My younger son was enrolled to start at Nova its first year, but since there was no guarantee of a full-day kindergarten and family transportation logistics proved too quirky, I enrolled him at Webster and was pleased when he was accepted at Capitol Hill in first grade. The thought of a rigorous curriculum without a lot of the fluff that unfortunately takes the place of classroom learning appealed to me, as it did and does to the Nova parents now. I don't think we should have to spend even more of our money on private schools when public schools (which charter schools are) can (and SHOULD) provide a wonderful education when left to their own devices. Yes, there are bad players in the charter school movement, involving low academic achievement, lower expectations and fiscal mismanagement. If anything, I think the people behind Nova expect so much of their children that to be honest, they didn't feel the public schools would do them justice. I also believe that the parents who do take the time to ensure their children are ready to learn in kindergarten, first or second grade should be able to send their children to a school where the majority of the children don't need remedial help, and each child can learn at an accelerated pace, and is encouraged to do so. And this is regardless of race, education or economic status. A school like that is not for everyone, but those who desire it should be allowed to choose it for their children. If we are truly honest, we cannot say that every classroom in the St. Paul Public Schools can boast that their teachers are able to differentiate their lesson plans so that each child can learn at their own pace. Each school site is supposed to provide gifted education services to identified students, and cannot do even that. Quite a few do, however, and some do a wonderful job; but the main emphasis is not necessarily on challenging those that can excel, but rather in making everything equal for everyone so no one fails and feels bad about themselves. That mindset is why parents choose schools like Nova and Capitol Hill, or pay thousands of dollars in addition to their share of taxes to attend private or parochial schools.
Lori Windels The West Side
----- Original Message ----- From: "Tim Erickson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "St. Paul Issues Forum" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 3:14 PM
Subject: [StPaul] Charter Schools & Nova Classical Academy
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]
-- ================================================= Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722 [EMAIL PROTECTED] iChat/AIM: stpaultim =================================================
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