Open enrollment is emphasized as the application process is started for Peoria's new math, science and technology Charter School. Peoria Charter School Initiative board member Vicky Stewart says all District 150 students who will be in grades 5, 6, or 7 next school year are welcome to apply. "You don't have to be really talented in those areas," says Stewart. "You just have to be open to the curriculum."
Principal Engin Blackstone says a more rigid curriculum will be available to students already showing some success, but, "if a student is still struggling we are going to provide different core services, extra tutoring or even Saturday classes to get them to a high level."
Blackstone says the school day will be 45 minutes longer and the school year 20 days longer. There will also be three weeks of summer school based on need.
An application is available on line at www.peoriacharterschools.org. Also, an information and application kit will be mailed to homes within District 150 next week and April 5th. The deadline to apply is May 7th.
