The Center for Education Reform (CER) honored 53 of the nation’s best charter schools as part of its National Charter School of the Year program held in Washington, D.C. at the National Press Club and on Capitol Hill. Chosen from the nation’s nearly 4,000 charter schools for their achievement, innovation, and accountability, the honorees hailed from 24 states.
The following Core Knowledge schools were recognized as six of the 53 best charter schools in the United States. Here the school names and facts about each one are listed as they appear on the Center’s website, along with the other winners:
Challenge Charter School, Glendale, AZ
This Arizona school provides a sound educational environment grounded in the fundamentals of a hands-on, science-oriented, academic core curriculum. It’s easy to see why this school has a waiting list of over 300. Challenge Charter School is an Official Core Knowledge School.
Jefferson Academy Elementary, Broomfield, CO
After winning its charter through an appeals process that was the first of its kind in the state, Jefferson Academy ranks in the top 16 percent or better in overall achievement of schools in Colorado. Jefferson Academy is an Official Core Knowledge School.
Liberty Common School, Ft. Collins, CO
In 2005–2006 they ranked No.1 in their district for standardized tests, and with 99 percent of their students graduating on time, it’s no wonder Liberty Common School has 941 students on their waiting list. Liberty Common School is an Official Core Knowledge School and Visitation Site.
Discovery School, Lancaster, SC
On the 2006 annual report card issued by the state of South Carolina, 100 percent of the students surveyed were satisfied with the learning environment, the social and physical environment, and school-home relations. Discovery School is a Friend of Core Knowledge School.
Midland Valley Preparatory School, Graniteville, SC
By taking students who have not been successful in traditional public schools, Midland met AYP objectives and closed the achievement gap. Midland Valley is a Friend of Core Knowledge School.
Ridgeview Classical Schools, Ft. Collins, CO
Based on the 9th and 10th graders’ scores on the CSAP and the 11th graders’ scores on the ACT, RCS was ranked the No.1 school in Colorado the past two years in a row. Ridgeview Classical is a Friend of Core Knowledge School.
