The document discusses several charter schools in Newark that are working to provide high-quality education options. It describes the missions and approaches of SPARK Academy, Adelaide L. Sanford Charter School, and People's Preparatory Charter School. SPARK focuses on preparing young students to be college-bound through an academics-focused curriculum incorporating Spanish, service learning, and a college-centered culture. Adelaide L. Sanford uses an African-centered approach and village model to nurture student leadership. People's Prep aims to make college attainable for all through a rigorous college prep program extending the school day and year. The schools show how charter schools are innovating to improve outcomes for Newark students.

1. NEWARK CHARTER SCHOOLS SPECIAL
Keep The Children Out Newark Charters Offer High Quality Options
The national spotlight is focused on variety of charter schools in the city, Unlike magnet schools, charter
of Newark Politics
Education leaders nationwide are New Jersey’s largest city as major ef- including the four new ones slated to schools do not have entrance exams
eyeing what happens in Newark, forts are launched to improve the open for the 2011-12 school year. or prerequisites; they accept all stu-
which is becoming a haven for in- quality of public schools district- Several of these schools will be lo- dents who apply through a random
novation. And it’s not just the $100 wide. cated inside traditional district lottery. If there are more applicants
million from Facebook founder schools, making the best use of than spaces, students are placed on a
Mark Zuckerberg that has others Under the leadership of a new super- buildings with empty classrooms.
paying attention. However, some Mashea waiting list.
intendent, the Newark public school
question all this “outside” interest system is creating a portfolio of high- Charter schools are innovative public This year, 14 percent of Newark’s
in Newark. schools that do not charge tuition.
Ashton
quality schools, from new in-district student population is enrolled in char-
The reason for this attention is simple and complex. high schools to charter schools, that And they are not private schools —
ter schools. Next year, it is expected
Whether outside or inside- we all agree that some- contrary to some popular mischarac-
will offer parents and their children to grow to nearly 7,900 students —
thing has to be done before we allow another gen- terization — even though many char-
wide-ranging options. about 17 percent of the total public
eration of students to not reach their full potential. ter students in Newark are receiving
The complexity is that we don’t all agree on how to This special four-page section of school population. G
a public education that rivals some of
get there. Charter schools, co-location, new small Local Talk Newark explores the the best schools in the state.
schools- these are not the silver bullets, but they
are part of the solution.
This willingness to embrace a different way of
“public education” comes with considerable oppo- SPARK Academy Prepares Students for Success
sition from those unwilling to ease their grasp on
past practices, even though many of those have SPARK Academy, the sole elemen-
failed. The goal of the anti-crowd is to fight for the tary school in Newark’s TEAM Char-
status quo — no matter the consequences. ter Schools network, is committed to
The latest commotion relates to a school district working with children from an early
plan that allows public charter schools to rent un- age to prepare them not just for col-
used space in public school buildings beginning lege, but to become global citizens.
this fall. Even though such an initiative makes “A world class education program
sense economically, logistically and morally, some means more than a focus on reading
are gearing up to fight to keep seven, eight or nine- and mathematics,” said Joanna
year-old Newark kids from sitting at a desk in a Belcher, School Leader and founder
Newark school. of SPARK Academy. “At SPARK,
The issue of public charter schools and traditional we expect our students to obtain an
pubic schools sharing space is very often an emo- early mastery of a variety of subjects,
tional one, filled with tensions fueled largely by including science and social studies,
rumor and innuendo. Many think charters are pri- which build on their core competen-
vate schools, funded by the public but open to only cies in literacy and math. Our goal is
an elite few. That’s totally false. Yet I hear it again to have each of our students per-
and again. forming at or above grade level in
While the demand for charter schools continues to every subject by third grade.”
grow, students attending a charter receive less fund-
SPARK incorporates a Spanish edu-
A SPARK Academy student completes her assignment in class.
ing than those in traditional public schools. Char-
ters in New Jersey do not receive funding at the cation program beginning in kinder-
college-bound culture. Students are achievement of every student in the
federal, state or local levels for facilities. That’s why garten to build cultural awareness.
often referred to as “scholars” and school.
the idea of allowing charters to rent unused exist- The vast majority — 97 percent — are treated as such, regardless of age.
of SPARK’s student body is African- Collaboration among teachers and
ing space in school buildings is the right choice.
