High Point Academy Spartanburg An Applied Learning School

High Point Academy Spartanburg

An Applied Learning School

Table of Contents

Application Cover Page…………………………………………………………..………1

Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………………...2

Application Narrative ..…………………………………………………………………...3 1. Mission Statement and Executive Summary………………………………….3

2. Evidence of Need and Support………………………………………………..7

3. Enrollment……………………………………………………………………,.11

4. Educational Program………………………………………………………….15

5. Goals and Objectives…………………………………………………… ……27

6. Evaluating Student Performance……………………………………………….31

7. Serving Students with Special Needs………………………………………….37

8. Student Discipline, Expulsion, or Suspension…………………………………39

9. Governance and Operation…………………………………………………….41

10. Parent and Community Involvement…………………………………………45

11.Budget and Finance……………………………………………………………46

12. Employees…………………………………………………………………….48

13. Insurance Coverage……………………………………………………………53

14. Transportation…………………………………………………………………54

15. Facilities……………………………………………………………………….54

16. School Management Contracts………………………………………………...56

Table of Contents for Appendices…………………………………………………………60

1. Mission Statement

High Point Academy Spartanburg (HPAS) will be a community-centered school built on the principles of honor, integrity and service where academic excellence, STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) education, fine arts and a project-based, applied learning style of instruction produces an educational environment rich in creativity, innovation and achievement. At the heart of our educational mission is the growth and shaping of tomorrow’s leaders, challenging them to dream, desire and deliver success.

Executive Summary

High Point Academy will be a diverse school filled with all student populations and cultures. The proposed student enrollment for the first year is 322 students. The school will carry a total of 15 classes with approximately 22 students in each class. High Point Academy plans to open with grades K-8^th grade and expand one grade level per year until all grades are serviced through 12^th. The projected increase in enrollment for each year is around 100 students, allowing the school consistent and steady growth. In the fifth year, High Point Academy will have approximately 702 students with 33 classes. The K-2^nd graders will have 20 children per class, while the 3-12^th grade students will carry 22 students. This smaller class size allows more individualized instruction.

Through training and leadership, the teachers at High Point will foster a classroom environment rich in effective communication and team building for relevant project based learning experiences for the students. High Point Academy will begin the 2014 school year implementing the Common Core Standards with clear expectations for each student and grade level. The state standard online program, Smarter Balance, will be used to help reduce the gap in student knowledge and state expectations for the children. Helping student’s to retain the educational information given, our school will implement several projects through the year that are state standard tasks and have a school wide aligned curriculum that is interdisciplinary in its approach for educating the child. Some of the supporting curriculum that will help to effectively use this aligned approach will be E.D. Hirsch, Jr.’s Core Knowledge curriculum. It is relevant and rigorous to the new state standards and Common Core expectations that South Carolina is using beginning in the 2012 school year.

High Point Academy intends to be a school of excellence and vitality. We recognize that to achieve this standard we must be focused on student achievement and financial viability. Innovation and stakeholder satisfaction, along with choice driven options provide parents the ability to give feedback to the High Point leadership will make High Point Spartanburg a successful school. Student Achievement is a key element in offering a rigorous academic program. Children in all grades will be studying curriculum that meets and exceeds the Common Core standards, as well as experiencing education through hands on projects and everyday “real life” application. State standardized testing will help to track the progress of each individual child as well as teacher performance for specific grades. High Point will use Academic Achievement Plans (AAP) for every student to target their strengths and weaknesses and help them be more successful in standardized testing.

The educational plan is anchored in an applied learning style of teaching with an emphasis in science, technology, engineering, and math (referred to as STEM), as well as character development and leadership training. This kinesthetic approach to learning (touch, move, experience) gives students the academic edge over their peers and fosters an ability to work well with others, as well as building self-confidence for future successes in life. The applied learning model will carry text book instruction and promote team building and problem-solving with hands-on experiential learning, complete with presentations beyond the classroom and in the community. At HPAS, the educational program is designed to enhance the academic environment for a variety of student populations and cultures in Spartanburg and surrounding areas.

