District/School Administration Administration
The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Renewal Decisions for Six Charter Schools
(Barnstable Horace Mann Charter School, Boston Preparatory Charter Public School, Marstons Mills East Horace Mann Charter Public School, River Valley Charter School, Roxbury Preparatory Charter School, Salem Academy Charter Public School)

Last month, the Board discussed charter renewals for Barnstable Horace Mann Charter School, Boston Preparatory Charter Public School, Marstons Mills East Horace Mann Charter Public School, River Valley Charter School, Roxbury Preparatory Charter School, and Salem Academy Charter Public School. The Board is scheduled to vote on these renewals at its meeting on February 24, 2009. I recommend that the Board renew the charters for all of these schools.

For Salem Academy Charter Public School (SACS), I recommend that the Board renew this school's charter with the condition that the school establish and operate a program of English language learner education in a manner consistent with the requirements of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71A. By the end of the 2008-09 school year, SACS will demonstrate that it has met this condition by implementing all elements of the Corrective Action Plan issued by the Department on October 10, 2008. Full implementation of the school's English language learner education program shall be in place no later than the opening of school for fall 2009.

Basis of Recommendations Regarding the Renewal of Charters

The charter school regulations state that "[t]he decision by the Board to renew a charter shall be based upon the presentation of affirmative evidence regarding the success of the school's academic program; the viability of the school as an organization; and the faithfulness of the school to the terms of its charter" 603 CMR 1.12. Consistent with the regulations, recommendations regarding renewal are based upon the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (Department) evaluation of the schools' performance in these areas. In its review, the Department has considered both the schools' absolute performance at the time of the application for renewal and the progress the schools have made during the past four years of their charter.

The accountability process for charter schools recognizes that in exchange for increased freedom, a school must demonstrate results within the term of its five-year charter or risk non-renewal. The summary documents that follow this memorandum compile the schools' record for the term of this charter.

Barnstable Horace Mann Charter School

In 1999, Barnstable Horace Mann Charter School (BHMCS) was created by the conversion of a traditional, grade five district school to a Horace Mann charter school. At the beginning of the 2003-04 school year, BHMCS relocated and expanded to include both fifth and sixth grades. The school is chartered to serve all children eligible for entrance into the fifth and sixth grades within the seven villages of the Town of Barnstable: Barnstable, Centerville, Cotuit, Hyannis, Marstons Mills, Osterville, and West Barnstable. In 2008-09, BHMCS serves 847 students in grades five and six and has a maximum enrollment of 1,000 students.

The school's mission statement reads: "The mission at BHMCS is to inspire all students, faculty, parents, and community members to achieve excellence by creating a school environment that provides a high quality education. We utilize rigorous standards and assessments, provide innovative and creative instruction, and engage parents and the community to prepare students for lifelong learning."

Boston Preparatory Charter Public School

Boston Preparatory Charter Public School (BPCPS), a Commonwealth charter school, opened in 2004 and is chartered to serve grades six through twelve with a maximum enrollment of 350. In 2008-09, BPCPS serves 292 students in grades six through ten. BPCPS draws its students from Boston.

The mission statement of BPCPS reads: "BPCPS utilizes rigorous curriculum, extended academic time, and a range of supports for children and families to prepare 6th-12th grade students to succeed in college. An environment structured around scholarship and personal growth cultivates students' virtues of courage, compassion, integrity, perseverance, and respect."

Marstons Mills East Horace Mann Charter Public School

Marstons Mills East Horace Mann Charter Public School, is located in Barnstable. The school opened in 2004 and is chartered for and is serving kindergarten through grade 4, with a maximum enrollment of 475. As described in its original charter application, the school's educational philosophy includes the implementation of the Accelerated Schools Plus model.

The school's mission statement reads: "The mission of the Marstons Mills East Horace Mann Charter Public School is to be a whole school community that provides a challenging and enriching environment for all children, Kindergarten through grade 4; and where all children achieve high academic standards and develop character. We support the whole child and continuous improvement in the teaching process, and consider a whole school community as integral to success."

River Valley Charter School

River Valley Charter School (RVCS), a regional Commonwealth charter school, is located in Newburyport. The school opened in 1999 and is chartered to serve grades Kindergarten through grade 8 with a maximum enrollment of 288. In 2008-09, RVCS is fully enrolled and serving students in grades K-8. As described in its original charter application, RVCS is a Montessori school.

The mission statement of RVCS reads: "The mission of the River Valley Charter School is to provide a rigorous academic program based on the Montessori philosophy and rooted in the history, culture, and ecology of the Merrimack River valley. Students will reach their full potential as scholars and become self-reliant, productive members of society. They will be adept at critical thinking and creative problem solving and will be fully prepared to succeed in future schools, careers, and civic life."

Roxbury Preparatory Charter School

Roxbury Preparatory Charter School (RPCS), a Commonwealth charter school, is located in and chartered to serve students from Boston. The school opened in 1999. RPCS is chartered to serve grades six through eight with a maximum enrollment of 300. It is currently serving 230 students in grade six through eight and is gradually expanding to reach its maximum enrollment. RPCS has been the recipient of numerous awards, including recognition from the United States Education Department, for its high levels of academic achievement.

The school's mission statement reads: "Roxbury Preparatory Charter School, a public middle school, prepares its students to enter, succeed in, and graduate from college. Roxbury Preparatory Charter School is founded on the philosophy that all students are entitled to and can succeed in college preparatory programs when: 1) the curriculum is rigorous, engaging, and well-planned; 2) the school emphasizes student character, community responsibility, and exposure to life's possibilities; and 3) a community network supports students' academic, social, and physical well-being. Roxbury Preparatory Charter School helps students gain admission to outstanding public and private college preparatory high schools."

Salem Academy Charter School

Salem Academy Charter School (SACS), a Commonwealth charter school, opened in 2004. SACS is chartered to serve grades six through twelve with a maximum enrollment of 308. In 2008-09, SACS serves 291 students in grades six through twelve. The school opened with grades six and seven and expanded grade levels each year; 2008-09 is the first year it has operated with its full grade span.

The school's mission is "to educate the diverse student population of Salem and the surrounding communities. Through a unique integration of college preparatory classes with service to the community, the school will graduate informed, articulate, and proactive individuals of strong character."

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Jeff Wulfson, Associate Commissioner, at 781 338-6500; or Mary Street, Director of Charter Schools, at 781 338-3200; or me.

Enclosures:

	Summary of Review for Barnstable Horace Mann Charter School Motion to Renew
	Summary of Review for Boston Preparatory Charter Public School Motion to Renew
	Summary of Review for Marstons Mills East Horace Mann Charter Public School Motion to Renew
	Summary of Review for River Valley Charter School Motion to Renew
	Summary of Review for Roxbury Preparatory Charter School Motion to Renew
	Summary of Review for Salem Academy Charter Public School Motion to Renew