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Tag: charter school

  • Sterling Ranch residents, developers debate charter school land dedication

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    DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. — Sterling Ranch, one of Colorado’s master-planned communities, has become the center of a heated debate over school land.

    The controversy centered on whether John Adams Academy, a 26-acre charter school currently under construction in Sterling Ranch, should count toward the developers’ commitment to dedicate 110 acres for schools in the community.

    Douglas County leaders faced the decision Tuesday night of whether to include the charter school in the public school land dedication total, with state law defining charter schools as public institutions.

    Ultimately, commissioners voted unanimously to allow John Adams Academy to be included, and Sterling Ranch developers increased their land donation from 110 acres to 125 acres, which they said will create space for another district-led school.

    Leading up to the vote, there was nearly four hours of public comment.

    Denver7

    Pictured: A packed house at Tuesday’s Land Use Public Hearing in Douglas County

    “This is in honor of fairness and honoring parental choice,” one woman said at the podium, in support of including the charter in the land dedication.

    However, other residents argued the decision would break promises made about traditional neighborhood schools, which influenced their decision to move to Sterling Ranch in the first place.

    “Making this change damages our community potential and community trust,” one resident told Douglas County commissioners.

    Robyn DePan, a Sterling Ranch mother leading efforts for more district-led schools in the community, expressed concerns about future educational options if they amendment to Sterling Ranch’s planned development agreement passed.

    Right now, a DCSD public elementary school funded by a bond passed last year is set to open in Sterling Ranch in fall of 2027.

    ROBYN DEPAN.png

    Denver7

    Pictured: Robyn DePan, Lives in Sterling Ranch

    “I have fears and cautions that if this amendment passes, we’ll never have another Douglas County School District school here, and that means we have one elementary school and we’ll never have a middle or high school,” DePan said.

    Ellie Reynolds, co-founder of John Adams Academy, defended the charter school’s inclusion in the land dedication.

    “My big message to everyone is that charter schools are public schools, and they should qualify for land dedication, just like district schools,” Reynolds said.

    ELLIE REYNOLDS.png

    Denver7

    Pictured: Ellie Reynolds, co-founder of John Adams Academy in Sterling Ranch

    Commissioners praised Brock Smethills, president of Sterling Ranch development company, for offering up the additional land at the end of the public hearing.

    After the vote, Douglas County Schools provided Denver7 with this statement which says in part, “We are disappointed that a land use issue where the district’s primary concern is ensuring that sufficient land for future schools is set aside turned into a debate about charter schools.”

    You can read the full statement from DCSD below:

    “We are disappointed that a land use issue where the district’s primary concern is ensuring that sufficient land for future schools is set aside turned into a debate about charter schools. 25% of our students attend public charter schools and we honor those family choices and appreciate all of our amazing schools, neighborhood and charter.

    It was also disappointing that the County Commissioners denied the school district the opportunity to testify as a referral agency and a community partner. The School District’s priority remains the best interest of our students (current and future) and our community. 

    We will continue to work with Sterling Ranch and the County on solutions that benefit our entire community and we believe some progress is being made in that regard.”

    Douglas County School District

    Conversations between the school district and developers are expected to continue in the coming months as the community continues to grow.

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    Denver7 | Your Voice: Get in touch with Claire Lavezzorio

    Denver7’s Claire Lavezzorio covers topics that have an impact across Colorado, but specializes in reporting on stories in the military and veteran communities. If you’d like to get in touch with Claire, fill out the form below to send her an email.

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    Claire Lavezzorio

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  • Ascent Classical Academy of Columbia Secures Permanent School Location

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    First tuition-free classical school in the Midlands set to open at 1001 Pinnacle Point Drive


    COLUMBIA, S.C., September 5, 2025 (Newswire.com)
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    Ascent Classical Academy of Columbia announced today that it has secured a permanent location at 1001 Pinnacle Point Drive in Columbia, South Carolina, in partnership with Building Hope, a national nonprofit supporting public charter schools. The site will undergo remodeling to transform the three-story, 55,000+ square foot into a vibrant campus for students and families.

    The school will open for the 2026-2027 school year with grades K-8, adding one grade level each year until it serves grades K-12.

    As the first tuition-free classical charter school in the Columbia area, Ascent Classical Academy (ACA) offers families a rigorous liberal arts education distinct from broader “traditional” or “classical-inspired” models. With high academic standards, an orderly learning environment, and freedom from classroom technology and modern political trends, ACA provides families across the Midlands with a genuine American classical education that is both challenging and timeless.