American and speak English as a “We want our students to be confident partnering between parents and
There’s something in the space-sharing proposal in their abilities and their outlook for teachers is crucial to this success.
for the traditional schools too. The district would first language in the home.
the future,” Belcher said. “We strive Students and parents have the cell
be paid for classrooms that have sat empty, but The curriculum at SPARK incorpo- to help them develop a strong sense of phone numbers of teachers, as well
have had to be heated and maintained. At a time rates a service component to build self and pride in their community. as Belcher’s phone number. All are
when school boards, as well as every other students’ commitment to becoming Moreover, we aim to instill in our committed to ensuring that students’
government agency are pinching pennies, the extra active citizens and contributing to their students a sense of responsibility to- learning needs are met in the best
income should be welcomed. communities. Students in all grades wards themselves and the world.” way possible.
The idea of sharing space has been done success- participate in a day of service each
fully in other cities across the country — largely The majority of SPARK’s students “Our students are proving what we
year, as well as complete social studies
because it’s reasonable and economical, and the are already performing at or above have always believed,” said Belcher.
service learning projects each month
leaders of the building come together to put the best grade-level, despite the fact that “That every student can and will suc-
that stress community involvement.
interest of students first. many entered the school with below ceed when the school, teacher and
“We focus on preparing college- pre-K levels of reading mastery. family work together to ensure that
Newark students who opted to go to a public charter bound students from an early age,” Belcher attributes much of this students receive the care and atten-
school should not be locked out of the city’s under- Belcher said. “In addition to academ- success to the commitment of the tion they need.”
utilized schools because of politics. If the goal is pro- ics, a commitment to community and school’s teachers and families. SPARK Academy opened in August
viding the city’s children with the best educational
global and cultural awareness are key
opportunities, whether they attend a traditional pub- SPARK has a highly selective hiring 2009 and currently enrolls 200 stu-
elements in college preparation. We process. Those teachers hired must dents in kindergarten and first grade.
lic school or a public charter school, should not make
believe kids need to start off with a demonstrate not only an ability to Over the next 3 years, the school will
any difference. Parents don’t care about the title —
they just want great schools for their children. G strong and well-rounded foundation.” perform at high levels and a belief in add one grade level per year to be-
Mashea Ashton is the CEO of the Newark Charter All of SPARK’s classrooms are SPARK’s values, but also a sense of come a 500-student K-4 elementary
School Fund. named after colleges, to reinforce the responsibility for the success and school. G

2. 2 NEWARK CHARTER SCHOOLS SPECIAL
Adelaide L. Sanford Provides Structured, Supportive Environment
The African-centered approach to educa- Sanford’s goal, he said, is to educate chil-
tion encompasses more than just the cur- dren and provide them with the structured,
riculum at the Adelaide Sanford Charter supportive environment that will allow
School. It extends to the way those in the them to become leaders.
school community — children, parents, The school, founded by the CEO, Sister
teachers and administrators — share their
Fredrica Bey, has a logo and uniforms that
lives with each other.
contain a touch of purple, which Davis
In its essence, the Adelaide L. Sanford noted, represents royalty, a subtle way of
school is like an African village. It’s a nur- reminding students that they’re special.
turing environment designed to empower
Located on Lincoln Park, the school is in its
and mold the minds of future leaders.
fourth year and has 288 students in kinder-
Dr. Adelaide L. Sanford, for whom the garten through fifth grade. It adds a grade
school is named, is a much revered and hon- level each year and eventually will offer
ored African-centric educator, who has long classes through eighth grade. Like most
been an advocate for the education of un- charters, Adelaide L. Sanford can’t accom-
derserved children. She was a primary-grade modate all who want to attend and currently
teacher in New York and eventually rose to
has 200 students on the waiting list.
There is plenty of one-on-one instruction at Adelaide L. Sanford.
the position of vice chancellor of the State to straighten out the issue immediately. reaches out to others.
