Here’s the press release from the Franklin School of Innovation, a new free public charter school opening in August that plans to serve students in grades 6-12 in Asheville and Buncombe County:
Open enrollment is drawing to a close and Buncombe county’s new charter middle and high school is preparing for an educational lottery. It is planned for Monday, April 7th, 6:00 pm at the Pack Library.
The lottery is a random selection of applicants, held in compliance with North Carolina state law. Applicants will be notified of the results of the lottery by email or mail, and results will be posted on the school’s website.
Board chair Michelle Vruwink urges all those interested in attending for the 2014-15 school year to apply, even if they are applying for the 6th grade. “We know people are concerned about getting a slot, but we have more openings this year than we will ever have again.” Applications are now being accepted for grades 6 through 9 for the 2014-15 school year with plans to add a grade each year through 2018-19 when the school will serve 6th through 12th grades.
Open Enrollment ends March 31st. Applications must be postmarked by the 31st to be included in the lottery. Applications, along with proof of NC residency, may also be emailed to mvruwink@thefsi.us.
The Franklin School of Innovation will follow the Expeditionary Learning model developed by Outward Bound and the Harvard School of Education, which emphasizes hands-on project-based learning, a spirit of inquiry and critical thinking, and strong character development.
The school, which will be located in Enka, will start in multi-classroom modular buildings, with construction slated to begin in May.
Facts about the Franklin School of Innovation
The Franklin School of Innovation is a free public charter school serving students in grades 6-12 in the Asheville and Buncombe County region. The school is open to any student eligible for enrollment in North Carolina public schools.
Now accepting applications for 2014/15 school year for grades 6-9. Applications are due by March 31.
Opening in August 2014 with grades 6-9, adding a grade each year. At full capacity, FSI will serve 288 students in middle school and 448 students in high school.
Curriculum will follow the Expeditionary Learning model developed by Outward Bound and the Harvard School of Education, which emphasizes hands-on project-based learning, a spirit of inquiry and critical thinking, and strong character development.
The Expeditionary Learning model also incorporates meaningful family engagement, with student-led conferences and passage portfolios in which students present their learning and achievements.
Teachers at FSI will participate in an integrated program of professional learning, with frequent collaboration and shared planning, observation, and feedback. Teachers will develop multi-disciplinary “Learning Expeditions” which engage students in long-term, real-world learning opportunities across the disciplines. Civic engagement and service learning will be incorporated in the Expeditions.
The Franklin School of Innovation is not-for-profit organization organized under the laws of North Carolina, with 501(c)3 status pending, filed in October 2013. All work done to organize the school to date has been accomplished by unpaid volunteers.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.