    “Ascent Classical Academy of Columbia will be a place where all Columbia families, including those military families stationed at Fort Jackson, can find stability and a high-quality education for their children,” said Major General Mark Dillon, USAF (Retired), board member of Ascent Classical Academies South Carolina.

    Derec Shuler, executive director and founder of Ascent Classical Academies added, “We sought out this opportunity to directly support those families by offering a school that cultivates character, citizenship, and a love of learning.”

    For the past year, Ascent Classical leaders have been working toward this opportunity to secure a safe, long-term campus capable of supporting the school’s vision and providing a high-quality educational experience for students and staff.

    Located at the Farrow Road and I-77 interchange, the new site offers excellent accessibility and high visibility in the Pinnacle Point Business Park. Nearby institutions include Providence Hospital Northeast, Midlands Technical College, and the Carolina Research Park.

    Interested parents are encouraged to visit https://columbia.ascentclassicalsc.org to learn more and join the school’s interest list. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year will open in October.

    Contact Information
    Derec Shuler
    Executive Director
    derec.shuler@ascentclassical.org
    720-728-6300

    Amy Willis
    Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
    awillis@ascentclassical.org
    720-728-6304

    Source: Ascent Classical Academies

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  • Long-running Prince George’s Co. charter school EXCEL Academy to close – WTOP News

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    Imagine finding out just days before the start of the school year that your child’s school is closing. That’s the case for one Maryland school in Prince George’s Co.

    Imagine finding out just days before the start of the school year that your child’s school is closing.

    That’s what’s happening with the EXCEL Academy Public Charter School in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

    It’s one of the longest-running public charter schools in the county, and Prince George’s County Council members — and the public — are speaking out.

    “This is such a terrible situation to be in at the start of the school year,” Shayla Adams, the District 5 council member, said.

    “I just cannot imagine how stressed out those parents must be trying to find a placement for their child right now and then also for the students who I know were excited about being reunited with their classmates at the beginning of the year. I’m sure that this is very unfortunate and stressful for them right now.”

    She noted that, for a child’s life, that’s not a nice surprise.

    District 2 Council member Wanika Fisher said, “that is a really big pivot to their year, the EXCEL Academy Public Charter School is closing its doors after nearly 30 years, and it’s being blamed on both the move to a new location during the COVID-19 pandemic and a drop in enrollment.”

    Fisher said Prince George’s Public Schools is there to fit the needs of every child.

    WTOP’s Jimmy Alexander contributed to this report.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Will Vitka

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  • Gov. Shapiro congratulates 173rd Cadet Class of PA State Police Academy

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    Aug. 23—WILKES-BARRE — Gov. Josh Shapiro this week joined Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris to celebrate the graduation of the 173rd Cadet Class of the Pennsylvania State Police Academy — one of the nation’s most rigorous and respected law enforcement training programs.

    The Governor welcomed 59 new troopers that completed 28 weeks of comprehensive training and will now be assigned to PSP stations across the Commonwealth, where they will begin serving their communities.

    “Policing is a noble profession — and the men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police go to work every single day to protect and serve our communities,” said Gov. Shapiro. “Today, these cadets join their ranks after completing one of the most challenging and rigorous law enforcement training programs in the nation. You are the best of us, and now you will carry the responsibility of keeping Pennsylvanians safe.”

    “Today is the result of months of hard work, determination, bravery, and selflessness,” said Colonel Paris. “I am proud to call members of the 173rd Cadet Class troopers, and I have full confidence that they will succeed in answering the call to serve, protect, and uphold the law throughout our great Commonwealth.”

    Since taking office, Gov. Shapiro has made historic investments in the Pennsylvania State Police — removing outdated barriers to service, expanding recruitment, and providing critical resources to keep communities safe.

    The Shapiro Administration has funded eight cadet classes to train over 800 new State Troopers and secured funding to help departments recruit and retain nearly 700 municipal police officers across Pennsylvania. To date, more than 500 cadets have graduated and joined the ranks of PSP under Gov. Shapiro’s leadership.

    Nearly $400 million has been secured for the construction of a new state-of-the-art PSP Academy.

    The Administration is expanding the use of body-worn cameras across 67 counties to improve transparency and accountability.

    Since Governor Shapiro took office, gun violence is down 42% and gun deaths by firearm are down 38% across Pennsylvania. In 2024 alone, violent crime declined nearly 12% compared to 2022.

