Harford County?s first charter school is on track to open in the fall with a program for troubled students.
Restoration Alternative Academy Public Charter School was approved at a Board of Education meeting last Monday, and officials are working out the contractual details before the school opens to its first 30 students Aug. 28.
The school?s program will feature twice-daily tutoring sessions, small classes and increased parental involvement, said the Rev. Nathaniel Johnson, pastor of the Aberdeen Bible Church and organizer of the charter school. The school will focus on bringing parents in for regular conferences and making sure they are involved with their children?s education, he said.
“We?ll be making both the student and parent accountable, making sure the homework is getting done, and, if not, then making sure the call is made and it?s brought to our attention,” Johnson said.
Two instructors will be assigned to each 15-student class, Johnson said.
Prospectivestudents will be admitted to the program through a lottery.
“We?re going to increase expectations,” he said. “We?re developing a curriculum that provides the rigor for a child to develop, process and mature.”
Restoration Academy will have to fix up the classroom space it will take over in the county?s Center for Educational Opportunity ? formerly occupied by Aberdeen High School ? said schools spokesman Don Morrison. The space will require new wiring for computers and some asbestos removal, Morrison said.
As a charter school, the program will receive public funding from the school system. The budget is still being determined, Johnson said.
Johnson had previously provided similar services for at-risk students out of a “storefront” operation through a contract with Harford County, Morrison said.
The size of the school?s staff will depend on the needs of its students, Johnson said ? particularly special education students who might be enrolled.
Parents wishing to enroll their children in the program can call 410-272-3278 and set up an appointment for their application.
