Tucson math/science charter school sponsored by UA to open

June 26, 2006

By hammersmith

[Source: Jeff Commings, Arizona Daily Star] — Now that Wildcat Secondary School has a building and a staff, it’s ready for the most important part: students. Enrollment has begun for the only charter school in Arizona sponsored by a state university, in this case the University of Arizona. Richard Reyes, the charter school’s director, said they’re looking for 160 sixth- and seventh-grade students in the first year. “We wanted smaller class sizes,” he said. “We didn’t want it to be too big. It’s more personalized instruction.”

The Wildcat School, one of four charters opening in Tucson this fall and one of 92 in the city, will be primarily a math and science academy. And though it is open to any Tucson resident and is free, the school’s application says a student’s parents must not be a graduate of a four-year university. The school will add a grade each year up to grade 12. Students will be in school for 200 days, 20 more than traditional public schools, and spend about 6 1/2 hours in class each day. Students will be taught by UA faculty and students, and can participate in summer mentorships on the UA campus.

[Note: To read the full article, click here. To visit the school’s website, click here.]