    Rep. Meuser supports bill to expand charter school opportunities and strengthen school choice

    U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week cosponsored H.R. 3453 — the Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act — bipartisan legislation to help experienced educators open new charter schools and expand learning opportunities across the country.

    The bill gives states greater flexibility in using funding from the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP). Specifically, it allows states to use up to 5% of their CSP grants for small planning grants to assist educators navigating the complex application process for new charter schools.

    Currently, Rep. Meuser said CSP funds cannot be used for planning phases, often forcing teachers and administrators to step away from their jobs and bear financial hurdles to complete applications. This legislation removes that barrier and ensures skilled educators have a fair and supported path to launch schools that meet their communities’ needs.

    Rep. Meuser said proponents of the legislation argue that charter schools consistently deliver strong academic outcomes, with higher graduation rates and improved test scores in reading and math.

    Rep. Meuser said expanding charter access is a critical component of school choice, empowering parents to choose the right educational setting for their children — rather than being locked in by geography or under-performing school districts.

    “Charter schools provide families with more choice and students with new opportunities to succeed,” said Rep. Meuser. “By supporting experienced educators at the planning stage, this legislation removes barriers, strengthens accountability, and helps meet the demand from parents seeking alternatives to under-performing schools. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, and expanding school choice through charter schools is an important part of that mission.”

    Rep. Meuser also noted how charter school expansion complements broader reforms enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill. Included in that legislation is a new federal tax credit scholarship program giving parents new control over their children’s education.

    Starting in 2027, donors can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit — up to $1,700 annually — for contributions to nonprofit scholarship organizations that provide K — 12 assistance. These flexible scholarships can cover tuition, tutoring, books, uniforms, transportation, technology, and special-needs services, empowering low- and middle-income families with real educational options.

    Rep. Meuser said the urgency of this effort is underscored by troubling state education outcomes. He said according to the U.S. Department of Education’s Nation’s Report Card, 69% of Pennsylvania’s eighth grade students are not proficient in either math or reading.

    The Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act was reported out of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce favorably in June and now awaits consideration on the floor.

    PennDOT reminds Pennsylvanians to drive responsibly ahead of Labor Day weekend

    The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) this week joined the PSP and safety partners to urge Pennsylvanians to celebrate responsibly ahead of the Labor Day holiday.

    PSP and local municipal police agencies will be conducting impaired driving enforcement details as part of the National Crackdown on Impaired Driving enforcement and education campaign running through Sept. 1.

    Over the Labor Day holiday weekend last year — Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, through Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 — there were 1,002 crashes statewide, resulting in 13 fatalities and 722 injuries. Of those crashes, 106 were alcohol related, resulting in four fatalities and 65 injuries; and 27 were drug-related, resulting in three fatalities and 22 injuries.

    “These numbers should be zero,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.

    Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.

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  • AMS Peoria Advanced Campus Achieves A-Rating and Celebrates Outstanding AASA Scores

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    Press Release
    •


    updated: Dec 11, 2024


    PHOENIX, December 11, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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    Academy of Math and Science Peoria Advanced (AMS Peoria Advanced) Campus is proud to announce its designation as an A-rated school, a testament to its commitment to providing an exceptional education for its students. This distinction reflects AMS Peoria Advanced’s remarkable academic achievements and underscores its role as a leader in education within the Peoria community.

    In the most recent Arizona Academic Standards Assessment (AASA), AMS Peoria Advanced demonstrated impressive improvements and standout performance compared to local and state averages:

    Substantial Growth: AMS Peoria Advanced achieved an 8% increase in Math and a 5% increase in English Language Arts (ELA), while nearby schools on average experienced a 3% decline in Math and no growth in ELA from the ’22-’23 to ’23-’24 school years.

    Exceeding State Averages: AMS Peoria Advanced outperformed the state average by 16% in Math and 7% in ELA, showcasing the effectiveness of its advanced, rigorous curriculum.

    Top in the Peoria Area: Among the 20 schools in the Peoria area, AMS Peoria Advanced ranked first in Composite AASA scores, Math, and Growth, and second in ELA.

    This accomplishment comes on the heels of AMS Peoria Advanced being voted the Best Charter School in Peoria in the Peoria Times, reinforcing its reputation as a cornerstone of educational excellence in the community.

