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We, the board of directors of the St. Louis Charter School, have developed a school to provide St. Louis children with the opportunity for a high quality education.
The St. Louis Charter School, a public charter school, serves children in grades Kindergarten through Grade 8. The school’s enrollment consists of 930 students, maximum capacity for the school’s general education classrooms. Additional students, identified as “self contained” through the school’s Special Education Program are enrolled in the school’s Special Education Self Contained Classrooms.
The school serves a diverse population of students and includes those identified as “at risk”. We believe it imperative that all children, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, receive a high quality, equitable education that has clear measures of accountability for both student and school. St. Louis Charter School is open to all students, and great care is exercised in recruiting a diverse student body.
The school provides an innovative program based upon:
ü The integration of technology, teacher presented instruction and project based learning.
ü An education program focusing on a rich curriculum integrating Missouri and National standards.
ü A longer school year.
ü Active parental involvement in each child's education program and in school governance.
ü Instructional, governance and finance strategies integrated to meet the mission of the school.
Students need to acquire the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes to be responsible citizens and effective workers in the global workforce of the 21st Century. The St. Louis Charter School believes that every school should operate under some basic tenets, enumerated here, in order to meet the needs and challenges that face our youth in the coming century
1. All children deserve access to a high quality education measured by international benchmarks of academic excellence. This is their birthright and our responsibility in a free society.
2. Each child learns in a unique way and on a personal timetable. The curriculum must guarantee every student’s continuous progress toward the proposed educational goals.
3. Children learn best when they are confronted with knowledge and problems that have everyday value and when they can share these newfound interests with one another and with their communities.
4. Children learn best when they are guided by professionals who combine knowledge of their subject with compassion for youth.
5. Children with access to instructional technology are free to educate themselves without the traditional constraints of time and space.
6. Character development necessitates clear and consistent instruction across the curriculum and requires the exhibition of ethical conduct by every member of the school community.
7. Children growing up in the American democracy must understand and practice its responsibilities as freely and fully as they appreciate its rights.
8. Children need both the support of their community and the opportunity to serve and contribute to its well-being.
9. No matter how well a school serves its children, its influence can be maximized with the strong support and involvement of parents and guardians in every aspect of its program.
Methods of Instruction
Ø Teacher presented instruction
Teacher presented instruction is used to teach initial information and skills including phonics, reading, and basic mathematics skills. Teacher directed instruction might be whole class, small group or individual. Using the presentation method, the teacher is the sole source of instruction and information. Students are then required to apply these skills in a project based learning environment.
Ø Project based learning
Project-based learning is a pedagogical approach that places the student in the role of researcher, creator, interpreter and presenter. In project-based classrooms, the teacher presents the problems to students, which requires them to become actively involved in the learning process. The problems are often interdisciplinary in nature and direct the students to read, write, compute, research and present. Project based learning is a microcosm of the way in which students will learn and work in the 21st century global arena. Core subjects are taught through both project based and teacher presented instruction as may be appropriate for the learning styles of the children. Each student develops with his/her parent and classroom teacher an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) that outlines the student's goals and expected minimum achievement levels for the year. The student, parent and teacher review the plan three additional times throughout the year and revise the plans as needed. Grade levels are organized as families so as to promote social skills, greater flexibility for instruction and a positive school climate.
Ø Integrated Technology
Technology permeates the instructional program. St. Louis Charter School provides access to the latest technology for staff and student use. In addition, the school provides parents with access to these same resources when school is not in session. The education program makes use of technology to deliver and to manage instruction. Technology is also available for all students to use as learning tools in the classroom. Internet Resources are offered for every grade level.
Services
The school will provide the following services:
· Extra curricular programs and clubs
· Summer school/academic and recreational camps in coordination with local community service organizations
· Food service
· Tutoring
· Necessary Transportation
St. Louis Charter School acknowledges its exemption from all laws and rules relating to schools, governing boards and school districts with the exception of the laws and conditions contained in RSMo. 160.400 to 160-420 (Missouri’s Charter School Law). In addition, the school acknowledges its responsibility to future state and federal requirements for charter schools. As required by statute, the school will be nonsectarian in its programs, admissions policies, employment practices and all other aspects of its operations. The school will comply with all state and federal laws pertaining to health, safety, civil rights and minimal educational standards. The school will also comply with all required state and federal reporting requirements including financial accountability.
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