Pioneer Charter School of Science proposed in 2013 for Saugus, Lynn, Salem, Danvers and Peabody kids (Boston: school districts)

[konfetka]

Good news for some lucky kids in these towns, who will have a chance to attend some of the top colleges in the country, some of them for free.

It's first 34 graduates from Revere, Everett and Chelsea received $3.2 million in scholarships to Columbia, Brandeis and BC.

10th grade science proficiency was 94%, English - 92%, and Math - 88% (considering 50% of kids come from non-English background.)

The school helps students develop the academic and social skills necessary to become successful professionals and exemplary members of their communities. PCSS prepares students for success in college and their careers with a rigorous academic curriculum emphasizing math, science and analytical thinking, balanced by a strong foundation in the humanities and a character education program.

The school has a longer school year, extended days (7:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.), tutoring until 4:30, homework makeup sessions until 5:30 and “voluntary” Saturday classes for students who need extra help. Students must pass five math and five science classes to graduate, more than the state requires. Students must also complete 40 hours of community service.

PCSS employs data-informed decision-making, assessing student performance in all core subjects at least eight times throughout the school year to identify and address academic weaknesses.

To help students balance their course work with extracurricular activities, the school offers many clubs, events, activities and sports. All-school activities include a science fair with judges from the community and local colleges such as MIT and Boston College.


Making the case for another charter school » Opinion » SalemNews.com, Salem, MA

[unit731]

Do away with all public schools.

Let only the parents pay for the schooling of their children.

[konfetka]

According to statistics, about a third of them is superior to public, a third get the same results, and a third are worse. However, when they prove themselves, I don't see why they shouldn't be able to open more campuses, and close the worst ones.

Recently Massachusetts raised the cap for charter schools from 9 to 18% (of district spending), but unfortunately for most of us it's only in the 10% of the worst performing school districts.