    Schedule a private tour of AMS Peoria Advanced with their Leadership team today: https://calendly.com/amspeoria/peoria-advanced-school-tour-clone

    Contact Information

    Source: The Academies of Math and Science

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  • This is not a drill. Students duck, cover, evacuate as quake jolts the first day of school

    This is not a drill. Students duck, cover, evacuate as quake jolts the first day of school

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    It took a split second for the instincts of Principal Laura Gutierrez to kick in when an earthquake coursed through Aldama Elementary School in Highland Park as she stood outside supervising recess.

    She started to dance — shaking in time to the shaking. A few students, frozen in momentary fear, saw her and started dancing too.

    “They looked at me, a lot of them with big eyes. I looked back and it was like, ‘OK, we’re gonna just sway to this.’ And so a lot of them did it with me.”

    She then immediately radioed her plant manager and supervision aides to coordinate a full campus response.

    A 12:20 p.m. moderate earthquake jolted the first day of school in the Los Angeles Unified School District, causing no reported damage, but bringing on jitters and testing preparedness instilled by earthquake drills.

    Centered in El Sereno, the 4.4 magnitude temblor especially rattled nearby, including Wilson High School, which was temporarily evacuated, said Supt. Alberto Carvalho. Students ducked and covered at many campuses, with a smaller number following with a short-term evacuation.

    The main campus at Academia Anawakalmekak, a charter school, sits two blocks from the epicenter. The force of the shock was no dancing matter.

    “It felt like an ocean liner hit the building,” said Marcos Aguilar, co-head of the K-12 charter school.

    The initial jolt was the most of it, with follow-up shaking lasting just a few seconds, Aguilar said.

    That’s about how Jose Montes de Oca, the assistant principal at the upper-grades campus, felt it — although he used the word “truck,” not “ocean liner.”

    Aguilar was upstairs working with some staff and admits he and colleagues ignored the standard protocol to duck and cover and instead rushed downstairs to check on students.

    They were fine — and were following the rules of duck and cover under or near their desks and then evacuating after the shaking stopped under adult supervision. Many if not most of the students already were outside because it was lunch time, said Montes de Oca.

    Parents were flooding the phone lines to check on kids — which also happened at other schools, including Aldama. The charter school staff could not initially pick up the calls because they, too, had to evacuate. But the school quickly sent out a text saying everyone was safe.

    Aguilar rushed over to the campus for the youngest students “because that’s where I thought there’d be more concern.” About four students were spooked, with one crying. “Everybody else was pretty much just excited to be outside. It did shock a couple of our staff members. They might have past memories of bigger earthquakes.”

    At an afternoon school assembly for students and parents — part of the regular first-day events — Montes de Oca reviewed earthquake safety, including what to do at home.

    As scary as things were for a few seconds, Aguilar noted that no one evacuated from the restaurant next store.

    Back at Aldama, Principal Gutierrez said about two-thirds of students already were outside — either at recess or lunch. The students inside appeared to have followed safety rules. It helped that she’d chosen earthquake safety as the subject of her Monday school assembly. Like the charter school, Aldama has earthquake drills every month.

    Parent Lauren Quan-Madrid hadn’t felt the earthquake where she was working in Whittier. But her husband, a teacher at Wilson High, alerted her in something of a panic to check on their daughter.

    The shaking had been strong at Wilson, leading to a schoolwide evacuation and a painstaking campus inspection that kept students outside for a while.

    Their second-grader, Valeria Madrid-Romo, said the earthquake scared her. She’d already been anxious about going into a new grade at school, wondering if she could handle harder material.

    By the end of the day, she felt reassured academically and had moved past the earthquake. When her mother arrived breathlessly and had her pulled momentarily from class, Valeria demanded to know: “What are you doing here?”

    Juvenal Rodriguez and his wife were jolted into alarm as well, but Mateo, also a second-grader, was unimpressed. It was much more interesting, he said, when hail fell at their house during the recent rainy season, he said.

    Aldama third-grader Madison Alvarez thought the earthquake sounded like a tree falling — so she did not get too concerned. What really stood out to her was that it was the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.

    “We did a lot of art and coloring,” she said. “And had the first day of recess, it was short, but it was really fun.”

    Jorge Alvarado, a 12th-grader at Academia Avance, a different charter school, was sitting in class when he saw a mirror shake, then he felt the floors vibrate and then saw the walls move.

    “I was just in shock because, like, we were in class, and I didn’t expect it to happen,” Jorge said. But as at the other schools, he and his classmates knew what to do.

    Principal Gutierrez chose to embrace a positive spin: “We dance for any reason at Aldama.”

