Good day, CharterFolk.
Today we are pleased to present a Contributor Column by Dr. Fatih Bogrek, Superintendent of LISA Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas.
We provide a bio for Dr. Bogrek below:
Dr. Fatih Bogrek is serving as the CEO/Superintendent of LISA Academy, the state’s largest on-site charter district. LISA Academy strives to be a leader in the provision of College prep, STEM-C focused K-12 education in Arkansas since 2004 and has grown to serve more than 4100 students at 13 schools. It has also been nationally recognized as the Most Diverse School District in the state of Arkansas, as families speak more than 50 languages.
Dr. Bogrek has been an educator for nineteen years and a leader at LISA Academy for eleven years. Prior to becoming a Superintendent in 2017, Dr. Bogrek was an Assistant Superintendent for three years, a Principal for six years, an Assistant Principal for three years, and a Teacher for four years.
Dr. Bogrek has a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. His dissertation was titled Determinants and Outcomes of Teachers’ Professional Identity and Organizational Identification: A Comparative Analysis in Charter and Regular Public Schools. He has a Master degree in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso, Texas, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Middle East Technical University.
Dr. Bogrek is married with three children.
Two Decades of Innovation: The Story of LISA Academy
When I reflect on LISA Academy’s journey, I am reminded of the students, families, and educators who believed that a small public charter school with a bold vision could make a big difference in Arkansas. What began in 2004 as a single campus in Little Rock has grown into a thriving network of 13 schools across 10 campuses, serving more than 4,500 students each year.
From the beginning, LISA Academy has stood for something simple but powerful: every child—regardless of zip code—deserves access to an excellent, STEM college prep future-focused education. Today, our tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter network remains committed to that promise through a STEM-C (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Computer Science) and college-preparatory model that inspires students to learn, innovate, support and achieve.
When we founded LISA Academy, Arkansas had only a handful of charter schools. Families were looking for choices that could combine academic rigor with a safe, caring environment. We wanted to create a place where curiosity was encouraged, excellence was expected, and learning was driven by discovery.
We chose a STEM-C focus because we knew the world our students would inherit was changing rapidly. The jobs and challenges of the 21st century would demand more than memorization—they would require creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. By emphasizing project-based learning, problem solving, and early exposure to technology, we built a model that prepared students for both higher education and meaningful careers.
Our first graduating class proved that this approach worked. Those students not only earned college acceptances but also confidence—confidence that they could contribute, lead, and succeed. That early success set the tone for the two decades that followed.
Growing with Families, Growing with Arkansas
The growth of LISA Academy has always been organic and intentional. Each new campus was born from community demand. Families asked for more grade levels, more seats, and more opportunities—and we listened.
Today, LISA Academy serves over 4,500 students statewide, with campuses in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville. Each campus reflects its community while maintaining the same rigorous standards and supportive culture that define LISA.
One of the things I am most proud of is that, despite our expansion, we have never lost our sense of community. Our schools are intentionally designed to be smaller and more personal. Teachers know their students by name. Families feel seen and heard. The relationships that form within our hallways are the foundation of our success.
Families are not passive participants in our work—they are partners. We invite them to collaborate, celebrate, and contribute to the educational process. This partnership has built trust and loyalty, creating a network that feels more like an extended family than an institution.
Academic Excellence That Lasts
Academic success has always been at the heart of LISA Academy’s mission. We are accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education and consistently maintain graduation and college acceptance rates above 95 percent. Every year, our graduates earn millions of dollars in college scholarships, demonstrating that hard work, support, and opportunity can open doors to any future.
Our curriculum is rigorous and forward-looking. We offer Advanced Placement courses, concurrent credit programs, and hands-on STEM projects that bring learning to life. Gifted students find enrichment and acceleration opportunities that keep them challenged, while those who need extra help receive it early and often.
We believe true learning happens when students understand why knowledge matters. Whether they are coding a robot, designing a bridge, or analyzing data, LISA students learn to apply their skills in ways that make sense in the real world. Our focus on relevance and application has helped thousands of students see themselves as innovators and problem solvers.
When I attend graduation ceremonies, I am always struck by the diversity of our scholars’ dreams—future engineers, doctors, artists, and entrepreneurs. They represent every community in Arkansas, and together, they remind me why this work matters so deeply.
