Nearly 40 charter schools will be operating this fall with more than 10 others waiting in the wings for the go-ahead to start next year.
As the public warms up to the idea of charter schools more and more people are jumping onboard — be it sending their children to charters or starting their own.
Charter schools are public schools that focus on various academic disciplines, such as arts or sciences, and are often run by parents. They must abide by state requirements, from testing to core curriculum use, but have some freedom for teaching innovations.
"There is just a tremendous amount of interest, because so far charters have a successful record," said John Broberg, state charter school director. "We have a lot of over-crowded schools in this state, and many (charter schools) are coming from those places — people also like the idea have having a school specifically geared to a certain area."
Utah's charters offer a variety of interests from the math, engineering and science schools to film and art schools. Some schools like East Hollywood High even attract students from out of state.
Many charter schools on the elementary levels are geared toward creative, individualized learning while secondary charters schools often target under-served populations and focus on college preparation. But most of all of them offer smaller class sizes.
Schools like the six New Century high-tech high schools provide a way for students to earn an associate's degree by the time they graduate from high school.
Charter schools have only been in Utah since 1999 and are now in 19 of the states 40 school districts. Leaders project over 10,000 students will be enrolled in charters this fall.
Since the creation of the State Charter School Board, a board that oversees charter issues and operates under the state school board, 11 new schools have been approved.
A total of 39 charter schools will be in operation this fall while leaders estimate close to a dozen will get the nod to start fall 2006.
To keep up with charter school growth, state lawmakers have funded two new staff members in the charter office to help new schools get their financial plans in place as well as help with grant writing.
Schools new on the scene this fall include:
American Leadership Academy, K-12, Spanish Fork. ALA's mission is to empower students to meet rigorous academic standards, physical well being and to advance the belief that parental involvement and partnership education is critical to student success. The school will use a unique method of educational reform that emphasizes accountability, character development and respect for the individual.
American Preparatory Academy-West, K-9, Draper. The school will follow the classical education model of the Trivium — observing the grammar, logic and rhetorical phases of learning and applying those principles the classroom.
Beehive Science and Technology, grades 7-8, Salt Lake. The school's target population are refugee and immigrant children and will provide an active the learning environment to help students develop intellectual, linguistic, cultural, interpersonal and advocacy skills. It also has a math, science and technology emphasis.
Lincoln Academy, grades K-8, American Fork. Lincoln's philosophy is based on parent involvement. Parents will contribute through volunteering at the school. The academy will have a small student-to-teacher ratio, a creative, hands-on curriculum and a nurturing environment.
North Star Academy, grades K-8, Riverton. The school will have a generalized curriculum, but it will allow each student to pursue personal interests and talents through individualized learning. The emphasis is creating an individualized learning environment that helps each student reach his/her personal potential.
Odyssey Charter, grades K-6, American Fork. Odyssey will teach students how to learn using a classically based curriculum that is thorough, challenging and systematic — a language-intensive education. Teachers will use history as the organizing outline, beginning with the ancients and progressing forward to the moderns in history, science, literature, art and music. This framework provides students with a comprehensive view of the human endeavor from the beginning.
Reagan Academy, grades K-8, Springville. The school fosters Ronald Reagan's philosophy as the "great communicator" and his deep love for the country. It will offer debate teams, speech contests, and guest speakers who will share with the student body our privileges and responsibilities as Americans and help students develop into active responsible citizens.
Success Academy, grades 9-12, Cedar City. Success is a district chartered school that will be on Southern Utah University's campus. It was initially funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The school targets under-served population and emphasizes math, science and computer science. Students also have the opportunity, through concurrent enrollment, to graduate with an associates degree in math, science or computer science.
Thomas Edison Charter-South, grades K-8, Providence. The school uses an academically stimulating curriculum in hopes of providing all students with the fundamental knowledge, tools and discipline to become reputable citizens and high achievers. The curriculum is focused on elemental skills development, a structured classroom environment and strong parental involvement.
Utah County Academy of Sciences, grades 10-12, Orem. UCAS, one of Utah's New Century high-tech high schools offer students a rigorous educational experience on the Utah Valley State College campus. High school graduation requirements can be fulfilled while earning college credit at little or no charge.
Wasatch Peak Academy grades K-6, Bountiful. Wasatch offers a bilingual educational opportunity for all grades and asks 30 volunteer hours at the school from each family.
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