Spotlight On: Fatih Ay, CEO, Harmony Public Schools
Key points:
- • Harmony is expanding STEM, career, and AI-focused learning across Texas.
- • Industry certifications and partnerships are strengthening students’ workforce readiness.
- • Teacher development and alumni support remain central to long-term growth.
October 2026 — In an interview with Invest:, Fatih Ay, CEO and superintendent of Harmony Public Schools, discussed the organization’s STEM-focused educational model, continued expansion across Texas, and its commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and an AI-driven future. “We believe AI is not simply a trend—it is transforming the future of education and the workforce,” Ay said.
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What is Harmony Public Schools’ role today in Texas?
Harmony Public Schools is one of the largest public charter school systems in Texas, dedicated to providing high-quality STEM education and preparing students for success in college, careers, and life. Since opening our first campus in 2000 with just 300 students, we have grown to serve nearly 50,000 students across 22 Texas cities, offering Pre-K through 12th grade education.
Our mission extends well beyond high school graduation. We strive to ensure every student graduates college-ready, career-ready, and life-ready. That means helping students earn college degrees, industry-recognized certifications, and ultimately achieve economic mobility and lifelong success.
Today, Harmony operates seven districts, all earning A or B accountability ratings from the State of Texas. Demand for our schools continues to grow. Last year we received nearly 110,000 applications, and we expect that number to exceed 120,000 this year.
Families choose Harmony because we provide rigorous academics alongside meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom. Students have access to advanced coursework, dual-credit programs, SAT preparation, extracurricular activities, STEM competitions, industry certifications, and academic support through after-school and Saturday programs.
What differentiates Harmony from other public school systems or charter networks?
Harmony combines rigorous STEM education with a culture that values strong relationships among students, families, and educators. We believe academic excellence is most effective when paired with a supportive and welcoming school community.
One example is our Home Visit Program, where educators proactively visit families to build trust, understand student needs, and introduce the opportunities available at Harmony. Rather than waiting for families to come to us, we believe meaningful partnerships begin with us reaching out.
Another distinguishing feature is our commitment to providing advanced learning opportunities for every student—not just a select group. We introduce STEM concepts early, with block-based coding beginning in first grade and text-based programming by third grade.
Our philosophy is simple: STEM for All, College for All, and Career for All. Regardless of a student’s background or zip code, every child deserves access to high-quality instruction, advanced coursework, and opportunities that prepare them for the future.
How is Harmony adapting its educational model to technological innovation and AI?
The future workforce is evolving rapidly, and K–12 education must evolve alongside it. Our responsibility is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and adaptability needed to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
That preparation begins with strong foundations in literacy and mathematics. Through personalized instruction in elementary school, we ensure students are ready for rigorous STEM coursework and advanced learning experiences in middle and high school.
For many years, Harmony’s goal has been to graduate students who are college-ready, career-ready, and life-ready. Today, we have expanded that vision to include being AI-ready. Artificial intelligence is already transforming education, the workplace, and nearly every industry.
We are integrating AI thoughtfully across our organization—not only to improve operational efficiency and reduce administrative burdens, but also to enhance teaching and learning while allowing educators to devote more time to students.
We believe AI is not simply a trend—it is transforming the future of education and the workforce. Beginning in middle school, Harmony plans to introduce AI-focused coursework where students will learn prompt engineering, responsible AI use, ethics, and practical applications. These experiences will continue throughout high school through project-based learning and real-world applications.
How is Houston’s economic growth influencing your educational programs and workforce development efforts?
Harmony has graduated nearly 20,000 students, and our responsibility extends beyond helping them earn diplomas. We want our graduates to thrive in meaningful, high-demand careers that offer long-term economic opportunity.
Employers are seeking talent with both technical expertise and durable workplace skills. To help bridge that gap, Harmony expanded its college and career readiness model by requiring students to complete a career pathway and earn industry-recognized certifications while maintaining access to rigorous college-preparatory coursework.
