SOAR Charter Academy: New school gets big $$$ boost

SAN BERNARDINO — Times are tough for public schools statewide, but the newest local school got some good news last month.

SOAR Charter Academy, a charter school set to start classes Aug. 11, was awarded $600,000 through the Public School Charter Grant Program (PSCGP).

We've written about this fledgling school numerous times, mostly because it's so unique. SOAR was founded by a handful of former San Bernardino Unified School District teachers and will focus on character development and service learning. The school will be located in the heart of the original Operation Phoenix area, an economically challenged but vastly improved neighborhood. It's facilities include a former church school and a new gymnasium and other facilities associated with an existing after school program.

Part of the money will be use to buy two computers for each classroom, a mobile computer lab of 20 computers, and at least 160 literary language arts program kits.

Despite massive budget cuts statewide, co-founder Kristin Krauscq said the school will maintain a 20 to 1 student to teacher ratio.

The school is holding three enrollment and information meetings for parents and children at 6 p.m. on April 8, 16 and 30 at 1671 N. Sierra Way.

For information call (909) 957-0491 or visit www.soarcharteracademy.org
robert.rogers@sbsun.com