By Yvonne Watterson
Arizona, we know families like to choose the best educational fit for their child, and now 14 new charter schools are coming your way.
On Monday, the Arizona State Board of Education made this possible by approving federal Charter School Program grants to schools that will mainly serve low-income families.
These non-profit schools will use the money to open new schools or expand enrollment, increase grade levels and replicate campuses already serving Arizona students.
While the Board approved an unprecedented number of federal start-up grants, this is the final round of the charter school expansion funding from the U.S. Department of Education.
This grant is the only source of funding Arizona charter schools have access to prior to the first day of school.
Think about that.
As a parent and educator, I would expect my daughter’s school to have a facility, desks and textbooks, and a high quality instructional model on day one.
These leaders need time and funding to make that happen, and the federal start-up grants support charters through that process.
The Arizona Charter Schools Association is proud to have played a pivotal role in bringing this funding to our state, proactively working with the Arizona Legislature in 2015 to ensure Arizona would qualify for the grant. We also provided technical assistance to several of the new schools as they prepared their federal start-up grant applications, and we continue to provide professional development for prospective charter operators through our “Start Smart, Stay Smart” training series.
We will work to continue to advocate for greater choice and more educational opportunities for children in our state
Congratulations to all of the awardees!
ABOUT THE SCHOOLS
The following schools will submit their charter applications to the State Board for Charter Schools in anticipation of opening in 2019:
- Abraham Lincoln Prep School
- Alexander Hamilton Community School
- Phoenix International Academy
- New Learning Ventures
These two new schools will open in the fall after receiving approval from the State Board for Charter Schools in December 2017. The Association provided guidance to these charters through the grant application cycle, as well during the charter application process:
- Edison Project
- Alma Community High School
These existing charters will use the money to expand enrollment, increase grade levels and replicate campuses:
- Arizona Autism High School
- Academy of Math and Science – Desert Sky
- ASU Preparatory Academy South Phoenix PCA
- ASU Preparatory Academy Tempe at Compadre
- Vista College Prep Maryvale Middle School
- Self-Development Eastmark
- Self-Development Scottsdale
- EAGLE College Prep