University of New York’s Board of Regents. The curriculum isn’t the only aspect of
what makes Adelaide L. Sanford charter Parents, he said, must be a part of the ed- The success at Adelaide L. Sanford has
Dr. Sanford is very much involved in the ucation equation and Davis reminds them caught the attention of educators not just
school special.
school, working with staff, parents and, of of that constantly. here but in other countries as well. This
course, the children. “It’s a community environment, a family The village concept plays out in other summer Davis will be at Oxford in Eng-
De Lacy Davis, the school’s leader, said environment,” Davis said. ways, as well. The school, Davis said, will land to present a paper on motivating
If a child is inappropriately dressed or late help parents with employment problems, African-American children to achieve.
Adelaide L. Sanford does more than just
teach about the contributions of African frequently or another problem arises, such as lending a hand in finding a job. The influence of this African village is
Americans to their country. It’s a motif Davis will seek out that parent — at work, And like members of an African village, spreading. G
present across the curriculum. Adelaide L. at home, even in a college classroom — the Adelaide L. Sanford community
People’s Preparatory Charter School
A New Day for High School Students
Makes College an Obtainable Goal
Struggling with Substance Abuse
When Jessica Rooney rescinded her law students with 95 each in grades 9-12.
The first public school in Newark to specific need in Newark. school applications to explore a career in
The school is based on the core values of
specifically address the needs of high public education, she had no idea she’d be
“Our students will be equipped with intellect, empathy and action. Its mission
school students dealing with alcohol opening one of the first stand-alone char-
more than academic skills,” said is to serve as “a college-preparatory high
and drug dependence is set to open this ter high schools in Newark.
September as part of an ambitious roll- Lynette Tannis, Principal and Director school dedicated to ensuring that all
of New Day. “They will learn coping Rooney, the founder of People’s Prepara-
out of charter schools. students achieve academic excellence,
skills, self-awareness, self-esteem and tory Charter School, comes from a family
develop strong character, and build a com-
The New Day Charter School will offer personal responsibility, all within the of educators, but she took a circuitous path
students in grades 9-12 a traditional before joining in the family tradition. mitment to community advancement.”
context of healthy living and wellness.
curriculum, but with a slant toward The curriculum is based on nationally-
We aim to prepare our students to “I was preparing to enter law school
helping those with drug and alcohol studied best practice models and the foun-
succeed in the ‘real’ world, and provide because I wanted to be an agent for social
dependence. Since the charter school
them with the skills necessary to change,” Rooney said. “However, some- dational belief that all students, with the
is a public school, it will be open to
triumph over life’s adversities.” thing just didn’t feel right to me. I came to proper education and support, have the
all students in Newark, regardless of
the realization that law is more about in- ability to perform at high academic levels.
whether or not they are battling Students at New Day will be welcomed tervention after something has occurred
dependence. each morning to an assembly involving People’s Prep will have a strong academic
and less about preventing the problem.”
“People get confused; they think we are the entire school, including even the culture that includes longer school days
Rooney said she realized that to effect
a treatment program, not a school,” said secretary, security personnel and custo- (8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.) and an extended
meaningful, lasting change, she had to be
Marc Wurgaft, an addiction counselor dians. school year. Students will have double-
on the front-lines — as a teacher. Rooney
who is president of the school’s Board sessions of English and math for at least
“Students will be asked the essential worked at New Design High School in
of Trustees. “The fact is our rigorous two years. Students will also be expected
question, ‘How did you do last night?’ New York, where she taught Spanish and
academic program meets all the core to complete at least one AP-level course
as the kick-off to a theme throughout the served as chair of the world languages de-
curriculum standards that all public
day,” Wurgaft said. “Whether the partment. prior to graduation.
schools in New Jersey must meet.”
student is studying English or math, During her fourth year at New Design, she As the school grows, all students will be
New Day is slated to open in Septem- the curriculum is related to making was accepted into the New Leaders for expected to commit to 40 hours of com-
ber; school officials are finalizing a good life decisions while living sub- New Schools residency program, where munity service per year.
