Brewing Global Perspective in Stockholm

There’s something magical about sipping your morning coffee in a new city—the aroma of roasted beans mixed with the crisp Scandinavian air, the hum of a bustling café, and the curiosity of a leader ready to learn. This cup? It was savored in Stockholm, Sweden. Thanks to the visionary planning and private funding efforts of the Charter Institute at Erskine, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel internationally for professional development—an experience that has profoundly shaped my perspective as a school leader and advocate for educational equity.

Swedish Sips: The Foundation of Free Schools

Our journey began with a deep dive into Sweden’s education system—specifically, the "free school" model. These schools, known as friskolor, are publicly funded but independently run, much like charter schools in the United States. The comparison, however, quickly highlights disparities in funding: while Swedish free schools receive approximately 90% of the average per-pupil expenditure, South Carolina charter schools only receive about 60% on average (Malmqvist, 2024). This staggering gap reinforces the urgent need for legislative reform in our home state.

Imagine the possibilities if South Carolina’s public charter schools received more equitable funding—an additional 30% per pupil. These funds could translate into transformational outcomes. Schools could afford to reduce class sizes, allowing for more individualized instruction. Additional staff could be hired, including instructional coaches, interventionists, and mental health professionals to address the growing academic and emotional needs of students. Technology infrastructure could be upgraded to support blended and personalized learning. Professional development could be expanded to include ongoing training in high-impact instructional strategies. Facilities could be enhanced to create more dynamic, collaborative, and flexible learning environments. Most importantly, this increase would allow charter schools to invest more deeply in underserved communities, closing opportunity gaps and driving academic achievement to new heights.

In short, the additional 30% in funding would not just cover operational costs—it would unlock innovation, sustainability, and equity. It’s not just about dollars; it’s about outcomes. As we witnessed firsthand in Sweden, when schools are resourced fairly, they can focus on what matters most: student learning.

Kunskapsskolan: Where Knowledge is Personalized

We had the extraordinary privilege of touring two schools under the Kunskapsskolan model: Kunskapsskolan Spånga and Kunskapsskolan Täby, both located in the Stockholm metropolitan area. The name itself—Kunskapsskolan—translates to "The Knowledge School," and knowledge is exactly what pulses through every hallway and classroom.

Kunskapsskolan operates on a model that centers the student in their own learning journey. With a strong foundation in differentiated instruction and personalized learning, these schools employ a highly structured yet flexible approach that allows each student to work at their own pace. Teachers function more like academic coaches—guiding students through weekly planning meetings, reflecting on progress, and setting realistic, yet ambitious goals. Every student has a personal coach with whom they meet weekly. These coaching sessions are the backbone of the model, cultivating student ownership and accountability, two pillars that can revolutionize traditional education paradigms.

What struck me most was the emphasis on metacognition. Students are not only aware of what they’re learning but why they’re learning it, how it connects to their goals, and how they can improve. This mirrors some of the best aspects of project-based learning models but with a precision and intentionality that makes it scalable.

Culture First: The Atmosphere of Belonging

School culture at both Spånga and Täby was unmistakably intentional. The environment was calm, respectful, and structured. There was no sense of chaos or disconnection. Instead, every hallway radiated purpose. Students moved with autonomy, using flexible learning spaces to work independently, collaborate in small groups, or receive one-on-one guidance.

These environments fostered a profound sense of belonging. Relationships between students and educators were warm and respectful, grounded in mutual trust. Perhaps this is a reflection of the broader Swedish cultural values—community, trust, and egalitarianism—values that permeate daily life and educational institutions alike.

Policy Over Pastries: A Meeting with Member of Parliament Josefin Malmqvist

One of the most impactful experiences of the trip was our meeting with Josefin Malmqvist, a Member of Parliament who champions education and innovation. We engaged in a robust conversation about Sweden’s funding models, governance structures, and challenges within the free school system. Malmqvist shared insights into Sweden’s continuous evaluation processes and accountability measures for their free schools. We discussed how parental choice has strengthened innovation and competition while still maintaining national standards.

She acknowledged the challenges Sweden has faced—such as ensuring equity across socioeconomic backgrounds—and how transparent funding formulas and strong oversight have contributed to overall success. Compared to the landscape in South Carolina, this was both inspiring and disheartening. The conversation confirmed what many of us already knew: our charter schools in South Carolina are achieving exceptional outcomes on a fraction of the funding, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Parliament in Session: Advocacy in Action

Following our discussion, we toured the Riksdag, Sweden’s Parliament, and had the chance to sit in on a legislative session. The experience reminded me that advocacy isn’t just about what happens in our schools—it’s about showing up in rooms where decisions are made. As educators, we must continue to advocate for equitable funding and support structures so that every child, regardless of zip code or school type, has access to high-quality education.

Evenings of Immersion: Culture and Context

Each evening, our team immersed ourselves in the culture of Sweden. From strolling through Gamla Stan’s historic cobblestone streets to dining with locals who graciously shared their experiences of raising children in a system centered on student autonomy, we absorbed far more than educational policy. We observed how work-life balance, strong social services, and a collective trust in institutions create a cultural backdrop where education can thrive.

Understanding this context helped us realize that strong schools are not built in isolation. They are the product of thoughtful policy, community engagement, and a shared belief in the potential of every learner. It was a reminder that to truly transform education in the U.S., we must address not just our schools, but the broader systems in which they operate.

Gratitude and Grounds for Growth

This journey to Sweden was made possible through the private fundraising and tireless efforts of the Charter Institute at Erskine. I’m deeply grateful for their vision in creating international professional development opportunities that stretch our thinking and deepen our resolve. The impact of this trip will ripple far beyond my own leadership practice. It has already begun to shape the conversations I’m having with stakeholders, legislators, and fellow school leaders about what’s possible when we reimagine education.

As I sip my final Stockholm latte (yes, I brought coffee home in my suitcase!), reflecting on all I’ve learned, one truth stands tall: we must boldly advocate for equity and innovation. Our students deserve it. Our communities need it. And our charter movement will be stronger because of it.

Here’s to blending the boldness of espresso with the courage of leadership—and to building schools where every child can thrive.

With a full heart and a full cup,

Julianne Lang

@leadership.with.a.latte