HPAS intends to be proactive in our educational approach by designing individual academic achievement plans (AAP). Our goal will be to communicate with parents, students, and teachers each nine weeks to discuss the progress made on their AAP. Evaluations such as PASS scores, EOC tests, MAP and HSAP (high school-2014) Stanford 10, TPRI testing, benchmarking and observation made by classroom teachers and specialists will help prepare the child’s Academic Achievement Plan (AAP). Within 30 days of enrollment, academic interviews will aid in the planning and establishment of their individual plan. Once the initial plan is crafted and agreed upon, a review and update of achievement by that student will occur each semester to help track their progress towards graduation and entrance into a higher level educational institution. At HPAS, we realize this type of individual attention will take extra effort by our staff, parents, and administration. However, we are also convinced that this innovative step will catapult our students to academic success.

Academic achievement and parental choice is a foundational strength of the High Point educational opportunity. Piano labs and required instrumentation for all students in grades K-8, laptops or tablets issued for every student middle school or above, and an aligned project-based curriculum contribute to the success of our hands-on applied learning approach. High Point Academy believes in building strong leaders through community involvement. An emphasis will be place on the performing arts allowing students the opportunity to receive ballet, dance, theater, choir, art, and graphic arts as part of their everyday electives. The chance for Title I students and their families to receive piano, ballet, and other fine arts opportunities at no cost to themselves is a tremendous equalizer for students of all races and backgrounds. High Point is focused on educating and encouraging the leaders of tomorrow.

Another innovative classroom approach is the use of sign language for K-5^th grade. Literacy and spelling scores are drastically improved as young children are taught to finger spell through the learning of American Sign Language. According to Laura Berg, founder of ‘My Smart Hands’ and certified K-12 literacy teacher, “Test scores can improve from a student having 25% passing to correctly spelling 90% of their spelling words.” This concept has been studied quietly for over 25 years. Robert Wilson and Gerald V Teague, both with the University of Maryland, published in the Reading Psychology Journal, Vol. 5, Issue 3, 1984, the results of a first grade class that experienced a vocabulary and spelling increase that was not discriminate to socioeconomic or racial backgrounds. The school leadership wants our students to reach greater heights in terms of literacy, vocabulary, spelling and writing skills. This places the High Point youth ahead of their peer group through comprehensive ELA standards. High Point students who are in grades 6-8 will have the choice to take either Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL) during the course of the school year.

At High Point Academy, we firmly believe that a choice in education is every parent’s right no matter the socioeconomic, religious, or racial background of the student. The greater Spartanburg area is currently serviced by several tuition-based private schools, as well as 7 school districts. As of this writing, there is only one “brick and mortar” charter school located in the Spartanburg area. It services approximately 290 students grades K-8th. Other than that, very little choice is given for parents outside of the traditional districts or homeschooling.

Most families are looking for an educational choice and are willing to sacrifice for that opportunity if they feel the mission of the school is synonymous with their family values. With the economy in a recessive period and unemployment up, many families are looking for alternatives to private education and homeschooling. We believe that the greater Spartanburg area, with over 80,000 children ages 5-18, is in need of more choices. Thus, it is the goal of High Point Academy Spartanburg to be one of the charter schools that will eventually come into the greater upstate area.

It is the full intent of High Point Academy Spartanburg to support the mission of the South Carolina Charter School Act, as well as help offer a dynamic difference in education.

High Point Academy will contract with FIAFW, Inc., a non-profit company that assists charter schools in the development of curriculum, administration, and professional development of staff.

2. Evidence of Need and Support

Charter Planning Committee

The Charter Planning Committee will be led by individuals who all vision together the success of a charter school that will impact west Spartanburg and offer a choice in education for all parents.