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    Howard Blume

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  • Ascent Classical™ Academies Announces Temporary Location for Irmo Campus Opening Fall 2024

    Ascent Classical™ Academies Announces Temporary Location for Irmo Campus Opening Fall 2024

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    Press Release
    •

    May 21, 2024 17:00 EDT


    COLUMBIA, S.C., May 21, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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    Ascent Classical™ Academies is pleased to announce its Irmo school has secured a temporary location for the 2024-2025 school year at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, located at 6952 St Andrews Rd, Columbia, South Carolina.   

    The church’s education wing will house grades K-8 including two additional sections, one for sixth and a second to be determined for either fourth or fifth grade, to meet the high demand the school has received. Ascent Classical™ is working closely with church leadership and the City of Irmo to ensure all classrooms are updated ahead of the school’s first day of class on Aug. 8, 2024.  

    This announcement is the latest milestone for Ascent Classical™ Academy’s opening year. The tuition-free school offers an American Classical Education and will open with grades K-8, adding one grade each year until reaching K-12 matriculation.  

    The classical education model centers on a well-rounded education in the liberal arts and sciences, including daily fine arts and physical education classes. Students wear uniforms and do not use technology in the classroom, instead relying on teacher-led instruction and a content-rich, time-tested curriculum delivered in an orderly and disciplined environment.   

    As a public charter school, Ascent Classical™ Academy is open to all students and is enrolling now. Families interested in learning more about the school can visit irmo.ascentclassical.org to find an upcoming parent information meeting, review sample curriculum maps, and submit an online application.  

    Source: Ascent Classical Academies

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  • Ascent Classical Receives Unanimous Approval for Three Additional Campuses in South Carolina

    Ascent Classical Receives Unanimous Approval for Three Additional Campuses in South Carolina

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    COLUMBIA, S.C., May 3, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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    Ascent Classical Academies (ACA) received unanimous approval to open three new schools in South Carolina on April 17 during The Charter Institute at Erskine’s regular board meeting. This approval expands ACA’s presence in South Carolina with two campuses opening in Fall 2024, ACA Fort Mill and ACA Irmo, and two additional campuses slated to open in Charleston and Upstate in 2025. The most recent approvals will tentatively serve the Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry communities. 

    When asked about receiving three additional approvals for schools, Ascent Classical Academies Founder and CEO, Derec Shuler, said, “We are honored and thankful to continue our partnership with the Charter Institute at Erskine as we all work to improve education options and bring an American classical education to children and their families across the state. Ascent Classical charter schools work with parents to offer a time-tested, traditional approach to the formation of young people, to prepare them to flourish in life.” 

    Ascent Classical Academies, an established organization in the educational sphere, successfully opened four campuses in Colorado. The organization’s proven successful academic model, which joins instruction in the principles of moral character and civic virtue to develop the minds, heart, and body, will be implemented in its South Carolina schools. For students and their families located in Fort Mill, Irmo, Charleston, and Upstate, ACA will be the first K-12 tuition-free classical school option to open and serve their communities, helping bring to fruition Ascent Classical’s mission to guide students to become virtuous citizens who are prepared to flourish in life.

    To express interest in bringing an Ascent Classical Academy to your community or join the interest list for the upcoming campuses in Irmo, Rock Hill, Upstate, and Charleston, visit ascentclassical.org/find-a-school.

    Source: Ascent Classical Academies

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  • Ascent Classical Academy Hires Inaugural Headmaster for Rock Hill Campus Opening Fall 2024

    Ascent Classical Academy Hires Inaugural Headmaster for Rock Hill Campus Opening Fall 2024

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    Press Release
    •

    Apr 19, 2024

    Ascent Classical™️ Academies (ACA) announces Dr. Clinton Condra as the inaugural Headmaster for its Rock Hill, South Carolina, campus.


    ROCK HILL, S.C., April 19, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Ascent Classical Academy of Fort Mill is one of two schools opening in Fall 2024 and the first two South Carolina campuses for ACA, founded in Golden, Colorado, where it successfully opened an additional five campuses.

    Dr. Condra joins the Ascent Classical™️ network from Treasure Valley Classical Academy where he served as headmaster for two years in addition to having worked as Assistant Principal and Dean of Academics for three years. His experience in education spans more than a decade, and, when asked about his philosophy on student learning in a classical environment, he stated, “I regard virtue and wisdom as the highest human capacities and work to cultivate these in the young for the sake of their flourishing and our civilization’s renewal.”

