Re: [StPaul] Charter Schools & Nova Classical Academy

[brian bates]

I have not followed the discussion closely but I thought I would 
contribute with my only experience with charter schools, no doubt 
untypical. My sister was moving to town and she was looking for a high 
school for my nieces - would I go over and  listen to the introductory 
spiel at Fort Snelling Academy, a new charter school. Sure. Two men 
spoke, teachers or administrators I think. I came away with the distinct 
feeling of being in the presence of a couple of used car salesmen. The 
school would be modular and was being built in another state and would 
be installed by the beginning of the school year but within a year or 
two one the historic buildings at Fort Snelling would be refurbished and 
accommodate the students. There would be a bubble building for tennis 
and golf and best of all, no homework. "If we cannot teach you within 
the school day we are not doing our jobs." Despite my disinclination, my 
nieces attended FSA. It was a disaster from the start. The buildings 
were shipped late, the school attached seemingly every discipline 
problem every other school wanted to be rid of and when the school was 
made safe by getting rid of the trouble makers the money problems 
started. It closed within a year or two. One nice then went to Highland 
and the other to the much more successful business school charter 
downtown. Also my sister teaches at Hope Academy, a seemingly very 
successful charter school.

just a piece of the puzzle. Brian Bates, Macgrove. 

Tim Erickson wrote:
Here is a great example of how the forum can work. Apparently, our 
discussion about charter schools is getting around - and someone 
forwarded me the following information apparently coming from the 
district. If anyone has other information/data, please do share.

-------------------------------------------------
According to district sources, of the school age children in St. Paul, 
approximately:

  76% attend St. Paul Public School
  15% attend non-public schools (private)
   7% charter schools
   2% other enrollment options (open enrollment, etc.)
In regards to Nova Classical Academy:
I've often heard that this school was started by disgruntled parents 
from Capital Hill Magnet School. More recent information is that only 
about 4 students at Nova came from Capital Hill. Apparently, over half 
the students came from private schools.

I'm wondering if anyone else can shed any light on this rumor about 
Nova Classical Academy & Capital Hill?

What, if any, connection was there?
Thanks,
Tim Erickson
Hamline Midway
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

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