Happy New Year!

As we step into 2024, EDceptional would like to take a moment to reflect on our collective achievements and share how we have set our sights on the work ahead. 

GoodSchoolsRoc Launches Year Seven, Sees Incredible Demand

After having a record number of website visits and applications in 2023, the 2024-25 GoodSchoolsRoc Rochester charter school application opened in December, with more than 2,000 applications received, 40% over the previous year. This marks seven years of collaboration among area schools. Parents clearly want school choice and better school options. Nearly 40% of Rochester’s public-school kindergarteners are enrolled in a charter school this year, showing where the trend is for future years. 

Improving Education Quality for Students

New York State has released the 2022-23 Report Card, reporting test results for charter and district schools. Sector-wide, the report shows that charter school students are 31% proficient in ELA and 40% proficient in math. This compares with 16% and 14% in RCSD and 48% and 52% for all of NYS.

Overall, Rochester charter schools are making significant strides in providing a quality education for students - a testament to the dedication and hard work of educators, school leaders, and support staff. An outstanding example can be seen at Discovery Charter School where in 2019 state tests showed only 19% of students were proficient in ELA and 21% in math. Four years later, including the pandemic years of disruption, 58% of their students tested proficient in ELA and 83% in math. Of course, their team wants to do better, but this progress shows just how rapidly things can change when there is a well-led and motivated team tackling the challenge.

Looking Ahead

2023 was a successful building year for EDceptional with a new name, new leadership, and refined focus. Yet there is still much work to be done. This year, we are focused on increasing literacy and math scores, ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills for success in the 21st century. 

One of the key drivers of our success lies in the efforts of strong school leaders. They play a pivotal role in shaping the cultural development of our schools and fostering an environment of excellence. We will continue to support and empower school leaders through various initiatives and programs. 

In the coming months, EDceptional will offer a range of opportunities, including executive coaching for school leaders, leadership development programs at prestigious institutions like Harvard University and Leverage Leadership, as well as school visits in New Orleans to learn from their innovative practices. 

Additionally, we will continue our advocacy work to ensure that the charter sector receives the recognition and support it deserves. Together, we will continue to transform the lives of students and shape the future of education.

Sebrone O. Johnson, CEO EDceptional, shared how important it is for charter and district schools to be working together for children in the City of Rochester. Read his editorial from Minority Reporter.

District Reconfiguration

Many Rochester City School District families are looking for a new school as 11 schools are closing under the district’s reconfiguration plan. Channel 10 spoke with Sebrone O. Johnson, EDceptional CEO, to learn more about charter school growth, enrollment and opportunities for families. Watch here.

Charter Schools In the News

Renaissance Academy of the Arts Kicks Off Their 10th Year with a Mural Made by Students and Shawn Dunwoody

Charter Champions Honors 19 Rochester Charter School Educators at Inaugural Oscar Awards Gala

Vertus Celebrates Opening of New Weight Room

Charter Enrollment Growth Nationwide and at Home

A new report reveals that students have flocked to charter schools nationwide. Released in December 2023 by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, the report analyzes public school enrollment from 2019-2023. During that time, charter schools enrolled nearly 10 times the number of new students as district schools in the last school year.

In Rochester, charter school enrollment grew 40% from 2019-2023, with more than 8,500 students now enrolled. Read the report.

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