    Originally from Virginia, Dr. Condra holds his master’s and doctoral degrees in political science from Baylor University, a master’s degree in liberal arts from St. John’s College, and his bachelor’s degree in music with a minor in history from the College of William & Mary. On the hiring of Dr. Condra, Mr. Matthew Vlahovich, ACA Chief of Schools, said, “We are thrilled to add Dr. Condra’s experience, understanding, and heart for education to create an excellent community at Ascent Fort Mill.”

    Ascent Classical™️ Academy of Fort Mill will serve grades K-8 in its opening year and will operate out of its temporary location at Hope Fellowship Church, located at 505 University Drive in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The school’s mission is to train the minds and improve the hearts of young people through a classical, content-rich education in the liberal arts and sciences, with instruction in the principles of moral character and civic virtue in an orderly and disciplined environment.

    Visit fortmill.ascentclassicalsc.org for more information about enrollment and career opportunities for the 2024-2025 school year. 

    Source: Ascent Classical Academies

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  • Ascent Classical Academy Announces Temporary Location for Fort Mill Campus Opening Fall 2024

    Ascent Classical Academy Announces Temporary Location for Fort Mill Campus Opening Fall 2024

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    Press Release
    •

    Feb 21, 2024 06:03 MST

    The classical charter school will open in Rock Hill, partnering with Hope Fellowship Church, located at 505 University Drive.


    ROCK HILL, S.C., February 21, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Ascent Classical™ Academies is pleased to announce its Fort Mill school has secured a temporary location for the 2024-2025 school year at Hope Fellowship Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

    The church’s recently updated facility includes office space, classrooms, and storage space in a standalone building, as well as several modular units. Ascent Classical™ is working closely with church leadership and the South Carolina Department of Education’s Office of School Facilities to ensure all classrooms are updated ahead of the school’s first day of class on Aug. 8, 2024.

    This announcement is the latest milestone for Ascent Classical™ Academy’s opening year. The tuition-free school offers an American Classical Education and will open with grades K-8, adding one grade each year until reaching K-12 matriculation.

    The classical education model centers on a well-rounded education in the liberal arts and sciences, including daily fine arts and physical education classes. Students wear uniforms and do not use technology in the classroom, instead relying on teacher-led instruction and a content-rich, time-tested curriculum delivered in an orderly and disciplined environment.

    As a public charter school, Ascent Classical™ Academy is open to all students and is enrolling now. Families interested in learning more about the school can visit fortmill.ascentclassicalsc.org to find an upcoming parent information meeting, review sample curriculum maps, and submit an online application.

    Source: Ascent Classical Academies

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  • Ascent Classical Academy of Irmo Hires Inaugural Headmaster

    Ascent Classical Academy of Irmo Hires Inaugural Headmaster

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    Press Release
    •

    Feb 15, 2024

    Local education leader Anna Unversaw joins the Ascent Classical team as the first headmaster for its campus opening Fall 2024 to serve the Irmo/Chapin communities.


    IRMO, S.C., February 15, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Ascent Classical™ Academies (ACA) announces Anna Unversaw as the inaugural Headmaster for its Irmo, South Carolina, campus. The campus is one of two schools opening in Fall 2024 and the first two South Carolina campuses for ACA, founded in Golden, Colorado, where it successfully opened an additional five campuses.

    Anna Unversaw joins the Ascent Classical™ network with over six years of experience as a head of school and another seven years in education. Unversaw brings additional experience in leadership and management roles, including grant coordination for East Tennessee State University. Most recently, Unversaw worked as program lead with Lexington-Richland School District 5 in Irmo, South Carolina.

    “We are excited for someone with local experience and knowledge to lead our Irmo campus,” stated Matthew Vlahovich, Ascent Classical™ Academies Chief of Schools. “Mrs. Unversaw’s commitment to her community aligns with our mission to provide an educational transformation for all children.”

    Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Unversaw has earned three degrees from the University of South Carolina, including her bachelor’s degree in government and international relations, master’s degree in mass communications, and master’s degree in educational leadership.

    Ascent Classical™ Academy of Irmo will serve grades K-8 in its opening year and is located on Koon Road between I-26 and US-176. The school’s mission is to train the minds and improve the hearts of young people through a classical, content-rich education in the liberal arts and sciences, with instruction in the principles of moral character and civic virtue in an orderly and disciplined environment.

    Visit irmo.ascentclassicalsc.org to learn more and enroll today.

