Elgin Charter School Initiative Envisioning a Math and Science Elementary School that Provides Diversity and Excellence in Education

What is a Charter School? Public-open to all students in the district, no tuition or entrance requirements Open enrollment Highly accountable for performance Charters cannot discriminate on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, ancestry, marital status, or need for special education services (105 ILCS/5)

Illinois School Code States: Charter Schools were created to: Provide parents and students with expanded choices Create new professional opportunities for teachers who want to be part of the school Encourage parental and community involvement

Illinois School Code States: Charter Schools were created to: Provide innovative and more flexible ways of educating children Provide innovative and accountable teaching and techniques Improve student learning with high, rigorous standards for student performance Allow the development of new or alternative forms of measuring student learning and achievement

Brief History of Charter Schools First Public Charter School opened in Minnesota in early 1990’s 39 states allow for Public Charter Schools 124 Charter Campuses in Illinois Other Illinois communities with Charter Schools:

Charters are Improving Public Education Chicago’s charters serve 46,000 students with 15,000 students on Charter School wait lists Charter schools raise student performance: Alain Locke Charter in Chicago: 88% low income 89% meet or exceed state standards on the ISAT Learn Charter in Chicago: 81% meet or exceed state standards on the ISAT 95% graduate from high school 98% of graduates go to college

A Charter School for Elgin? “You can invest $20 million in redeveloping your downtown, but if there is no effort in revitalizing your education system, it won’t matter for future investment or keeping people in your community.” Ed Rust, CEO of State Farm Insurance; President of US Chamber of Commerce

A Charter School for Elgin? Here is what we envision Math and science based College prep K-8 school Financially positive for U-46 Center for innovation for U-46 Integral part of Elgin’s long term vision for vibrancy and growth Flexible learning environment which includes creative programs Extended school day and calendar year Inclusive of all children

We Want Your Input What do you expect from your elementary public school? What are your hopes and goals for your children’s education? What do you see as positive and negative aspects about an elementary charter school? If you had children that would be the correct age for entrance to the Elgin charter school, would you consider sending them to it?

Thank You! Elgin Charter School Initiative Envisioning a Math and Science Elementary School that Provides Diversity and Excellence in Education