READY4Schools

Rochester parents and caregivers: this is your moment to take ACTION! Applications are now open for the READY Parent ACTION Academy for Summer 2026 and Fall 2026.

You may choose either: Cohort #5: Summer 2026 or Cohort #6: Fall 2026. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage families to apply early.

The Parent ACTION Academy empowers parents and caregivers to take an active role in shaping education for Rochester’s youth. Graduates leave with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for positive change in K-12 public education.

The program focuses on: Advocacy. Community Engagement. Training. Inclusivity. Opportunity. Networking.

Together, we are building community power to drive positive change in K-12 public education, because Rochester’s children deserve quality schools now. Apply today!

Need support with the application?
Contact Christina at [email protected] or 585-739-1818.

What do you know about the Urban-Suburban Program?

Many people have heard of it, but few know how it actually works. Did you know it has provided Rochester families with a school choice option for more than 60 years and currently serves more than 900 students?

In our latest READY Rundown, we break down:
✅ How the program works
✅ How students are selected
✅ How funding follows students
✅ What families should know before applying

Watch here: 🎥 https://youtube.com/shorts/cfI0WcwbWjQ

The more we understand the educational opportunities available to Rochester students, the better equipped we are to advocate for great schools and brighter futures.

READY Rundown: How does the Urban-Suburban Program work—and who pays for it? In this episode of READY Rundown, we break down the Urban-Suburban ...

READY Power Lab Info Session is happening tomorrow! Register here to learn more and get the Zoom link sent to you! https://forms.gle/6vmDDiQwd8f9i9uCA

READY Power Lab is about activating and organizing Rochester! We’re bringing together parents, young leaders, and community members who are ready to build power, connect with others, and take action on the issues impacting our schools and neighborhoods.

If you’re ready to turn your voice into action, grow your organizing skills, and be part of a movement pushing Rochester forward — join us.

📍 May 21 – In Person
💻 May 28 – Virtual
🕕 6:00 PM
Register and learn more at: https://ready4schools.org/our-programs/

Real change starts with informed and organized communities.

READY Power Lab is about activating and organizing Rochester! We’re bringing together parents, young leaders, and community members who are ready to build power, connect with others, and take action on the issues impacting our schools and neighborhoods.

If you’re ready to turn your voice into action, grow your organizing skills, and be part of a movement pushing Rochester forward — join us.

📍 May 21 – In Person
💻 May 28 – Virtual
🕕 6:00 PM
Register and learn more at: https://ready4schools.org/our-programs/

Real change starts with informed and organized communities.

🍎 READY is on IG! Stay in-the-know about our latest developments, behind-the-scenes insights, and updates that drive impact! 📊 Follow us today!

Rochester, your voice matters.

Rochester City Council is deciding the future of unused school buildings - School No. 29 and School No. 20 - and they want to hear from you.

At READY, we believe every family has the right to choose the best school for their child. That means using our city’s resources to expand access to high-quality options.

We’ve seen what’s possible when schools are supported to grow—Rochester Academy of Science’s recent academic gains are proof.

Now it’s your turn to speak up.

🗓 April 30 at 6:30 PM – City Hall Atrium
🗓 May 5 at 6:00 PM – City Council Chambers

No registration needed.

Show up. Speak out. Help shape the future of Rochester’s schools.

What a night. 🎳. 120+ Rochesterians came together for READY’s Bowling 4 STARS to celebrate and invest in our teachers. And, together, we raised $31,950.

Grateful for this community and the momentum we’re building for the next generation of educators.

We’ve launched the 2026 READY Candidate Questionnaires for federal and state races—because decisions made in Albany and Washington directly shape what happens in our classrooms.

We’ve asked candidates to clearly share their positions, priorities, and commitment to our students.

Our goal:
➡️ Give Rochesterians clear, voter-focused information on where candidates stand on K–12 education.

📣 Now it’s your turn.
Tell your legislators: we want to hear from you.

Especially our NY State Senate and State Assembly representatives.

👉 Find your State Senator: https://www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator
👉 Find your State Assembly Member: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/

🗓️ Deadline to respond: Friday, April 24, 2026

We’ll share responses publicly so our community can stay informed—and show up ready on Election Day.

Because when we invest in public education, we deserve a voice in shaping it.

Rochester families have been clear: we want better schools—and clear information about where candidates stand.

That’s why READY launched the 2026 Candidate Questionnaire, Federal Legislators (U.S. House) - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFmeM3oGwksRjiShOedZr_zN2l2D5CDggk5jmLC3vmPlsjbw/viewform and
State Legislators (Senate & Assembly) - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc4Wo1pvihTV_Lqo9y00dbdkYLXOA5n_nGheV6dXOhf28PHHw/viewform, now expanded to include state and federal races. What happens in Albany and Washington directly impacts our classrooms.

We’ve asked candidates to share their positions on public education and their commitment to Rochester’s children.

🚨 Now we need them to respond.

Without their answers, families and community members are left in the dark. Transparency only works if candidates show up.

📣 Encourage candidates to complete the questionnaire—we’ll be sharing responses in our newsletter and on social media so our community can stay informed and vote with confidence.

🗓️ Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026

At READY, we’re not just expanding access to great schools—we’re preparing communities to demand better. 🗳️

🎉 CALLING ALL LOCAL TALENT! 🎉
We are searching for performers for this year's Juneteenth Festival. Please share & apply here: https://forms.gle/n83d51MXmApmoxaX7

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 1st, 2026 at 2:00p.m.

Questions?? Email us at [email protected]