Charter Schools (Charlotte, Monroe, Mint Hill: public school, college, living in)

[MommyV]

Does anyone know anything about Charter Schools? I've heard they're great, but why? or why not? Is it hard to get in?

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by MommyV

Does anyone know anything about Charter Schools? I've heard they're great, but why? or why not? Is it hard to get in?

Getting in to the best ones can be tough as there are usually more applicants than open slots. But they are well worth the effort in my opinion. They are great for several reasons, but one of the biggest is that ALL parents are extremely involved in the schools - it is a requirement of having your child attend. You must give x amount of time to the school as a volunteer a week. Classes are also generally smaller so your child gets more of the teachers attention. A school and its parents decide the direction of their school - they have more say so in what will be taught and how.

[MommyV]

Thank you! I have a very bright 10 yr old going on to 5th grade next year and a not so motivated 8 yr old moving up to 3rd grade (I hope). We're going to be living in the Park Sharon area...hopefully Cameron Wood. What Charter schools should I start looking into? I've heard about Metrolina Scholars Academy, but what other ones are there?

Is there any hope of getting the kids into one for the 08/09 school year? How should I start going about it?

[trishlee]

My daughter goes to Lincoln Charter in Denver. We got her right in in January when we moved here BUT she is in 11th grade. I hear they have space in the upper grades but not so much in the lower grades. I know kindergarden has waiting list. I assume all charter schools are like that. She has always been a good student but has really excelled there. Teachers take a real interest in the students and care about them. We moved here from a great school system in Ohio and teachers cared a lot there too. It was a much bigger school. But then we came here and put her into a CM public school and she was overwhelmed by the size, 3 xs her last school size. I didn't think she would like how small the charter school is but she is very happy there.

[solnechko]

Charter Schools...Metrolina is one, but it is only for high-IQ kids and even then, it has a waiting list. There is also Socrates Academy, which is very popular. It is a Greek-immersion program and uses the Socratic Method. Both of these would be convenient to Cameron Wood. There is the Carolina International School, but I am not sure where it is; I know I read about some problems with their administration. There is Queen's Grant out in Mint Hill and Union Academy out near Monroe. I have researched Socrates, Union Ademy and Queen's Grant, and they all have long waiting lists.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by solnechko

Charter Schools...Metrolina is one, but it is only for high-IQ kids and even then, it has a waiting list. There is also Socrates Academy, which is very popular. It is a Greek-immersion program and uses the Socratic Method. Both of these would be convenient to Cameron Wood. There is the Carolina International School, but I am not sure where it is; I know I read about some problems with their administration. There is Queen's Grant out in Mint Hill and Union Academy out near Monroe. I have researched Socrates, Union Ademy and Queen's Grant, and they all have long waiting lists.

I was going to recommend Socrates and Queens Grant too - they have excellent reputations.

[MommyV]

How do I get on a waiting list for these schools? Any tips?

[LakesideAnnie]

Originally Posted by MommyV

How do I get on a waiting list for these schools? Any tips?

Simply submit applications. If there is space, they'll be admitted (assuming they meet the academic requirements of the school.) If there is no space, they'll be put on the waiting list.

[MommyV]

Will do. Thanks for the help.

[busygirl]

Looking for a charter school in Charlotte NC? I know this is an old thread, but just in case anyone is still looking for a charter school, I just want to make sure you check out Charlotte Secondary School. The school is only 2 years old, and it is amazing what they have accomplished! Now that they have a waiting list, they have made their curriculum more high school/college prep, and that alone is weeding out the students who don't want to or are not able to keep up. My son will be there next year.