Lori Manning

BK Vernon

Ashleigh Asper

Aubrey Dillard

David K Wells

Martha Axmann

Mary Jane Wells

William Wynn

The committee chair is Mrs. Lori Manning. Mrs. Manning is both a certified teacher and a previous charter school principal for three years. Having revitalized a declining fine arts charter school in 2008-2011, together her team achieved Gold Star Ratings in Writing, Reading, and Science during the 08,09,10 school years. Her school also carried an average daily attendance of 96.8% during the 2009-2010 school year. Mrs. Manning was named the lead administrator for developing a new school (2010-2011) in the Farmer’s Branch (DFW) area that was rated by the Texas Education Agency as a state Recognized School. She attributes her success for both schools to well-trained staff. Mrs. Manning is serving on the committee to bring her practical experience and knowledge base to her home state of South Carolina.

BK Vernon is currently a real estate business woman in Spartanburg. Formally, Mrs. Vernon served on the State Board of Education for four years. Seeking to make a difference in her community, she began the 1st Evening Book Fair in Spartanburg at the Jesse Bobo Elementary School. An advocate for literacy and early childhood reading initiatives, she is actively involved with Meals on Wheels and her church. Mrs. Vernon is a valuable asset for this community and school.

Ashleigh Asper is a graduate of USC and formerly a teacher at the Southern Strutt and Gilbert Studio of Dance Arts. Currently she is a co-owner of Palmetto En Pointe Performing Arts. Her studio experience and love for dance along with fine arts is an exciting part of the High Point fine arts experience. Ashleigh also has two children that will be entering the public school system over the next few years.

Aubrey Dillard is a native of Spartanburg and a graduate from University of South Carolina. She studied political science and law. Ms. Dillard has a love for her community and a passion to work with children. Making a career change, she is currently a co-owner of Palmetto En Pointe Performing Arts and the Artistic Director for performances. Her fine arts expertise and performance organization gives her insight towards the needs of High Point and its performing arts.

David K Wells is a music minister and entrepreneur located in Spartanburg. Having been the music coordinator for the “March for Jesus,” a rally with 15,000 people on the Capital steps, David Wells understands organization for large events. He has been the music director for 9/11 city wide events in Spartanburg. He has produced a youth musical theatrical productions and has traveled to camps and state wide events to perform on many occasions. His expertise with choral and theater productions will propel High Point Academy to be a school of excellence in the performing arts and education.

Martha Axmann is a former educator in public schools. As a certified teacher and classroom manager, she understands the necessary dedication it takes to make a hands-on environment effective. After her retirement, she has served on the board of Anderson University and looks forward to helping High Point Academy become a school of academic excellence. As an advocate for higher education, Mrs. Axmann is valued for her balance of academic strength and post-secondary experiences.

Mary Jane Wells is a prominent figure in the Spartanburg area. Having served at First Baptist Church for many years with Ronald Wells, she has had a great influence on generations of young people and adults who are now dispersed all across South Carolina and the U.S. Serving in the capacity of Fundraising and Program Director for the India Children’s Choir, Mrs. Wells understands the need to seek businesses and individuals with deep pockets who are in favor of change in their community. Her invaluable gusto for life, financial contacts, and desire to help make a change is exciting.

Bill Wynn is a Spartanburg Real Estate lawyer. He believes firmly in educational choice and sent both of his now grown children to private schools in Spartanburg to receive what he felt was the best education they could obtain at that time. His enthusiasm for parental choice in education is notable. In that regard, he is seeking to make certain that many families have the same opportunities to choose where their children attend school, just as he and his wife did years ago. Mr. Wynn believes in excellence in education, STEM opportunities, and equal opportunity for all children.