    Source: Ascent Classical Academies

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  • Ascent Classical Academies Receives Unanimous Approval for Four New Schools in South Carolina

    Ascent Classical Academies Receives Unanimous Approval for Four New Schools in South Carolina

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    The first two Ascent Classical campuses will open in Fall 2024 serving the Fort Mill and the Chapin/Irmo communities.


    COLUMBIA, S.C., April 26, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Charter Institute at Erskine Governing Board voted unanimously to approve Ascent Classical Academies’ applications for four new charter schools in Fort Mill, Irmo/Chapin, the Charleston metro area, and the Upstate South Carolina area during its regular board meeting on Wednesday, April 19.  

    This approval marks the start of a new relationship for the experienced charter management organization who currently operates schools in Colorado. Ascent Classical Academies, led by Executive Director and South Carolina native Derec Shuler, has been working alongside parents in South Carolina since early 2022 to identify communities with a strong desire for a high-quality classical education option for their children. 

    “Our children attended Ascent Classical for two years before we moved from Colorado and we experienced firsthand the positive impact of a classical education,” said Steve Trubiano, a resident of Fort Mill. “We are thrilled to work with Ascent to help bring this top-notch education to our new community.” 

    The Fort Mill and Irmo/Chapin schools are planned to open in Fall 2024. As tuition-free, public charter schools, Ascent Classical Academies welcome all students and will begin enrolling in early 2024. The school offers an American classical education, utilizing a content-rich curriculum in the liberal arts and sciences with instruction in the principles of moral character and civic virtue. 

    “As a mom with three young children, I have been so encouraged to learn about Ascent Classical and their curriculum and teaching methods,” said Sarah King, a resident of Irmo. “I want to have options available for my children and their education, and I think a lot of families will benefit from having this school in our community.” 

    To learn more about Ascent Classical Academies of South Carolina, visit southcarolina.ascentclassical.org. Families interested in bringing an Ascent Classical Academy to their community are encouraged to submit an expression of interest online. These confidential submissions will be included in the upcoming enrollment lotteries and ensure families receive the latest updates. 

    Source: Ascent Classical Academies

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  • Ascent Classical Academies Submits New Charter School Applications

    Ascent Classical Academies Submits New Charter School Applications

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    Press Release
    –

    Feb 22, 2023 07:00 MST


    COLUMBIA, S.C., February 22, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Ascent Classical Academies, a network of tuition-free, K-12 classical charter schools, recently submitted four applications for new campuses across South Carolina, with the first several planning to open in the fall of 2024.  

    Ascent Classical has been working with local parents and community members in Chapin, Fort Mill, Charleston, and Greenville to determine interest in bringing new school options to families in those areas. These four charter applications were submitted to the South Carolina Department of Education, naming the Charter Institute at Erskine as the sponsor. 

    “As a native of South Carolina, it’s exciting to work with local members of the community to establish high-quality school options for parents and children who want a greater end in education beyond mere college and career readiness, to prepare our children to be happy and flourish in life,” said Derec Shuler, executive director of Ascent Classical Academies. 

    “We started our first school in Colorado simply as parents desiring a traditional, richer academic experience committed to developing reason and virtue in our own children,” said Shuler. “Seeing our own children thrive in classical schools has led us to continue working to provide these opportunities to more families. Ascent’s approach emphasizes a strong partnership with parents, focusing on a well-rounded education in the liberal arts and science to train our students how to think and communicate well, giving them the background and experience to continue learning throughout their lives.”  

    Ascent Classical provides an American Classical Education honoring the intellectual and moral inheritance of the Western and American traditions. Students participate in a robust study of the founding documents, history, and the ideas and principles behind the establishment of the American republic. Our curriculum is designed to lead students toward wisdom and an appreciation of beauty, preparing them for the full responsibilities of citizenship. 

    To learn more about and support an Ascent Classical Academy coming to your community, visit southcarolina.ascentclassical.org. Follow the organization’s South Carolina page on Facebook for updates. 

    Source: Ascent Classical Academies

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  • International Association of Women Recognizes Kelenda Allen-James as a 2020-2021 Influencer

    International Association of Women Recognizes Kelenda Allen-James as a 2020-2021 Influencer

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    Kelenda Allen-James, IT Support Manager at St. HOPE Leadership Academy, joins networking organization

    Press Release
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    updated: Feb 12, 2020


    CHICAGO, February 12, 2020 (Newswire.com)
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    The International Association of Women (IAW) recognizes Kelenda Allen-James as a 2020-2021 Influencer. She is acknowledged as a leader in information technology. The International Association of Women (IAW) is a global in-person and online networking platform with more than 100 local chapters, International Chapters and 1,000+ in-person and virtual events.

