Arizona has again demonstrated that we are a state invested in increasing quality choice for students.
On Monday, the Arizona State Board of Education unanimously approved Charter School Program grant funding for the creation and expansion of 11 charter schools serving disadvantaged students. The majority of the applicants were supported by New Schools For Phoenix, a non-profit whose mission is to support the development and expansion of high quality schools serving low-income students in the Phoenix urban core.
Arizona was one of only eight states to receive the highly competitive $23.6 million federal grant to increase the number of high quality schools available to disadvantaged students. This year’s $7.5 million grant allocations will help these charter schools grow to serve over 5,000 students.
The Association was an integral part to ensure Arizona would be eligible for the federal grant. During the 2015 legislative session, the Association worked with lawmakers to consider progress towards academic performance expectations as one of the most important factors in determining charter renewal. This accountability measures was a deciding factor for the U.S. Department of Education’s grant award to Arizona.
This year’s awardees include:
- Academy of Math and Science -Camelback
- Academy of Math and Science –Mesa
- Archway Classical Academy- Trivium East
- Arizona Autism Charter Schools, Inc.
- ASU Preparatory Academy, Casa Grande
- Empower High School
- Espiritu Schools
- Highland Prep
- Pensar Academy
- Synergy Public Schools
- Vista College Preparatory, Inc
