News

New charter school clears state hurdle

By Bill Moss, Published: June 4, 2015

The Board of Education gave the initial OK on Thursday to a K-7 charter school that plans to open in northern Henderson County in August 2016.

FernLeaf Community Charter School was one of 12 charter schools the state School Board approved. The board rejected two and ordered four applicants to provide more information.
FernLeaf said on its website it is evaluating sites in northern Henderson County that provides easy access to families from Henderson and Buncombe counties. It plans to open next year with 176
The school said it would offer “experiential and project based learning model utilizing the Common Core and NC Essential Standards” in an atmosphere that encourages children “to develop their innate creativity and curiosity” and inspires them to “pursue their unique passions and aptitudes.” It plans to offer a “small collaborative learning environment, personalized learning plans, mastery checklists for foundational skills in math, and meaningful assessments.”
The school plans to open next year with 176 pupils in grades K-3, adding one grade a year until it reaches seventh grade and a projected enrollment of 626 students.
Charter schools receive public funding for operating costs but not capital spending and are exempt from some education regulations. The state has 146 now with 15 more opening in August.