lease in Newark. When the school is
stance-free.” she pursued a track in Urban Education
fully occupied, it will enroll approxi- “College preparation includes more than
A similar community meeting will and continued her research on the small
mately 25 students in each of the four
school model. During that time, she com- just being academically prepared,”
grades. Wurgaft said the school meets a finish each school day. G
pleted a master’s degree in educational Rooney said. “It means being interper-
leadership at City University of New sonally, emotionally and socially ready
York-Baruch College. to make an investment in one’s higher
NEWARK CHARTER SCHOOLS SPECIAL Colleagues suggested she bring the model education.”
to Newark, based on the city’s need for Rooney acknowledged that stand-alone
stand-alone charter high schools.
public high school work can be especially
This information is provided by the Newark Charter School Fund,
Rooney was awarded a three-year federal challenging because four years is often
which support the quality and sustainability of Newark’s public char-
charter school program start-up grant, one seen as insufficient time to prepare
ter schools. Grants are made to charter schools directly and to non-
of only 12 such grants awarded nation- students from varying educational back-
profit organizations that support the charter school sector in Newark.
wide. She has been working in Newark
grounds for college. But she believes such
Contact the Fund at:
since July 2010 as a founder in residence
models are important to help address the
at the Newark Charter School Fund in
inequalities that exist in K-8 education.
NEWARK CHARTER SCHOOL FUND
9-25 Alling Street, 2nd Floor preparation for the opening of People’s
Newark, New Jersey 07102 Prep this August. “With the right supports and programs, all
People’s Prep will open with an initial children can develop the abilities required
enrollment of 95 ninth-grade students. At to succeed in a four-year college,” she
Phone: 973-733-2285 info@ncsfund.org
full capacity, the school will enroll 380 said. G
Fax: 973-795-2203 facebook.com/ncsfund www.ncsfund.org

3. NEWARK CHARTER SCHOOLS SPECIAL 19
North Star Illuminates the Path to Achievement
At North Star Academy Charter School’s first group of fifth-graders was preparing
Elementary Campuses in Newark, to enter high school, North Star expanded
mornings begin with an activity called with them.
Community Circle. Students assemble and “Over time, we saw we were having tremen-
form a procession to the beat of a djembe dous success with our middle and high
drum. Each class marches stoically to the school programs,” said Baker, “We knew we
circle, lead by scholars bearing class flags had something special with this model. Our
and banners displaying their grade level. kids in grades 5-12 were thriving.”
Once the students are seated, the ritual Unfortunately, many fifth-grade students
explodes into a “joyous chorus of class
were entering North Star’s middle school
fight songs, motivational call and
performing far below grade level. School
response and academic chants.” School
leaders recognized the need to further
principals dash around the circle asking
expand North Star’s programming to the
students not only to answer questions, but
elementary grades in order to reach
to do so “loud and proud.”
Newark’s children at the very beginning
Students in the circle solve math story of their academic careers.
problems orally, recite geography facts,
North Star opened its first elementary
give praise to one another, celebrate birth-
school, Vailsburg Elementary, in 2007.
days and welcome visitors to the school
Students at North Star participate in Community Circle.
Now in its fourth year, Vailsburg serves
— all before the first classes start at garten,” Baker said. “That’s what North “School is our students’ job,” said Brett
over 300 students from kindergarten
8:00 a.m. Star Elementary is about — bringing Baker, Director of Operations at ES2. “We
through third grade.
“We like to equate Community Circle to a transformative change to the lives of begin to teach our students the importance
Last year, North Star Academy opened its of academics the moment they enroll
coach psyching up the team for a big Newark’s youngest students.”
second elementary school: Elementary in our schools. They know learning is
game,” said Aja Settles, Principal of North
School II (ES2), and this fall, Elementary Ritual and systems are a large part of serious business and the key to success.”
Star’s Elementary School II (ES2). “The
School III (ES3) is set to open its doors. North Star’s recipe for success. The
morning circle gets students excited about Parents and families, too, know that
learning in the classroom and reinforces Each school opens with one grade level school’s administrators and teachers know expectations are high coming into a North
previously learned content.” (87 students) at a time to ensure consistent strong systems, rigorous academics and Star elementary school.
growth and a steadfast attention to results. school culture are crucial to preparing “Our parents are as committed to
The circle joins multiple grade levels so
At full enrollment, each of the three their students to eventually graduate from their children’s success as we are,”
that younger students can learn from and
schools will serve over 400 students in 4-year colleges. Baker said. G
emulate the successes of older students,
kindergarten through fourth grade.
