WHO WE ARE
At the ANN JERKINS-HARRIS ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE (formerly the Academy of Educational Excellence), we are proud to provide our students with the opportunity to learn alongside a diverse group of children and families who reflect the racial, cultural and socio-economic diversity of communities surrounding our school. Our standards-based program provides an academically challenging, creative and emotional supportive environment for our students and is designed to continually expand student’s knowledge and understanding of concepts, ideas and information.
Our educational philosophy is founded in empowering our students to become leaders in a changing world. Through a holistic approach we offer our students the strategies for gathering information, a classroom climate of shared inquiry, and hands-on experiences making use of a variety of materials. Teachers design projects to promote collaboration between students, connect concepts between curricular areas, and anchor state standards in meaningful contexts like those students will experience in their lives beyond the classroom. Projects will be shared with our community in performances, simulations, art shows, and displays as we celebrate together the continuing joy of lifelong learning.
Definitely our school is designed for families who are seeking innovation in education. Through our Personalized Learning Model, students participate in enrichment classes in the core subject areas of language arts, math, social studies and science. We offer a wide range of programs plus onsite intervention and enrichment curricula, including technological resources. The school provides high-quality and state adopted curricula.
Our employees are EXPECTED to be committed to work in a supportive environment towards our children and families.
we are an extension to your families!!
WHAT IS A CHARTER SCHOOL?
A charter school is an independently run public school granted greater flexibility in its operations, in return for greater accountability for performance. They are funded with public monies just like other public schools. However, they are not held to some of the same laws, regulations, and guidelines as regular public schools. The "charter" establishing each school is a performance contract detailing the school's mission, program, students served, performance goals, and methods of assessment.
Charter schools are a different option for public school students. They are not allowed to charge tuition, but they often have controlled enrollments and have waiting lists for students wanting to attend. Charter schools are often started by administrators, teachers, parents, etc. who feel constrained by conventional public schools. Some charter schools are also established by non-profit groups, universities, or industries. Some charter schools focus on certain areas such as science or math and others attempt to create more difficult and a more efficient educational curriculum.
The ANN JERKINS-HARRIS ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE is a non-profit organization.
What is the difference between charter schools and other public schools?
Charter schools are public schools of choice, meaning that families choose them for their children. They operate with freedom from some of the regulations that are imposed upon district schools. Charter schools are accountable for academic results and for upholding the promises made in their charters. They must demonstrate performance in the areas of academic achievement, financial management, and organizational stability. If a charter school does not meet performance goals, it may be closed.
Are charter schools all the same?
Who authorizes charter schools?
No. Charter schools can vary a great deal in their design and in their results. Uncommon Schools creates schools based on the principles and practices that have proven successful in producing significant academic gains at high-performing urban charter public schools across the country.
This varies from state to state, depending on the state's charter law. In Ohio, the state Department of Education and workforce authorizes the sponsor organization and the specific charter schools.
NORTH CENTRAL OHIO EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER IS THE STATE PONSOR ORGANIZATION.
Who attends charter schools?
Whom do they serve?
How are charter schools funded?
Nationwide, students in charter schools have similar demographic characteristics to students in the local public schools. In some states, charter schools serve significantly higher percentages of minority or low-income students than the traditional public schools. Charter schools accept students by random, public lottery.
As public schools, charter schools are tuition-free. They are funded according to enrollment levels and receive public funds on a per-pupil basis. Charters do not receive capital funds to support facility expenses. Charter schools are entitled to federal categorical funding for which their students are eligible, such as Title I and Special Education monies. Federal legislation provides grants to help charters to manage start-up costs.
What are some benefits with charter schools?
Creators of charter schools believe that they increase learning opportunities and provide greater access for a quality education. Many people also enjoy the choice they create within the public school system for both parents and students. Proponents say they provide a system of accountability for results within public education.
One of the biggest benefits is that teachers are often encouraged to think outside the box and are encouraged to be innovative and proactive within their classrooms. This is in contrast to the belief that many public school teachers are too traditional and rigid. Charter schools advocates have stated that community and parental involvement are much higher than those in traditional public schools. With all of that said, charter schools are primarily chosen because of their high academic standards, small class sizes, ground-breaking approaches, and matching educational philosophies.