Honorees
(listed alphabetically by state)
AR | AZ | CA | CO | FL | GA | ID | IL | IN | LA | MA | MI | MN | NC | NJ | NM | NY |OH | OK | PA | RI | SC | TX | WI
Academic Center of Excellence, Cabot, AR.
With a population of 95 percent at-risk students, it’s astounding how much the math proficiency was raised in 8th grade math. The students went from 17 percent in 2004-2005, to 62 percent in 2005-2006.
404 N. Second, Cabot, AR 72450
Michele Evans, 501-843-3138, michele.evans@cps.k12.ar.us
cabot.k12.ar.us/ACE/ACE.html
Lisa Academy, Little Rock, AR.
The Academy’s curriculum utilizes college preparatory mathematics and the foundational approaches in science teaching, both designated as “Exemplary” programs by the U.S. Department of Education.
21 Corporate Hill Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205
Bilgehan Yasar, 501-227-4942, yasar@lisaacademy.org
www.lisaacademy.org
Challenge Charter School, Glendale, AZ.
This Arizona school provides a sound educational environment grounded in the fundamentals of a hands-on, science-oriented, academic core curriculum. It’s easy to see why this school has a waiting list of over 300.
5801 W. Greenbriar Dr., Glendale, AZ 85308
Greg Miller, gmiller@challengecharterschool.net
www.challengecharterschool.net
Triumphant Learning Center, Safford, AZ.
Scores don’t lie. With over 80 percent proficiency in math and reading, it’s no wonder this Arizona school develops critical thinking skills, cooperative problem solving, and respect for self and community by promoting its motto, “Excellence Personified.”
201 E. Main St., Safford, AZ 85546
Robin Dutt, 928-348-8422, tlctiger@cableone.net
myweb.cableone.net/tlctiger
American Indian Public Charter School, Oakland, CA.
After meeting their AYP target for the past six years in a row, AIPCS became the first public school in Oakland, California to receive the national “Blue Ribbon” award.
3637 Magee Ave., Oakland, CA 94619
Dr. Ben Chavis, 510-499-4163, aipcs@sbcglobal.net
www.aipcs.org
Guajome Park Academy, Vista, CA.
Honored with the California Distinguished School Award, this middle / high school builds an inclusive learning community with all students participating in the International Baccalaureate program.
2000 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA 92083
Penny Young Harrison, 760-531-8500 x1222, harrisonpe@guajome.net
www.guajome.net
KIPP San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
Boasting remarkable improvements on the Academic Performance Index, KIPP students outperformed 98 percent of all California public schools with a 140-point increase.
1430 Scott St., San Francisco, CA 94115
Lydia Glassie, 415-440-4306, Lglassie@sfbayacademy.org
www.sfbayacademy.org
The Preuss School UCSD, La Jolla, CA.
This school was designed as an intensive college preparatory program for low-income students who would represent the first generation in their families to graduate from college. In 2004, 2005, and 2006, the school graduated its first three classes.
9500 Gilman Dr., MC 0536, La Jolla, CA 92093
Dr. Doris Alvarez, 858-658-7404, preussoffice@ucsd.edu
http://preuss.ucsd.edu
Synergy Charter Academy, Los Angeles, CA.
Started by teachers, this school increased its Academic Performance Index (API) by 104 points, from 709 to 813, making it the highest performing school in all of South Los Angeles.
P.O. Box 78638, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Meg Palisoc, 323-233-8559, megpalisoc@hotmail.com
http://wearesynergy.org
Jefferson Academy Elementary, Broomfield, CO.
After winning its charter through an appeals process that was the first of its kind in the state, Jefferson Academy ranks in the top 16 percent, or better, in overall achievement of schools in Colorado.
9955 Yarrow St., Broomfield, CO 80021
Michael E. Munier, III, 303-438-1011, mmunier@jeffco.k12.co.us
www.jajags.com
Liberty Common School, Ft. Collins, CO.
