II 03 - Little School in the Desert -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 6/2/2001
Last Visited: 1/2/2002
When asked about the special problems of rural charters, Steve Anderson, of the American Heritage Academy in Clarkdale, Arizona, doesn't hesitate.He cites teachers, transportation, and student diversity as the biggest headaches for his school.Far-flung students and a small pool of available teachers are clear-cut, if difficult, problems.Student diversity is more complex.
The Verde Valley, where Heritage is located, has a small but diverse population.Income levels vary widely and there are a number of different ethnic groups.In such an environment, charters must appeal to a broad base, which according to Anderson means that they must be "general practitioners," not specialists.With a large population to market to, city charters often target a more narrow market and offer a specialized program, like an arts or computer-based curriculum.Rural charters do not have the luxury of specialization.
Heritage offers a back-to-basics college preparatory program for grades K through 12, with a strict code of behavior that includes uniforms and zero tolerance for illegal activities.This is part of their drive to build character.Anderson says they want their students to become good citizens, leaders and heroes.
Although Heritage is relatively small with only 185 students, there are five other charter schools and three small districts that draw from the same population.Small districts are much more sensitive to market entry by charter schools, in part because the loss of each student results in a greater percentage of lost income than in a large district.Districts must also be ready to take back any students that leave, which can be logistically difficult, especially if a charter closes mid-year.
In a visible response to the charters' entry into the market, one Verde Valley district has painted their buses with catchy logos like, "We never left the basics," an obvious reference to Heritage.Two districts began buying advertising.
10 online sources [ view sources ]
Profile is not claimed [ claim profile ]