We believe students should not have to choose between college and career preparation—they should have both. Early career exploration helps students make informed decisions about college majors, reduces costly changes in direction, and strengthens workforce readiness.
Approximately 71% of Harmony students are first-generation college students. Many will balance higher education with part-time employment. Industry certifications and Career and Technical Education programs provide students with valuable credentials that can lead to higher-paying jobs while they continue their education.
Harmony views itself as a Pre-K through career organization. Through our postsecondary success initiatives, we provide alumni with peer mentoring, internship opportunities, apprenticeship connections, and career guidance. We also partner with chambers of commerce, higher education institutions, and employers to better align education with workforce needs and create pathways to long-term success.
How are you addressing teacher recruitment and retention?
Recruiting, developing, and retaining exceptional educators remains one of our highest priorities.
Competitive compensation is important, but teachers also seek professional growth, meaningful support, strong leadership, and opportunities to advance in their careers. Harmony invests in comprehensive coaching, mentorship, and leadership development programs that help educators grow throughout their careers.
Our performance-based compensation system recognizes excellence, and many of our highest-performing teachers earn six-figure salaries while working a traditional 187-day school calendar. We believe outstanding teachers should have opportunities to build rewarding careers while remaining in the classroom, where they have the greatest impact on students.
Through Texas’ Teacher Incentive Allotment program, eligible teachers may earn up to an additional $32,000 annually. Combined with Harmony’s own performance incentives, these programs allow us to recognize and reward educators who consistently deliver exceptional outcomes for students.
How do you view school choice and accountability in Texas?
Families deserve access to high-quality educational options, and healthy competition encourages continuous improvement across the education system.
Whether students attend a charter school, a traditional public school, or another educational setting, our focus should remain on expanding access to excellent schools. Ultimately, what matters most is that every child has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education.
Strong accountability is equally essential. Charter schools operate with a high level of accountability because continued authorization depends on student outcomes. If we are not helping students grow academically and preparing them for future success, we should be held accountable.
At Harmony, we welcome accountability because it reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement, transparency, and delivering meaningful results for students and families.
What are your priorities over the next three to five years?
Developing and retaining outstanding educators will remain one of our top priorities. Through our Grow Your Own initiative, approximately 10% of our workforce consists of Harmony alumni. Our goal is to increase that to 20%, creating a sustainable pipeline of educators who understand our mission and are committed to serving future generations of students.
We will also continue expanding our AI initiatives by equipping educators with practical AI tools while creating opportunities for students to engage in applied AI projects throughout middle and high school.
As demand for Harmony continues to grow, we plan to open eight additional campuses next school year to serve more families across Texas.
Another major priority is strengthening support for our alumni. Many come from underserved communities and are the first in their families to attend college. We are committed to supporting them through college completion, career placement, and professional advancement.
Harmony has established nearly 600 partnerships with businesses, nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions to expand opportunities for students and alumni. We see ourselves as a connector—bringing together students, families, employers, and universities to create pathways to lifelong success.
Education is fundamentally about building bridges: connecting students with opportunities, communities with talent, and learning with meaningful careers.
What recent achievements would you like to highlight?
We are proud of the progress our students, educators, and campuses continue to make.
Recently, Governor Greg Abbott recognized 26 Texas schools as Lone Star Ribbon Schools, including three Harmony campuses. In addition, 83% of Harmony campuses currently earn A or B accountability ratings.
The National Center for Urban School Transformation selected 17 finalist schools nationwide, five of which were Harmony campuses—an affirmation of our commitment to excellence and equitable student outcomes.
Among our 23 high schools, 19 have earned AP School Honor Roll recognition for expanding access to Advanced Placement coursework and supporting student success.
We are also proud that the National School Public Relations Association has recognized Harmony’s Communications Department as the nation’s most award-winning school communications team for three consecutive years.
Above all, our greatest achievement is the success of our students. Every recognition reflects the dedication of our educators, the support of our families, and our unwavering commitment to helping every student reach their full potential.
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