In 2005-2006 they ranked No. 1 in their district for standardized tests, and with 99 percent of their students graduating on time, it’s no wonder Liberty Common School has 941 students on their waiting list.
1725 Sharp Point Dr., Ft. Collins, CO 80525
Russ Spicer, 970-482-9800, rspicer@libertycommon.org
www.libertycommon.org
Ridgeview Classical Schools, Ft. Collins, CO.
Based on the 9th and 10th graders’ scores on the CSAP and the 11th graders’ scores on the ACT, RCS was ranked the No. 1 school in Colorado the past two years in a row.
1800 S. Lemay, Ft. Collins, CO 80525
Kim Miller, 970-494-4620, kmiller@ridgeviewclassical.com
www.ridgeviewclassical.com
Academy at the Farm, Dade City, FL.
This grade school satisfied 100 percent of AYP criteria and is one of the top 100 elementary schools out of 2,400 in the state of FL for improvements in writing.
9500 Alex Lange Way, Dade City, FL 33525
Dr. Michael G. Rom, 352-588-9737, mrom@academyatthefarm.com
www.academyatthefarm.com
Downtown Academy of Technology and Arts, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
The school’s state rating jumped from an “F” to an “A” over the past year. They rank 3rd out of 2,854 schools and have received the Governor’s Award for School Improvement.
101 SE 3rd Ave.,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
James E. DiSebastian, 954-767-0403, jdisebastian@downtownacademy.org
www.downtownacademy.org
Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary and Middle School, Pembroke Pines, FL.
In 2005-2006, 90 percent of all students scored at or above grade level in reading and math. In addition, each charter family is required to spend 30 hours each year volunteering at the school.
601 SW 172nd Ave.,
Pembroke Pines, FL 33029
Alan Pfau, 954-499-4244, apfau@pinescharter.com
www.pinescharter.com
Pembroke Pines Charter High School - Pembroke Pines, FL.
Following in the footsteps of the Pembroke Pines Elementary and Middle School, this charter high school showed improvements in math and reading proficiency up to 82 percent and 56 percent respectfully. With over 1,663 children on the waiting list, they're obviously doing something right.
Pembroke Pines Charter HS, 17189 Sheridan St.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33331
Peter Bayer, Pbayer@pinescharter.com
www.pinescharter.com
Chamblee Charter High School, Chamblee, GA.
Significant gains in achievement and winning the Governor’s Cup in 2006 and 2007 for the highest SAT scores are factors in this winner’s selection.
3688 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd., Chamblee, GA 30341
Rochelle Lowery, 678-676-6905, rochelle_lowery@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us
www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/chambleehs/
Kennesaw Charter School, Kennesaw, GA.
While having a very impressive proficiency rating across the board, KCS is not just about academics, as is evident in the school’s fine arts department, which includes art, music, band, and foreign language.
1370 Lockhart Dr., Kennesaw, GA 30144
Christine Tureta, 678-290-9628, ctureta@kennesawcharter.com
www.kennesawcharter.com
Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy, Coeur d’Alene, ID.
This amazing charter school ranks among the highest test scores in the state, with 95-100 percent proficiency rate.
4904 N. Duncan Dr., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
Dan Nicklay, 208-676-1667, dnicklay@cdacharter.org
www.cdacharter.org
Prairie Crossing Charter School, Grayslake, IL.
Prairie Crossing offers an innovative curriculum that uses an ecological, integrated, experimental approach to learning to develop students who demonstrate environmental stewardship and global citizenship.
1531 Jones Point Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030
Rekha Athreya, 847-543-9872, rathreya@pccs.ws
www.pccs.lake.k12.il.us
Signature School, Evansville, IN.
As one of Indiana’s most successful public schools, Signature was ranked No. 54 in Newsweek’s Top 100 High Schools. Their 69 seniors were awarded over $4.5 million in scholarships from some of the best colleges in the nation.
