Edison Schools, founded in 1992, is the country's leading private manager of public schools. After engaging in three years of intensive research and development to design innovative schools that could operate at public school spending levels, Edison opened its first four schools in August, 1995, and has grown rapidly in every subsequent year. Edison has now implemented its school design in 150 public schools, including many charter schools, which it operates under management contracts with local school districts and charter school boards. Approximately 80,000 students currently attend Edison partnership schools. How does Edison operate? How are Edison schools doing? How can I learn about the Edison Affiliates program?