Largest single grant in Seton’s history will fuel the expansion of academically excellent, character-based, and classically-inspired education in underserved communities
Seton Education Partners is proud to announce it has been awarded an $11.7 million Charter School Program (CSP) Expansion Grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This achievement is part of a nationwide expansion of high-performing charter schools supported by the U.S. Department of Education.
“This landmark grant, awarded to just over 20 networks nationwide, is the largest single grant in Seton’s history. It provides Seton an amazing opportunity to support our existing charter schools in the Bronx (Seton New York and Brilla Schools) and Texas (Seton Texas and Brillante Academy), while giving us the resources to grow our models,” said Aaron Brenner, CEO of Seton Education Partners and Founder of Brillante Academy.
Of the total award, $3.9 million is designated to directly support Brilla Schools, strengthening replication and expansion over the next five years as Brilla grows into its newest buildings. “This award is a reflection of the strength of our mission, the dedication of our team, and the confidence in Brilla’s impact on children and families,” said Yeime White De Valle, General Partner of Seton Education Partners and Executive Director of Brilla Schools. “It’s a powerful example of mission-first stewardship—aligning resources intentionally to expand academically excellent, character-based, and classically-inspired education.”
The rest of the award from the Department of Education, $7.8 million, focuses on the continued growth of Brillante Academy’s flagship campus in Mission, Texas, adding a middle school for the children served in the Rio Grande Valley. In addition, the CSP expansion grant calls on Seton’s newest model to grow in Texas, bringing the dual language, classically-inspired, whole student model to more communities and families.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced the selections during a press conference on September 24, 2025. “A one-size-fits-all education system is not working for our students. Charter schools allow for innovative educational models that expand learning opportunities for students,” said Secretary McMahon.
These awards signal a growing federal investment in innovative charter school models that strengthen families, uplift communities, and expand access to opportunity. In the coming weeks, Seton Education Partners will begin mapping out the next steps for implementing the grant, with continued updates to partners, families, and communities.
