Monday, December 3, 2012
Residents are worried about congestion.
Traffic congestion, taxes and crime are a concern for some College Park residents with a possible 700-student charter school slated to move into the neighborhood, according to a Gazette story. The school is set to open in 2013 and would use the former College Park Elementary School building on Clavert Road. The school would service grades six through 12. There are still decisions to be made that could help with those opposed to the school, according to the Gazette story. He said there are still a number of decisions to be made that could cater to those who oppose the current proposal, such as deciding on the number of students and how traffic congestion could be mitigated. A version of the petition can be found online.
Monday, May 21, 2012
The K-8 charter school will leave its home on Riverdale Road before the fall.
Riverdale's EXCEL Academy Public Charter School will move a facility in Landover next fall following a vote by the Prince George's County school board, the Gazette reports. On Thursday, board members unanimously approved a lease agreement with the K-8 charter school for the building once occupied by Matthew Henson Elementary, which closed in 2009. Officials said the move will provide EXCEL's 300-plus students with more space and better amenities at a lower cost, the Gazette writes. The academy currently leases the former home of St. Bernard's Catholic School from the Archdiocese of Washington. Read the full story here (and check out our interview from last year with EXCEL Academy principal Diane Kanu).
Thursday, September 9, 2010
EXCEL Academy administrators work to create partnerships with University of Maryland, businesses
After spending nine years in Washington, D.C. charter schools, Cynthia Blackwell joined EXCEL Academy Public Charter School as principal this school year with the goal of increasing teacher involvement and establishing partnerships with businesses and universities. To create accountability in some of her administrative areas, Blackwell established four committees and divided EXCEL's teachers among the groups. The committees include awards, PTA, hospitality and fundraising. "It keeps everyone accountable," she said, adding that the committees take an additional burden off her. "I don't have a vice principal." Blackwell said she hopes to also establish partnerships with the University of Maryland, in College Park – bringing education majors …
pam
8:40 am on Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Thank you for clarification, Mr. Williamson. Some points to consider: lack of bus service and sports programs and the fact that courses are online and described as "rigorous" with "significant parent input expected" will deter many folks from applying, especially those who live far away. This is not a school for everyone -- there won't even be a prom. Prior to Mr. Williamson's petition, in fact… more ›