Schools
'We Are Applying Again,' Says Charter School Organizer
The Somerville Progressive Charter School group thinks it has a good shot of achieving a charter next year.
The Somerville Progressive Charter School will apply again next year for the chance to open a school in Somerville, according to Selena Fitanides, an organizer of the proposed school.
On Friday, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Eduction announced that 12 proposed charter schools were invited to submit full applications to the state, but the Somerville Progressive Charter School was not one of the selected schools.
It was the second time the Somerville Progressive Charter School failed to earn a charter from the state education department.
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"We were obviously disappointed, as hundreds of Somerville families were," Fitanides said.
She said the group will submit another application next year—in July of 2013—and that she believes they can address some of the concerns brought to them by the state education department.
"We're being held to a slightly higher standard than the other applicants," she said.
Find out what's happening in Somervillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Fitanides said other charter schools are run by large organizations that already operate schools, but Somerville Progressive Charter School is a small "grassroots parents and teachers" group, which the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education sees as risky because it doesn't have a track record.
She said the group will address those concerns in next year's application.
"We will persevere. We will get it eventually," she said.
More on the Somerville Progressive Charter School
Somerville Progressive Charter School Passed Over By State
Somerville Progressive Charter School Applies Again
Education Commissioner Recommends Against Somerville Charter School
UPDATED: Large Turnout for Hearing on Somerville Progressive Charter School
POLL: Do You Want the Somerville Progressive Charter School to Open?
Aldermen Pass Resolution Opposing Charter School
A Chat With Somerville Progressive Charter School Supporter Selena Fitanides
Public Hearing on Proposed Charter School Scheduled for Dec. 14
School Committee Plans to Speak Against New Charter School
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