610 Main St., Evansville, IN 47708
Vicki Snyder, 812-421-1820, vicki.snyder@signature.edu
www.signature.edu
The International School of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA.
This elementary school provides a challenging education, emphasizing French or Spanish language immersion, international awareness, and community responsibility.
1400 Camp St., New Orleans, LA 70130
Sean Wilson, 504-654-1088, info@isl-edu.org
www.isl-edu.org
Excel Academy Charter School, East Boston, MA.
These grade school students, who are prepared to succeed in high school and college, consistently score among the top Massachusetts’ charter schools on state assessments.
1150 Saratoga St., East Boston, MA 02128
Yutaka Tamura, 617-561-1371, ytamura@excelacademy.org
www.excelacademy.org
MATCH Charter Public High School, Boston, MA.
MATCH has surpassed all expectations and has excelled in all areas of public education. The school serves a population that is 96 percent minority and works to achieve the goal of sending all students on to a 4-year college or university.
1001 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215
Danny Clark, 617-232-0300 x129, danny.clark@matchschool.org
www.matchschool.org
Roxbury Preparatory Charter School, Roxbury, MA.
Not only did students improve their scores on the 8th grade science and 7th grade English exams, but RPCS outscored every district in the state of Massachusetts on the 8th grade math exam.
120 Fisher Ave., Roxbury, MA 02120
Lara Christian, 617-566-2361 x124, Lchristian@roxburyprep.org
www.roxburyprep.org
Ann Arbor Learning Community, Ann Arbor, MI.
Ann Arbor is a grade school that fosters the development of essential life skills and core academic knowledge through small, multi-aged classrooms.
3980 Research Park Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Jennifer Taylor, 734-477-0340, a2learningcommunity@gmail.com
Detroit Edison Public School Academy, Detroit, MI.
In 2005, Edison was recognized as the No. 1 charter school in Michigan and was awarded the Michigan Association of Public School Academies’ (MAPSA) Charter School of Excellence Award.
1903 Wilkins, Detroit, MI 48207
Ralph C. Bland, 313-833-1100, rbland@detroitedisonpsa.org
www.detroitedisonpsa.org
Community of Peace Academy, St. Paul, MN.
One of eight charter schools in America included in a U.S. Department of Education publication (2004), Successful Charter Schools, for demonstrated success over time, in boosting student achievement.
471 Magnolia Ave. E., St. Paul, MN 55130
Dr. Karen J. Rusthoven, 651-776-5151 x222, karenr@cpa.charter.k12.mn.us
www.cpa.charter.k12.mn.us
Gaston College Preparatory, Gaston, NC.
For the past four years, the Department of Public Instruction has named Gaston College Prep a North Carolina School of Excellence for having more than 90 percent of its students making AYP and performing at Achievement Level III or above.
320 Pleasant Hill Rd., Gaston, NC 27832
Brenda Shipman-Scruggs, 252-308-6932, bscruggs@kippgcp.org
www.kippnc.org
Kinston Charter Academy, Kinston, NC.
Kinston Academy offers a rigorous, interactive, integrated, and problem-centered curriculum in math, science, and Spanish.
2004 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Kinston, NC 28501
W.D. Anderson, 252-522-0210, wda@kinstoncharteracademy.com
www.kinstoncharteracademy.com
Hoboken Charter School, Hoboken, NJ.
As one of the first schools to be chartered in the state of New Jersey, HCS just received its 5-year renewal in the fall of 2006. Everyone at HCS is pleased to be able to continue educating the youth in the Garden State.
4th Garden St., 3/4 Floor; Demarest School, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Don DePascale, 201-963-0222 x222, d.depascale@hobokencs.org
www.hobokencs.org
Princeton Charter School, Princeton, NJ.
This school has received a long list of accolades that include “Charter School of Distinction” in 2004 and national recognition as a Blue Ribbon School in the same year.