Settles said. The ritual also serves to get
teachers focused on the day’s activities and All three schools are based on the same
provides time for school leaders to model highly-successful North Star model,
effective practices for other teachers. employing identical structure, systems, Robert Treat Academy Graduate
Founded in 1997, North Star Academy is and curriculum.
Gives Back to the Community
one of New Jersey’s first charter public With the opening of the third elementary
schools. Since its founding, the school has school this fall, North Star will be Marilyn Herrera was a student in the
been committed not only to closing the enrolling 261 kindergarten students across first class of the Robert Treat Academy
achievement gap for students in Newark, the three schools each year, Baker said. Charter School when it opened in 1997.
but reversing it. “That’s 261 four- and five-year olds start- Today, she is balancing two jobs dur-
North Star’s first school focused on edu- ing on the path to college and success ing her summer break — a clerical po-
cating students in grades 5-8. When its before they have even set foot in kinder- sition at the Robert Treat Academy and
teaching English as a Second Language
(ESL) classes at the North Ward
Center. In the fall, she will return to
Newark Students to Get Their Start Barnard College as a junior.
at Roseville Charter School “After college, I want to return to the
community,” said Herrera. “That’s the
Roseville Community Charter School is a have two teachers; plans call for the message they instilled in us at the school.”
new elementary school in a neighborhood school to add a grade each year.
The daughter of a couple who emigrated
bordering East Orange that will serve 132
The school is geared to ensure every stu- from Ecuador 37 years ago, Herrera
students in kindergarten and first grade
dent is prepared to meet the rigorous de- grew up near the school and attended
Marilyn Herrera
this fall.
mands of a college education by building the North Ward Center’s Child Devel- pal. I am to this day.”
“The school’s focus is to prepare every a solid foundation in literacy and math, opment Center. Her father was deter- Robert Treat teachers encouraged her
student for academic excellence in high cultivating strong character, and using mined for her to enter Robert Treat to pursue leadership roles and become
school, college, and beyond,” said Mar- Academy, the brand new school with so involved in community service. She
data-driven instruction to drive student
shaé Newkirk, school director, a Newark much promise. Six years have passed spent summers tutoring at the North
achievement.
Charter School Fund founder who taught since her graduation; she’s on track to Ward Center, which prepared her for
in the Bronx and Mt. Vernon, N.Y. “By fo- With the two teachers in every class, ex- exceed her parents’ expectations. the positions she holds now. Teaching
cusing on character development and tended literacy and math blocks, and an Herrera graduated in 2005 from the and working with special needs chil-
holding all students to the highest expec- extended school day and year, Roseville Robert Treat Academy, a Blue Ribbon dren are among her career options.
tations within a nurturing and disciplined students will be given the increased time K-8 school, as Valedictorian and presi-
environment, we will prepare students to “As Marilyn and other students from
and support necessary to achieve the dent of the Student Council. She then
thrive.” the initial class of the Robert Treat
school’s lofty expectations. attended The Lawrenceville School Academy approach college graduation,
With 14 years of experience as an urban through grade 12. we look forward to hearing about their
“Academic excellence for all students is
educator, Newkirk is an alumnus of both As a Latina from Newark entering a success as they enter careers in busi-
our goal and it will be accomplished
the New Leaders for New Schools and prestigious preparatory school, she ques- ness, education, public service or what-
through hard work, dedication, best prac-
Teach For America programs. Prior to tioned if she was ready, but found Robert ever they set their sights on,” said
tices in teaching and learning, and an un-
coming to the Newark Charter School Treat Academy prepared her well. Theresa Adubato, the principal of
Fund, she was the Lower School Director wavering belief in Newark’s children,”
Robert Treat Academy.
