ST. LOUIS — Charter schools evoke a very specific response from people, depending on their stance: they are either a chance at better education for underfunded communities, or a drain on the public education system for the benefit of a relative few. A new school hoping to open in Dutchtown in 2019 believes they have what it takes to change the education landscape in all of St. Louis.
Wednesday, July 11 the Teach For America alumni behind Kairos Academies will present their 600+ page proposal to the Missouri Charter Public School Commission for a vote. They’re also inviting people in the community to come out and learn more about their proposal.
The pitch for Kairos Academies begins with a class of 115 sixth-graders who currently would have to travel outside of their enrollment zone for public middle and high school. Each year, another grade the first graduating senior class.
Autonomous learning is emphasized. Kairos would also have a different schedule: Monday through Friday, the school day would run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no homework or summer break. Time off would come in increments throughout the calendar year.
While charter schools are required to gather sponsorships and grant money, the plan outlines that Kairos would be fully funded by state, local, and national monies by its third year.
For more on the proposal and the meeting Wednesday, visit their website.