100 Bunn Dr., Princeton, NJ 08540
Charles D. Marsee, 609-924-0575, cmarsee@aol.com
www.pcs.k12.nj.us
21st Century Public Academy, Albuquerque, NM.
In September of 2000, 21st Century opened its doors to a 6th grade class of 40 children and became the first independent charter middle school in New Mexico.
3100 Menaul NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107
Desiree Woodland, 505-254-0280, a21stcenturypa@qwest.net
www.21stcenturypa.org
Moreno Valley High School, Angel Fire, NM.
This high school was ranked 36th in the nation in the Washington Post 2006 Challenge Index and provides a world-class education for students of all abilities and backgrounds.
P.O. Box 1037, Angel Fire, NM 87710
Damon Cathey, 505-377-3100, machplus1@newmex.com
Taos Municipal Charter School, Taos, NM.
This courageous charter has the largest percentage of learning-disabled children in the district and has still managed to make AYP. The local superintendent uses them as a model for success in New Mexico.
1303 Paseo del Canon, Taos, NM 87571
Nancy O'Bryan, 505-751-7222, taoscharterschool@newmex.com
www.taoscharterschool.org
Amber Charter School, New York, NY.
Opening a charter school in NYC is a difficult thing to accomplish, and when 100 percent of your student body is low-income minority, it’s even tougher. Yet Amber’s students met AYP for the past two years in a row.
220 E. 106th St., New York, NY 10029
Rafael Ortiz, 212-534-9667, rortiz@ambercharter.org
http://ambercharter.echalk.com
Explore Charter School, Brooklyn, NY.
With a 100 percent minority student population and a very high percentage eligible for free or reduced priced lunch, this charter school in NYC with an 881-student waiting list is achieving more than anyone imagined possible.
15 Snyder Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11226
Morti Ballen, 718-703-4484 x18, mortyballen@yahoo.com
www.explorecharterschool.org
Harlem Village Academy, New York, NY.
Out of 1,400 NYC public schools, Harlem Village Academy ranked 3rd highest in reading improvement. After just two years, students went from the bottom 25th and 35th percentiles in reading and math to the 77th and 94th percentiles, respectively.
244 W. 144th St., New York, NY 10030
Mallie Smith, 616-548-9570, msmith@villageacademies.org
www.villageacademies.org/home.html
Toledo School for the Arts, Toledo, OH.
In 2005-2006 Toledo School for the Arts was ranked “Excellent” by the state of Ohio and was one of only 30 charter schools (out of 295 in Ohio) to receive that distinction.
333 14th St., Toledo, OH 43604
Elizabeth A. Emmert, 419-246-832 x217, eemmert@sbcglobal.net
www.ts4arts.org
Western Village Academy, Oklahoma City, OK.
This is the first elementary charter school in Oklahoma City and proudly serves over 90 percent low-income, minority students. Their API increased from the 400’s to 1229 in 2005-2006.
1508 N.W. 106th , Oklahoma City, OK 73114
Peggy D. Brinson, 405-751-1774, peggy.brinson@wvacademy.com
www.wvacademy.com
Bear Creek Community Charter School, Wilkes Barre, PA.
After adding 150 students since its opening two years ago, there has been a very significant improvement in the PSSA scores, their 2006 achievement data reached well above the goal set by the state.
2000 Bear Creek Blvd., Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
Dr. Janice Solkov, 570-820-4070, jsolkov@bcccs.org
www.bearcreekschool.com
Independence Charter School, Philadelphia, PA.
In assisting those few students who are not proficient, ICS provides a highly qualified teaching assistant in every classroom, after-school tutoring and summer school at no cost, and direct parental involvement.
105 S. 7th St., 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Jurate Krokys, 215-238-8000, administration@independencecharter.org
www.independencecharter.org
The Laboratory Charter School of Communication and Languages, Bala Cynwyd, PA.