of a charter school in the Bronx. Newkirk said. “I look forward to meeting Herrera recalls her parents and teach-
our wonderful kindergarten and first grade ers debating her options for attending “Marilyn’s story shows that with a
The Roseville school, which is designed students this August.” high school and college. “It was my great education, Newark’s children can
to grow to 594 students in grades K-8, will second home,” Herrera said, of the excel and return the gifts they received
open on Orange Street in a building occu- School hours will be 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., Robert Treat Academy. “I was very from their community many times
pied for years by the St. Rose of Lima with extra time devoted to reading, math, close to my teachers and to the princi- over.” G
School. Each classroom at Roseville will science and social studies. G

4. 20 NEWARK CHARTER SCHOOLS SPECIAL
Lady Liberty Shines in Newark
When Executive Director Glen Pinder “Students are here on time and ready to
first arrived at Lady Liberty Academy learn,” said lead language arts teacher
Charter School in Newark last year, the Kristen Turner. “They’re extremely ex-
school was disorderly, students were not cited about learning. They don’t want to
on task in the classroom and many did not miss class and they want to be recognized
wear their uniforms, a requirement man- for the positive things they’re doing.”
dated by the school’s charter. Turner said teacher attendance has also
Today, the new administration is firmly in improved, with educators coming to
control, classroom instruction is mission school more regularly, prepared and ready
oriented with the goal of improving read- to teach for the day.
ing and math skills and nearly all of the Social studies teacher Lemuer Perez said
students are in full uniform. since coming to Lady Liberty in 2008,
After nearly two years as head of the he’s gradually noticed that students want
school, Pinder is more confident about his to achieve more.
faculty and believes there is a greater “Instead of seeing the glass half-empty,
sense of camaraderie and professionalism. they see it half-full,” Perez said.
“I feel like the team that we have in place Perez said he’s heard students exhibiting
Principal Glen Pinder talks with a class at Lady Liberty Academy Charter School
now is really about the business of chil- different attitudes about their grades now
in Newark.
dren,” Pinder said. compared to when he first began teaching essary to ensure its future success. ting more involved with their children’s
Pinder’s arrival to the struggling Newark at the school. The investments and hard work are be- education. She receives e-mails from
charter school was no accident. Formerly ginning to pay off. parents almost everyday, and parents
“When I first came in, students had the have been visiting the classroom and
the principal of Harlem Children’s Zone, idea, ‘the teacher gave me this grade,’” he The morning after Back to School Night,
the successful charter school in New York participating in learning incentives like
said. “Now you start to hear, ‘I didn’t get Headmaster of Climate and Culture homework parties and student trips. Perez
City founded by Geoffrey Canada, Pinder an A, I earned an A.’ They understand that Christopher Finn burst into Pinder’s office added that more parents are attending
was recruited by the Newark Charter instead of having to get something, we to tell him of his classroom observations PTO meetings and asking questions about
School Fund and Newark Mayor Cory work hard to earn it.” that morning. the curriculum.
Booker to help turn around the struggling
Turner said that the administration has “We are rocking today,” Finn said. “I “Parents are constantly talking about the
school.
become more student-centered since she walked in and 100 percent of the students changes that have been made and how
The Newark Charter School Fund, which first arrived at Lady Liberty in 2004. were on task, writing incredible essays. happy they are with the school right now,”
was established in 2008 to help improve Kids were pulling me over, excited to tell
“The administrator we had before would Turner said.
the quality of charter schools in the city, me about their books.”
has worked to support Pinder’s turnaround always sit behind a closed door, literally,” Turner noted that she has taught pairs of
Turner said. “Mr. Pinder is constantly seen Finn told Pinder that in one class the siblings, and she says parents are noticing
efforts, including efforts to improve average for the first test of the school year
instruction and the operations of the in the building. When you express a con- improvements that have been made at the
cern to him, he drops everything and he’s was an 86. school over the years.
school. Staff from the NCSF joined the
board to ensure the success of these willing to talk to resolve any problems The night before, more than 250 parents “Our kids are at a place that they feel safe
efforts. In addition, other members have that you may have.” came out for “Back to School Night,” a huge at Lady Liberty,” Turner said. “They trust
been added to strengthen the board, Under Pinder’s leadership, the school turn-out for the Newark charter school. Mr. Finn, they trust Mr. Pinder in that they
including a parent representative. began making fundamental changes nec- Turner said parents are on board and get- have their best interest at heart.” G
Great Expectations at Great Oaks
Great Oaks Charter School, opening this of Newark that comes from our co- will serve 133 students; 67 in sixth grade before they treat patients, our tutors are
fall to serve middle- and high-school stu- founders,” said Michael Duffy, chair of and 66 in seventh grade. All seats have immersed in a kind of ‘teacher residency’
dents in Newark, takes its name from the the school’s Board of Trustees. been taken via lottery; there are about before they would be called on to take on
writings of Chaucer in the 1300s: “Great The school is co-founded by an unlikely 100 students on a waiting list, Duffy said. the challenge of teaching an entire class
oaks, from little acorns grow.” pair of educators: Tom-meka Archinard of students,” Duffy said.