The High Point Academy charter committee was first formed in 2012. A group of over fifty individuals were approached about starting a charter school in Spartanburg to offer families a choice in education. Many people got excited about the initial rumblings of a new school, but these select individuals devoted time and effort to researching buildings, demographics, and information concerning starting a new charter school. Experts in their fields and collectively carrying over 75 years of education experience; this leadership team is poised to effectively direct a public charter school. The planning committee is committed to developing a high quality reproducible charter school. We want to make a working model that can be duplicated in other cities in order to impact the future of education. High Point Academy students will lead the way for others through this development of solving skills, strong academic foundations and forward thinking leadership in South Carolina.

High Point Academy has had over 91 email contacts through our website: www.thehighpointdifference.org. We have offered community meetings, Q&A informational meetings, and slide show presentations. Our committee has participated in presenting “The High Point Difference,” as well as collected documentation showing the community support. Financial and monetary support is another large factor determining the viability of a start-up school. High Point is pursuing additional funds to give us a successful start. {We have pledge monies that are awaiting a grant award from an organization that will give a matching grant.} (NGLC-see documentation concerning this grant). Requests have come from certified teachers wanting to place applications at High Point. We have also had two certified administrators inquire about administrative and counseling positions. The newspaper article, placed on the front page of the Spartanburg Herald Journal on May 1, 2012, caused quite a stir for parents and community members alike. The greater Spartanburg community seems very excited about the prospect of another charter school in the area.

Community partnerships are vital for success at High Point. Because we want to offer performing arts in our charter school, we have approached local non-profits who have buildings sitting unused during the week to work out contracts for school use during the school year. We believe a partnership agreement with a local church for auditorium space will be reached very soon. Their facilities are state of the art and would represent the mission of High Point and the need for community performances. Another partnership being forged is the relationship with the SC School for Deaf and Blind. With our student body being taught ASL, the mentoring and program advantage that this institution can offer is invaluable for the High Point innovative way. Dual credit is another item that High Point Academy wants to offer its High school students. We are visiting with several colleges in the Spartanburg area that might work with our program to give students additional options for post-secondary work during their high school years.

Some of the prospective outreach that was initiated over the last year has been very effective. Passing out flyers, placing brochures at places of business such as Palmetto En Pointe, The Clock Restaurant, Good Housekeeping Real Estate, The Beacon, local churches and Wal-Mart, as well as giving away free t-shirts have produced a positive response. We have over 204 children interested in High Point and it is still 16 months away from launching. Our website, www.thehighpointdifference.com is generating additional interest. Ads that have run in the paper seem to generate responses as well. In the appendices, we have included over 25 correspondence emails from prospective families that were seeking information or wanting a chance to place their children on a “waiting” list. The outpouring of people wanting a choice in education for their children has been affirming.

3. Enrollment

High Point Academy seeks to be compliant with all state and federal laws. It is our wish that every child have the opportunity to be a part of this school if they so desire. However, we recognize that waiting lists and limited space can sometimes dictate the allowed number of children in a specific grade. Since one of our planning committee members works directly with the Boys and Girls Clubs and Head Start Programs, we will intentionally be recruiting at-risk students. We want these families to feel safe and included in the process of applying for admission into High Point. All children regardless of their race, religion, and socioeconomic background will be allowed to attend High Point Academy.

High Point Academy will give notice to the community concerning the required dates for enrollment into the school. Advertisements, flyers, community events, and local shows will help to get the word out about the open enrollment process at HPA. We will request that current students share enrollment information at their local venues of activities such as clubs, sports, churches, or events that are occurring. Our goal is to be representative of the ethnic make-up of the greater Spartanburg community. The State law requires us to be within 20% of the population mix in Spartanburg, thus our intent will be to seek students who desire choice in education and can benefit from our programs.

After school programs can often be reasons why low income families do not attend schools outside of their immediate neighborhoods. In order to alleviate that difficulty, High Point will provide a low cost or no cost after school program for all students. With plans for an extended day in academics, our after school program will offer tutoring, fun activities, clubs, sports and opportunities to participate in special interest programs that would not otherwise be available. By providing options for these families that fit within their family budget (no cost or free for quality care), the concern of after school difficulties and excuses is alleviated. It is the belief of High Point Academy Spartanburg that this additional program will help Title I families confidently choose High Point, knowing their children are well provided for and received. We are convinced that this will prove to be a valuable recruiting tool for at risk families and their children.

