The public charter schools that make up the Stockton Charter Collective are numerous and diverse in their programming and curricula. So why do we consistently share that each of our schools is reimagining education with students at the center?

‍

For starters, we should be clear about what our schools have in common: they are free, public charter schools serving the students and families of Stockton.

‍

And how exactly does that tie to reimagining education?

‍

Being a public charter school means that every school in the STAR Collective has done three things before kids set foot in a classroom:

1. Written a “charter petition” - a comprehensive plan to meet high academic goals for a target student population in a specific community. This charter petition is subject to a rigorous process of scrutinization and must be legally approved before the school can open.
2. Hired teachers and school leaders who can connect with students and families through the unique educational program described in the charter.
3. Admitted any and every student who wishes to attend until the school reaches capacity.

‍

And here’s the kicker: while public charter schools in Stockton serve all students, they operate only if families choose to attend the school.

‍

So while public charter schools start by building detailed academic programs and qualified teams who will teach and learn with their students, they can’t stop there. Every school must also build trusting relationships with students, stay in communication with families, and facilitate student achievement. They must deliver on the promise they lay out in their charter.

‍

In practice, our STAR Collective schools reimagine education by running nontraditional educational programs, achieving outstanding academic outcomes, and building community partnerships to target the needs of the students they serve. For instance:

‍

1. At Unbound Stockton Community School, upper elementary students will learn engaging, relevant content in a classroom setting Monday-Thursday, and then apply their knowledge in an experiential setting with a community partner every Friday.
2. Last year, KIPP Stockton University Park Elementary School Kindergarteners reading at grade level grew from 18% at the beginning of the year to over 80% at the end of the year.  
3. Through partnerships with a variety of local institutions, students at Aspire Stockton Secondary Academy can attend dual-enrollment opportunities through San Joaquin Delta College, health career pathways with Modesto Junior College, and an engineering academy program in collaboration with the University of the Pacific.

‍

These are schools reimagining education with students at the center - introducing new possibilities and achieving to new heights in service of each and every student. We’ll dig into the stories of these organizations and more in future entries!

‍

For now, follow us on socials to explore how STAR Collective schools are reimagining education every day! Stay connected for real stories, student achievements, and innovative programs shaping the future of learning.

‍

Follow us on Instagram at @stocktonchartercollective

Like us on Facebook at Stockton Charter Collective

‍