Just over 200 applications have been filed for students to attend Peoria's new math, science and technology Charter School. Principal Engin Blackstone says over 90 of the applications on file are for 5th grade alone.
Gina Holesome has applied twice - once by mail and once on line. She wants her fifth grade daughter to go there. "I think she would enjoy it because it would give her confidence to move on," Holesome tells 1470 WMBD. "I'm going to pray about that one."
The Charter School is working on building partnerhships with places like Bradley, Illinois State and the Ag Lab. Add one more potential partner. Jonathan Cartner with the Boy Scouts says his organization would like to join in, too. "They're building the academic side of the kid," says Cartner, "we're coming in behind them building the moral, ethical choices of the kid...putting together a well-rounded citizen."
Holesome and Cartner attended a community forum Thursday night at RiverWest. Lisa Schrock was also there. She has two students in District 150 schools - Hines and Von Stueben. Her youngest will be in 5th grade next school year, other other in 7th so both would be eligible to attend Peoria's new math, science and technology Charter School this fall. "Like most parents we want what's best for our students," Schrock says. "We just want to research it and do what's best."
75 students in each of grades 5 through 7 will attend the Charter School the first year. Applications are being accepted until May 7th.