While academics are essential, education at LISA Academy extends well beyond the classroom. We want students to explore their interests, discover their strengths, and develop the leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Our students participate in robotics competitions, esports tournaments, science fairs, athletics, fine arts, and community service projects. Many of these experiences have taken them across the country—and even around the world—where they proudly represent Arkansas and bring home top honors.
These programs teach lessons that textbooks cannot: teamwork, perseverance, empathy, and creativity. They also reinforce our belief that education should be joyful and expansive. Every student deserves the chance to find their passion and see where it can take them.
Supporting Gifted and Advanced Learners
From the earliest grades, LISA Academy provides pathways for gifted and advanced students. In elementary school, we offer differentiated instruction and enrichment programs that challenge curious minds. In middle school, students can begin earning high school credits in courses like Physical Science, Algebra I, and Biology, giving them a head start on advanced coursework.
By the time they reach high school, many LISA students are already taking AP or college-level classes through concurrent credit partnerships. This acceleration helps them graduate not only ready for college but often ahead of their peers in credit hours and confidence.
We take pride in nurturing giftedness without losing sight of balance. Our educators understand that gifted students need both challenge and support—and that meeting their intellectual and emotional needs is key to sustained success.
A Safe and Supportive Environment
Families consistently tell us that one of the reasons they choose LISA Academy is because of the environment we provide. Our campuses are safe, caring, and inclusive. Teachers and administrators build relationships that foster trust and a sense of belonging.
We believe safety goes beyond locked doors and cameras—it is about creating a culture where students feel valued, respected, and heard. When students know they are cared for, they are willing to take academic risks and push themselves further.
This culture of respect and encouragement has helped LISA Academy become more than a school network—it has become a community where children grow into confident, compassionate leaders.
A Milestone Moment: Rogers-Bentonville Grand Opening
One of the proudest moments in our network’s history is about to take place this October, as we celebrate the Grand Opening of LISA Academy Rogers-Bentonville Middle and High School. This state-of-the-art campus represents our continued commitment to Northwest Arkansas and to expanding access to STEM-C and college-preparatory education across the region.
The event will bring together students, families, educators, community partners, and local leaders who share our belief in the power of education to transform lives. Standing on that stage, I know we will feel the same sense of excitement and gratitude that has fueled LISA Academy’s growth for more than two decades—a shared vision of innovation, equity, and excellence.
The new campus will offer advanced Project Lead the Way pathways in Engineering, Biomedical Science, and Computer Science, as well as a Computer Programming track. Its design reflects our future-focused approach—modern labs, collaborative learning spaces, and technology-rich classrooms where innovation comes to life every day.
The opening of Rogers-Bentonville is more than an expansion—it is a promise. A promise that we will continue to meet families where they are and provide every child with a pathway to excellence.
Our success story is deeply intertwined with the charter school movement in Arkansas. Charter schools exist to provide families with public options that meet their children’s unique needs, and LISA Academy is proud to be a model of how that vision can work.
Being an open-enrollment public school means that our doors are open to all students. We do not charge tuition, we do not select based on test scores, and we do not require prior academic achievement. What we ask instead is commitment—from students, families, and staff—to work together in pursuit of excellence.
After more than 20 years, I believe that commitment has paid off. Our continued growth and student outcomes show that when families are given a real choice—and when educators are empowered to innovate—public education thrives.
As we look to the future, our focus remains steadfast: innovation, opportunity, and equity. We are expanding partnerships with universities, businesses, and community organizations to ensure our students gain exposure to emerging fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and biotechnology.
We are also investing in teacher development, knowing that great schools are built by great educators. By providing professional growth, mentorship, and leadership pathways, we aim to attract and retain the best teaching talent in Arkansas.
Finally, we are strengthening our alumni network to support LISA graduates beyond high school—helping them transition to college, stay on track, and ultimately return as leaders who inspire the next generation.
A Legacy of Achievement, A Future of Promise
Two decades after our founding, LISA Academy remains committed to the same ideals that inspired us in 2004: rigorous academics, strong character, and endless possibility. Our students continue to achieve at the highest levels, our families continue to trust and support us, and our educators continue to innovate with purpose.
As I look back, I see a history built on resilience and collaboration. As I look forward, I see a future filled with even greater potential.
At LISA Academy, we are not just preparing students for college—we are preparing them for life. And as long as there are young minds eager to learn, we will be here to help them learn, innovate, support and achieve!