With over 97 percent of their students proficient in math and reading, this charter school has set itself apart by being recognized as a NCLB Blue Ribbon School and by offering instruction in two world languages other than English.
124 Bryn Mawr Ave.,
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Dr. June Brown, 610-617-9121, foxsaunt@aol.com
www.labcharter.org
Mathematics, Science & Technology Community Charter School, Philadelphia, PA.
A K-12 grade school that promotes continuous learning, with a clear focus on mathematics, science, and technology, that responds to student needs at different stages of development.
1800 E. Byberry Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19116
Richard Trzaska, 267-348-1100, rtrzaska@mastcharter.org
www.mastcharter.org
Renaissance Academy, Phoenixville, PA.
Edison Charter School - Renaissance is a parent-founded charter school that prepares students for success in college. The scores show progress with over a 76 percent proficiency rate in math and reading.
40 Pine Crest St., Phoenixville, PA 19460
Gina Guarino Buli, 610-983-4080 x1108, gguarinobu@phoenixville.edisonschools.com
www.rak12.org
Paul Cuffee School, Providence, RI.
Faculty and staff choose to work at Paul Cuffee under the terms of year-to-year, non-union contracts. Turnover is low and satisfaction is high with a 97 percent satisfaction rate by parents and a waiting list of 300.
459 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908
Julia Karahalis, 401-453-2626 x118, Jkarahalis@paulcuffee.org
www.paulcuffee.org
Discovery School, Lancaster, SC.
On the 2006 annual report card issued by the state of South Carolina, 100 percent of the students surveyed were satisfied with the learning environment, the social and physical environment, and school-home relations.
302 W. Dunlap St., Lancaster, SC 29720
Tom McDuffie, 803-285-8430, tmcduffi@lcsd.k12.sc.us
Greenville Technical Charter High School, Greenville, SC.
This innovative charter school has received the Palmetto Gold Award every year since 2003. In addition, 100 percent of the student body is proficient in math and reading, which sets the standard for all public schools in South Carolina.
P.O. Box 5616, Greenville, SC 29606
Karen Kennedy, 864-250-8844, karenkennedy@gtchs.org
www.gtchs.org
Midland Valley Preparatory School, Graniteville, SC.
By taking students who have not been successful in traditional public schools, Midland met AYP objectives and closed the achievement gap.
2432 Jefferson Davis Hwy.,
Graniteville, SC 29829, Lilian Thomas-Wilson, 803-594-1028, Lilithom@aol.com
Cornerstone Academy, Houston, TX.
Because of the tremendous success of the school’s unique instructional program, the Cornerstone Academy has been rated “Exemplary” by the Texas Education Agency each year since it opened in 1998.
9016 Westview Dr., Houston, TX 77055
Jill Wright, 713-365-5766, jill.wright@springbrandisd.com
http://csa.springbranchisd.com
The Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, Fort Worth, TX.
This school provides a structured environment for the development of world-class artists and citizens. Texas ranked FWAFA “Exemplary” the first two years it was open.
3901 S. Hulen St., Ft. Worth, TX 76109
Dollie Blevins, 817-924-1482, dollie.blevins@fwafa.org
www.fwafa.org
Star Charter School, Austin, TX.
This innovative charter was recognized in 2006 as the highest performing charter school in Texas. In addition, Star Charter School has had several National Merit Scholars between 2004 and 2007.
1901 Fleischer Dr., Austin, TX 78728
Rollie Ford, 512-989-2672, rford@starcharterschool.org
www.starcharterschool.org
John Greenleaf Whittier School, Milwaukee, WI.
The students and faculty at Whittier have shown tremendous progress with their math proficiency as well as graduating 100 percent of their students on time. Whittier also boasts a vast array of extra-curricular activities for its students.
4382 S. 3 St., Milwaukee, WI 53207
Peggy Mystrow, 414-294-1400, fosterma@mail.milwaukee.k12.wi.us
http://www2.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/whittier/whittier.htm
