New charter targets middle schoolers

Hrag Hamalian appreciates everything about the long-abandoned Panorama City Baptist Church school he'll be taking over this fall. Connie Llanos in the Daily News.

Staring at dusty walls and well-worn desks and chairs, he envisions how new furniture, a fresh coat of paint and new carpet will set the perfect backdrop for lively class discussions and debates.

Studies show a need to engage middle school students to prevent sagging test scores and underachievement. Hamalian plans to bring just that to the East Valley when the new charter school opens this fall.

Valor Academy Charter School will focus on college preparation for neighborhood kids in grades five through eight.