Private Schools with a Public Purpose is a national coalition dedicated to building educational partnerships that serve the public interest.

With national representatives from independent, public and charter schools, and nonprofits, PSPP brings educators together to discuss ways for students to obtain greater access to education.

In 2005, a small group of educators were invited by the George Lucas Educational Foundation for the first meeting, held for those who shared similar ideas about private schools. Since then, PSPP has expanded from 40 to 96 participants.

In 2009, PSPP Director Carl Ackerman led the team by coordinating and hosting the event.

With the theme "Best Practices in Funding and Best Practices of Funders," the symposium drew an impressive cross-section of schools including San Francisco's Lick-Wilmerding High School (host of next year's symposium), Atlanta's Westminster School, Kamehameha Schools - Kapalama and Waimea Public Charter School.