A grade will be added each year, serving
Organizers of the charter school say the and Karma Warren, who worked to- 331 students in grades 6-10 in the fourth Corps members will also take on sec-
old English proverb is relevant to Newark gether as emergency room doctors at year of its initial charter. School officials ondary projects at the school, such as
in 2011. New public schools must grow University Hospital in Newark. plan for the school to ultimately have coaching teams, leading clubs or assist-
to become a part of the community they 463 students in grades 6-12, with its first ing teachers and staff.
“As emergency room doctors, we bear
wish to serve. Great Oaks is focused in class to graduate in the spring of 2017. “We hope these tutors will develop the
witness each night to the work still to be
three ways: Equipping students with the skills and competencies to be effective
done in Newark, and it’s why we’re Great Oaks’ students are taught in
skill to succeed in college, developing teachers,” Duffy said. “Once they are done
helping to start a charter school,” Archi- smaller classes than in a traditional pub-
teachers and staff to continually grow as with their apprenticeships, Great Oaks can
nard said. “We have got to break this lic school. The school will offer higher
educators and creating roots in Newark serve as a pipeline for other public schools
cycle of violence and despair — we have than average salaries to recruit the best
for a strong, lasting school community. in Newark — be they charter or traditional
grown weary of patching up young teachers possible. The school day at
Great Oaks will follow the work of the people and sending them back to the Great Oaks is from 7:50 to 5:30 p.m. and — looking for effective teachers.”
MATCH Charter Public School in streets and a bleak future. “ a five week summer school will be re- The 25 corps members will receive hous-
Boston, along with other high-perform- quired for students who fail a course. ing in a modern apartment building near
Warren said the best deterrent for young
ing college-preparatory charter schools. the school as well as a modest living
people on the verge of picking up a gun, There will be tremendous focus on high
MATCH is a middle and high school stipend. In addition to tutoring Great
selling drugs or acting casually with their expectations for students. Students must
serving a high-needs population, 93 per- Oaks students, the tutor will spend an
bodies is the belief that they have some- earn at least 70 out of 100 to pass a course.
cent of which is minority with 77 percent hour a day supporting the achievement
thing better to live for. Every student will be required to take Ad-
living below the poverty line. of students at a nearby Newark Public
“A teenager with the unwavering belief vanced Placement courses and to enroll in
Even with many urban challenges, 99 School. The school is eventually hoping
that she is destined for great things is not a college course during their senior year.
percent of the students who graduated to move into the planned Teacher’s
as likely to be diverted by the tempta- Great Oaks will offer recent college grad-
from MATCH over the last seven years Village in the Central Ward.
tions of the street,” she said. “We believe uates a position with the “Tutor Corps,”
have been accepted into four-year col- “The tutoring model is at the heart of our
leges. Last year, the school was ranked that the right school can fundamentally an intense one-year fellowship designed
alter the direction of a person’s life.” program,” Duffy explained. “Every
by Newsweek as the 51st best high to close the achievement gap one student
student at Great Oaks will receive one-
school in the country. The school principal will be Jared Taille- at a time. Corps members will work 60
on-one tutoring every day. Our goal is to
“Great Oaks is a terrific combination of fer, a dean of students at the MATCH hours a week for one year, much of that get our students on grade level by the
the MATCH school model, which I program in Boston, who is planning to time spent tutoring one or two students. time they finish middle school and get
played a part in developing in Boston, move to Newark. “In the same way that doctors are trained them college-ready by the time they get
and the appreciation and understanding In its first year of operation, Great Oaks through an intensive residency program their diploma.” G