Bright Star Schools

What it reported doing in 2024

Bright star schools operated nine public charter schools serving approximately 3,600 students across los angeles county through a tk-12 college-preparatory educational model focused on academic achievement, college readiness, and whole-child development. The organization's schools primarily served historically underserved communities in west adams/south los angeles, koreatown, and the northeast san fernando valley. Bright star schools maintained a comprehensive college-going culture designed to prepare students for success in higher education, career pathways, and civic life. Program services included standards-based academic instruction, college counseling, advanced placement coursework, alumni support services, family engagement programming, after-school enrichment, social-emotional support, and community school partnerships. During the reporting period, the organization maintained a student-to-counselor ratio of approximately 130:1, significantly below the California average, to provide individualized college and academic advising. The organization achieved a 95% high school graduation rate, with one high school achieving a 100% graduation rate, and an estimated 88% college matriculation rate among graduating seniors. Bright star schools' high schools were recognized nationally by u.s. News & world report, with rankings placing the schools among the top public high schools nationwide. Additionally, multiple schools received college board ap school honor roll recognition for expanding student access to advanced placement coursework and supporting college readiness outcomes. As part of its community schools model, bright star schools partnered with more than 50 community organizations to provide wraparound services supporting student and family well-being. Services included free health screenings, eye exams and eyeglasses, mental health supports, food and resource distribution, family workshops, community advisory councils, and school-based engagement programming. During the reporting period, students and families received over 200 pairs of free eyeglasses, along with donated school supplies, backpacks, shoes, toys, and technology resources. Bright star schools also continued operating a six-year alumni support and college success program to assist graduates with college persistence, financial aid renewal, academic advising, and career planning. The long-term objective of these services is to increase college completion rates, expand economic opportunity, strengthen community stability, and prepare students to become future leaders within the communities served.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 59.8%; rating input score 60
• Program expense ratio: 84.3%; rating input score 84
• Fundraising efficiency: Limited

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 68th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 1 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 17
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Missing
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 77th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 29.7%; rating input score 92; 92nd percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 3.09; rating input score 76; 76th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.58; rating input score 30; 30th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 2%; rating input score 55; 55th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 12.5% per year; rating input score 100; 82nd percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 15.5% per year; rating input score 100; 89th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 20.6% per year; rating input score 100; 93rd percentile among comparable filings