School Spotlight: Charter Day School

In a small town just outside of Wilmington, a public charter school is making huge strides in student achievement.

 

Founded in 1999, Charter Day School in Leland, North Carolina is a K-8 school of distinction that started with 53 students and has grown to more than 800 students. In a little more than ten years, it has been ranked as one of the top 25 schools in the entire state for the exceptional academic growth of its students. 

 

During the 2008-09 school year, Charter Day School averaged 92% in end-of-grade math testing, easily beating the state average of 80%.  The school’s average reading score surpassed the state average by an even wider margin.  

 

Because of Charter Day School’s stellar reputation, it has more applications than seats for each class of students.  In compliance with public charter school admission guidelines, the school admits applicants by lottery.  Many parents of upper-grade children turn to Charter Day School because the school's direct instruction methods typically allow students who have fallen behind in traditional public schools to catch up to their grade level within a year or so.

 

Earlier this month, the school held its admission lottery to choose 130 new students from among 233 applications for the 2010-11 school year.  More than 150 parents and relatives took time out of their work days to attend the drawing.  Some left with smiles; others left in tears. 

 

“Unlike traditional public schools, every child attends here by choice, not by force,” founder Baker Mitchell told the standing-room only crowd.  “Only by your choosing this school do we stay open.” 

 

Charter Day School is one of many public charter schools in North Carolina doing exceptional work with a diverse student body. Without a doubt, North Carolina needs to embrace, not arbitrarily restrict, more schools like it.