High Point Academy intends to recruit students and accept applications for the upcoming school year beginning on the first day of school after the New Year. We will use a lottery system at High Point with spill-over applicants being placed on a waiting list in the order their name was drawn. Below are the cut-off dates that will establish student admission into High Point Academy.

DATE ADMISSION ACTIVITY

January 3 -March 1 Letters of Intent for Returning Students (2015)

January 3 -March 13 Prospective Student Applications

March 6 Applications of Siblings and Staff Children

March 25 Admissions Lottery (if necessary)

March 29 Lottery Notification to Parents

All remaining applicants will be placed on the waiting list according to the order in which they were drawn. Any applications received after the lottery drawing will be placed on the waiting list in the order in which the application was received.

The following procedures are to be followed in conducting a lottery when a grade or class is oversubscribed. Under federal law, a charter school must admit students through a random selection process if the number of applications for a grade or class exceeds the number of available spaces. If the number of applications does not exceed the number of available spaces, a lottery is not required.

If High Point Academy has a grade or class that is oversubscribed, the following application process will be followed for that grade or class:

High Point Academy Lottery and Enrollment Procedure

1. A separate application must be completed for each student who wants to apply for admission to High Point Academy Spartanburg.

2. The application must be turned in to the High Point Academy office by March 13.

3. Each application will be given an application number.

4. On the day of the Lottery (March 25), each application number will be placed into a secure container.

5. Numbers will be drawn randomly out of the container by a school official, witnessed by at least one other employee and a Notary Public, who will certify the results of the lottery.

6. All applicants will be notified in writing within six days of the lottery drawing regarding the results of the selection process.

High Point Academy Spartanburg will exempt from the lottery returning students, the siblings of returning students, and/or the children of the school’s founders and staff (so long as the total number of students allowed constitutes only a small percentage of the total enrollment less than 20%) as permitted by the federal non-regulatory guidance on the charter school program.

Priority of enrollment will be given to the following classes of students, prior to the lottery. The classes are listed in order of priority:

1. Children and legal dependents of founders, current faculty/staff, and board members of High Point Academy

2. Siblings of currently enrolled or previously enrolled (within 6 years) students at High Point Academy

All founders, faculty/staff/board member children, and siblings of students must fill out an application and turn it in by the appropriate deadline. These students will be given open slots prior to any lottery for oversubscribed grades, as long as they comprise only a small percentage of the enrollment. Parents will be notified in advance of the upcoming lottery date and must return their acceptance letter prior to the stated deadline.

The lottery will be held on March 25 every school year. If this day falls on a weekend, the lottery will occur on the first school day following the weekend. After the lottery has taken place on the designated date, students will receive notification by letter within six days regarding their application status. Remaining students will be placed on the waiting list, according to the order in which they were drawn. A student who turns in a late application will be placed on the waiting list in order of the date in which their application was received.

When a vacancy is created prior to or during the school year, the vacancy may or may not be filled, at the discretion of the school’s Administration. If the school chooses to fill the vacancy, priority will be given as specified in the Priority for Enrollment section of this document, and then the next name from the waiting list will be used. Students will be called and given 48 hours to verbally respond to an enrollment invitation. A student who fills a vacancy shall be deemed a currently enrolled student, and that student’s enrollment shall continue beyond the current academic year, in accordance with the school’s policies and procedures.

High Point Academy Spartanburg will accept applications outside the designated application period under two scenarios. If there are still open slots at the school after the lottery drawing has taken place, late applicants will fill these slots in the order in which their applications are received. If there are not open slots, the school will take these late applicants and add them to the end of the waiting list based on the date in which their applications are filled.