, and Caliber Public Schools remains committed to making sure that a Caliber school is among the best places to work and teach. 90% of our teachers chose to return to Caliber this year. Teacher retention and growth is essential to student success, and we are incredibly proud of our teaching force.
“I have chosen to advance my career at Caliber because of our core values for students, staff, and families. I appreciate how much we emphasize culture, growth mindsets, and socialemotional development. I have felt supported since day one, allowing me to foster a nurturing learning environment for my students.
Seeing my students grow academically and emotionally is what keeps me going. Student success is a top priority for Caliber, my colleagues, and myself.”
– EDGAR MAGANA
7th Grade Social Studies Teacher at Caliber ChangeMakers Academy
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
In 2023-24, restoring average daily attendance to pre-pandemic levels was a priority for Caliber Public Schools. School and network leaders, alongside families and students, rebuilt our culture of strong daily attendance through celebrations, incentives, and a clear re-commitment to in person learning.
Average daily attendance improved from 88% to 92.25% in 2023-24. As a result, students were the most engaged since the onset of the pandemic, and we’re well on our way to restoring our historically consistent average daily attendance.
improvement in average daily attendance means: 4.25% more instructional hours for the average Caliber student 80 additional instructional hours for all Caliber students 150,000
“In light of our attendance improvements, I have noticed several shifts around our campus. For example, the improvement of our climate and culture: now that more students are attending school, we have seen higher reading and math scores, and they’re more engaged in their learning.”
– JOHNETTE ADAMS Attendance Improvement Coordinator
Caliber Beta Academy
WHY STUDENTS LOVE THE CALIBER COMMUNITY
The Caliber community is a safe and supportive place where young people are challenged to be their best selves.
“I love Caliber because I’ve learned how to build strong connections with peers.”
– Adrian, CMA 8th Grader
“I love Caliber because my teachers push me to be the best student.”
– Ashlee, CBA 8th Grader
“My favorite thing about Caliber is the people. Everybody treats me with respect.”
– Erick, CMA 8th Grader
FINANCES: REVENUES
$26.9 million Net Assets
FINANCES: EXPENSES
$68.5 million Assets $41.6 million Liabilities
TEN YEARS OF CALIBER PUBLIC SCHOOLS IMPACT
2014
Beta Academy opens its door to its first students in grades K, 1, 3, and 6
2018
ChangeMakers moves into their new building on Oregon Street
2016
ChangeMakers Academy opens its doors to its first students in grades TK, K, 1, 2, 3, and 6
“My journey with Caliber began with a deep commitment to achieving educational equity for historically under-served students. I remain dedicated to this work because I’ve seen firsthand the genuine care and devotion our staff has for our students. The unwavering dedication of our teachers and staff is truly remarkable. I am proud to be part of Caliber, where our collective efforts create a nurturing environment that empowers our students to reach their full potential.”
– EDITH SAAVEDRA Student Services Lead, and founding Caliber Public Schools team member
Caliber Public Schools celebrates ten years of impact in our communities in 2024 and are grateful to the supporters, families, students, and staff that have contributed to our first chapter.
2021
Beta Academy moves into their new building in San Pablo
2020
Caliber Public Schools raises $324,000 for the Caliber Cares program, supporting Caliber families with urgent needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic
2024
Beta Academy is named as a US News and World Report Top Middle School
THANK YOU MEMBERS OF THE FOUR
Jackie Reeses and Matt Apfel
Diana Nelson and John Atwater
Pete and Devon Briger
Stacey Case
PILLARS CIRCLE
Carrie Wheeler and Kit Codik
Martha Conte
Greg and Julie Flynn
Henrik Jones
Ron Beller and Jennifer Moses
Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock
Russ and Beth Siegelman
THANK YOU, DONORS, FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO TEN YEARS OF IMPACT
$3,000,000+
Tipping Point Community Foundation
$1,000,000+
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Pete & Devon Briger
Public Charter School Grant Program
Russ and Beth Siegelman Family Foundation
Silicon Schools Fund
$500,000+
Ron Beller and Jennifer Moses
Julie & Greg Flynn
Diana Nelson & John Atwater
Next Generation Learning Challenges
Toni Rembe Rock and Arthur Rock
$250,000+
New Schools Venture Fund
Matt and A.K. L’Heureux
Susan & Bill Obendorf
Walton Family Foundation
Jackie Reeses & Matt Apfel
$100,000+
Charter School Growth Fund
Divco West
Kowitz Family Foundation
Matt Rogers & Swati Mylavarapu
Derek Schrier & Cecily Cameron
Andrew & Elizabeth Spokes
Zierk Family Foundation
$25,000+
Cameron Schrier Fund
Stacey Case
Martha Conte
Stephen Davis & Jill Cowan
Philip & Alicia Hammarskjold Henrik Jones
Lisa Pritzker
Tom & Jilly Pilley
Mike & Paula Rantz
Pieter Van Dijk
Greg & Lisa Wendt
Carrie Wheeler & Kit Codik
Vivian Wu
Poju & Anita Zabludowicz
$10,000+
Steve Almeida
Gwen Campbell
Dan Carroll
Wences Casares
JP Conte
Chamberlin Foundation
Jason Fish & Courtney Benoist
Fortress Investment Group
Full Circle Fund
Jonathan & Abby Gans
The Kwait Family
Laura & Gary Lauder
Drew McKnight
Your support for the students and families of Caliber Public Schools is deeply appreciated. Caliber Public Schools is committed to delivering excellent programming for our students and families for the long-term.
Bryan & Tara Meehan
Pantera Capital Management
Elizabeth & Jeffrey Ostrow
John Pritzker
Paul & Sara Recktenwald
Jane Sung
James Tanabaum
Diane & Howard Zack
$5,000+
The Baker Family
Chris Buchbinder
Melinda Ellis Evers & Will Evers
Michael Feldman & Christine Glastonbury
John Fisher
Sarah & Quentin Gallavin
Giffy, Inc.
Ken Linsteadt
Jonathan Mariner
Josh Meltzer & Shannon
Stockdale Fund
Paul Ullman
Ted Ullyot
$1000+
Terence Johnson
$100+
Timothy Curtin
Robin DeGracia
Stephen Gilbert
Marie Huxley
Jennifer Rodriguez
Nils Wilson
