He sees the performing arts as a vital safe space and praised the RYSE Center for its relevant, engaging programming on topics like social justice that resonate with young people.

“It’s important for young people to feel seen and be engaged,” he said.

Under his leadership, Making Waves Academy has achieved impressive outcomes, including over 90% of graduates consistently meeting University of California and California State University A-G eligibility requirements, more than double the state average. In English Language Arts, Making Waves’ students achieve proficiency at a rate that outpaces the West Contra Costa public school average, especially for students experiencing poverty — 47.8% of socioeconomically disadvantaged (SED) Making Waves students are proficient in ELA vs. 27.2% of students identified as SED across all West Contra Costa public schools in the 2024-25 school year, the most recent year data is available.

The school’s high school graduation rate remains consistently high, and its performance on key college readiness metrics is second only to Middle College, a small early college program. According to GO Public Schools’ newly released WCC Kids Can student outcomes report, Making Waves ranks second in the county for the percentage of graduates who complete A-G eligibility requirements, second for four-year college going rates, and second for financial aid form completion.

For Nelson, though, success is measured beyond metrics. “I’m really proud that our kids can stay here in their communities and see people that look like them here doing this work,” he said.

The vision is to provide an excellent, neighborhood-accessible education so families and students do not have to sacrifice their community ties to attend a good school. Making Waves Academy provides a clear path to college for its students, most of whom will be the first in their families to attend. The school’s strength comes from offering demanding academics and wrap-around support, including access to college scholarships and staff that help graduates navigate their next steps.

Centering family voice in school decisions is non-negotiable for Nelson. He views it as vital, especially in policy discussions about school choice and charter renewals.

He is also a co-founder of the 5C Coalition, a point of pride, which unites charter schools to advocate collectively for families.

“Alton’s most important contribution to 5C has been making it possible in the first place,” said Maribel Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Contra Costa County Charter Coalition. “When we were forming the coalition in 2023, other schools were watching to see who would commit first. Alton didn’t just bring Making Waves’ resources to the table; he put his own name and reputation behind the project. That mattered enormously. He’s so widely respected that his decision to join was essentially a vote of confidence that signaled to everyone else: this is worth doing, and it can work. 5C simply wouldn’t exist without that initial leap.”

He points to recent successful advocacy efforts where parents from 5C schools engaged directly with elected officials.

“We’re not speaking on behalf of parents,” he said. “Parents are speaking directly to the people making these decisions. I think that’s really powerful.”

Nelson’s journey in education spans more than two decades, beginning with a formative experience as a UCLA student counselor at a summer camp for kids from underserved communities. He then learned about the impact of seeing and listening to young people. It’s a lesson that continues to guide his leadership.

“I think our adults don’t realize the impact they have on young people just by seeing them, listening to them, and being concerned about them,” he said. “It’s sometimes a two-minute interaction that helps a student feel seen, safe, valued, and encouraged.”

Looking at the education landscape in West Contra Costa, Nelson said he can’t ignore the challenges, from legislative challenges for charter schools to the economic pressures on families. He also sees reasons for hope: families’ sustained demand for school choice, positive student outcomes, and a spirit of collaboration among local charters that is prioritizing students.

His advice for the leaders who will follow him focuses on sustaining resilience, finding joy in the work, and building genuine relationships.

“The people I’ve seen most successful in this work commit for the medium to long term,” he said.