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On the grow in Toledo
“We have had an enrollment increase year after year over a five-year period. We anticipate our enrollment will continue to grow.” So says Northwest Ohio Classical Academy governing board member Stephen Koralewski, discussing the school’s recently-completed expansion project. And he’s not kidding: Enrollment has more than doubled since the Toledo charter opened in 2019, adding students and grade levels each year. It is anticipated that more than 600 students will attend next year, with the new classrooms, dining commons, science labs, and outdoor courtyard likely being as big a draw as their humanities and liberal arts-focused curriculum. Kudos!
High degrees of excellence
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb last week honored high schoolers Abram Lewis and Khaya Njumbe, who are both about to earn their bachelor’s degrees even before they finish high school. The two young men are students at GEO Academy’s 21st Century Charter School in Gary, Indiana. The charter network is laser-focused on helping to get its young students ready for college work and setting them on a path to earn credits and, yes, a degree if possible as soon as they are ready. You can read more about these dedicated students and all the adults supporting them toward excellence in this interview with GEO CEO Kevin Teasley.
National School Choice Week
Just in case you didn’t know, National School Choice Week 2024 is next week! States from North Carolina to Wyoming and everywhere in between are ready to celebrate parental choice in education. Hope you are too!
Parents say…
The National School Choice Week organization also released the results of a new parent survey ahead of the celebrations. Among the headline findings: 72 percent of parents surveyed considered new schools for their children in 2023, compared to 52 percent in 2022; 64 percent of parents say they wish they had more information about education options; and just 29 percent say that the same school type works well for all of the children in their home. Check out the full survey for all the details.
The view from Chicago
The Chicago Board of Education recently adopted a platform that aims to discourage, limit, and even possibly end school choice in the city. What this plan means in reality is not yet clear, but parents who have relied on charter, private, and other options are already pushing back. Definitely a story to keep an eye on.
NAPCS conference news
The National Charter Schools Conference will be held in Boston from June 30 to July 3, 2024. It is hailed as the largest national gathering of educators, advocates, and leaders in the charter community. Early bird registration ends February 19. NAPCS is looking for breakout session presenters during the conference who are willing to share insights, tactics, resources, methodologies, and success stories. Those interested in presenting can find more information and the link to submit a proposal here.
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