    Kelenda Allen-James uses her expertise in information technology to help others, something she has always been passionate about. For nearly four years, she has held the position of IT Support Manager at St. HOPE Leadership Academy, a high school-preparatory public charter school located in New York City.

    “As a nonprofit technologist, I am able to bring affordable mission-based technology to organizations,” Ms. Allen-James said. “This allows for less money to go to overhead and more funding to go to the mission of the organization.”

    In her role, Ms. Allen-James uses her skills and expertise in educational technology, network administration and technology management. Her numerous responsibilities include managing all school-wide technology projects and issues, evaluating new technologies, managing outside vendors, developing customer support policies, and much more.

    Although she often faces challenges along the way, including finding all the stakeholders at the beginning of an initiative, Ms. Allen-James acknowledged the most rewarding part of her career is when she sees the positive impact efforts have on students’ lives. “If the data I provide allows a student’s family to improve their scholar’s attendance, or the savings I generate by converting telephone services to VoIP allows for more funding for permanent housing to an additional person, all my efforts were worth it,” she added.

    In the future, Ms. Allen James hopes to increase the conversations the nonprofit community is having about how technology can move their missions forward.

    Education & Accomplishments: Master of Science in Information Systems, Touro College, New York, Concentration: Technology Leadership; Graduate Certificate in Project Management, Baruch College, Project Management; Bachelor of Arts, Centre College, Major: Spanish; Minor: Computer Science; Industry Certifications: HDI Support Center Director; Google Certified Trainer; Google Certified Educator Level 1 and Level 2; Google Certified IT Support Professional; Google Cloud Certified: G Suite

    About IAW
    The International Association of Women (IAW) is a global in-person and online professional networking platform that provides women the forum, professional development and services needed to thrive in an interconnected world. Through 100+ local chapters, International Chapters and 1,000+ in-person and virtual events, members cultivate valuable connections, develop professionally, and promote themselves and their businesses. Founded in Chicago in 2017, IAW is a division of Professional Diversity Network, Inc., an online network tailored to provide diverse professionals in the United States with access to employment opportunities.

    Source: International Association of Professional Women

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  • 10,000+ Backpacks Filled With School Supplies to Be Distributed in Flint, MI

    10,000+ Backpacks Filled With School Supplies to Be Distributed in Flint, MI

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    Organizations partner to support a community still reeling from a man-made water crisis

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jul 25, 2018


    FLINT, Mich., July 25, 2018 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Pack Your Back, STATE Bags and 11-year-old local activist, ‘Little Miss Flint’ Mari Copeny have joined forces to distribute more than 10,000 backpacks filled with school supplies timed to the start of the 2018/2019 school year.

    Select schools throughout Flint, Michigan will distribute a STATE backpack, filled with supplies for success, to each student on the first day of school. “The only way a student can succeed in the classroom is by having the proper tools and resources needed to do so,” said Galen Miller, Executive Director of Pack Your Back. “We are excited to assist more than 10,000 students in getting those tools.”

    The only way a student can succeed in the classroom is by having the proper tools and resources needed to do so.

    Galen Miller, Executive Director

    Students who do not attend these select schools can still receive a backpack and supplies from a School Supply Distribution on Aug. 31 at the Mott Community College Event Center starting at 4 p.m. Backpacks will be handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

    Pack Your Back and Little Miss Flint have facilitated programming that has already impacted over 3,500 people throughout Flint in 2018 including distribution of water, bicycles and school supplies, among other items.

    STATE Bags donates tens of thousands of backpacks to children with immediate needs each year.

    “We’re thrilled to dedicate our entire back to school giving efforts to the kids of Flint this year,” says STATE Co-Founder, Scot Tatelman. “This community has been overlooked far too long, and we are looking forward to gearing up its students while shedding light on the continual struggles and resiliency of its residents. We couldn’t be more honored to team up with Little Miss Flint and Pack Your Back as they both perfectly embody what Flint represents.”

    To donate to efforts in Flint, Michigan, please visit http://bit.ly/2mFga3z.

    For a list of schools directly receiving support, please visit www.packyourback.org.

    Media Contact: 
    Galen Miller 
    Phone: 989.245.4994
    Email: media@packyourback.org

    Source: Pack Your Back

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