Core Knowledge Schools Receive Awards and Recognition for Excellence

So far, 2007 has been a very good year for awards and recognition for Core Knowledge schools around the country. Here are a few that we know about. If your school has received an award at the local, state, or national level, be sure to let us know. We want to spread the good news!

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Two Core Knowledge schools—Capitol View Elementary in Atlanta and P.S. 124 in New York City—are featured in a new book by Karin Chenoweth entitled It’s Being Done. In our last issue, we reprinted a portion of the profile of Capitol View, Atlanta’s first Core Knowledge school. Get a copy of the book and learn what researchers are finding out about how Core Knowledge can help turn a school around.

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John Hancock Charter School in Utah is one of the top ten schools in the state (#2 as middle school and #6 as elementary school), according to statewide Iowa Test scores. Says the school’s Director Julie Adamic: “Being ranked as one of the top 10 schools in Utah and the highest academic elementary and middle school in Utah County has been a wonderful recognition  of the benefits of the Core Knowledge Sequence.”

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The following Core Knowledge schools were recognized by The Center for Education Reform as six of the 53 best charter schools in the United States. Here the school names and facts about each one are listed as they appear on the Center’s website, along with the other winners, at http://www.edreform.com/csoy/schools.htm:

Challenge Charter School, Glendale, AZ

This Arizona school provides a sound educational environment grounded in the fundamentals of a hands-on, science-oriented, academic core curriculum. It’s easy to see why this school has a waiting list of over 300. Challenge Charter School is an Official Core Knowledge School.

Jefferson Academy Elementary, Broomfield, CO

After winning its charter through an appeals process that was the first of its kind in the state, Jefferson Academy ranks in the top 16 percent or better in overall achievement of schools in Colorado. Jefferson Academy is an Official Core Knowledge School.

Liberty Common School, Ft. Collins, CO

In 2005–2006 they ranked No.1 in their district for standardized tests, and with 99 percent of their students graduating on time, it’s no wonder Liberty Common School has 941 students on their waiting list. Liberty Common School is an Official Core Knowledge School and Visitation Site.

Discovery School, Lancaster, SC

On the 2006 annual report card issued by the state of South Carolina, 100 percent of the students surveyed were satisfied with the learning environment, the social and physical environment, and school-home relations. Discovery School is a Friend of Core Knowledge School.

Midland Valley Preparatory School, Graniteville, SC

By taking students who have not been successful in traditional public schools, Midland met AYP objectives and closed the achievement gap. Midland Valley is a Friend of Core Knowledge School.

Ridgeview Classical Schools, Ft. Collins, CO

Based on the 9th and 10th graders’ scores on the CSAP and the 11th graders’ scores on the ACT, RCS was ranked the No.1 school in Colorado the past two years in a row. Ridgeview Classical is a Friend of Core Knowledge School.

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The following press release was submitted in May by James Bailey of the Arlington International Leadership School:

Arlington International Leadership School is very proud to announce that our school was selected as a Magnet School of Excellence and the winner of the Hogan and Hartson Award for New and Emerging Magnet Schools of Merit, this is the top award given to new magnet schools from across the country. The Magnet School of America Conference was held in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 28th through May 3rd, 2007.

MAGNET SCHOOLS OF MERIT AWARDS 2007

Magnet Schools of America has established the Magnet Schools of Merit Award to recognize the top magnet schools in the United States. The Magnet Schools of Merit Award recognizes magnet schools that show a commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, successful desegregation/diversity efforts, and the consistent delivery of quality services to all school stakeholders. Two categories of awards have been established by MSA: The top category given to a group of select magnet schools is the Magnet School of Excellence Award and the second category of awards is the Magnet School of Distinction Award. Schools recognized must be members of Magnet Schools of America and must submit an application that is scored by a panel of educators. 

The Hogan and Hartson award, also established in 2006, recognizes New and Emerging Magnet Schools of Merit from the Schools of Excellence category. Recognized nationally for its leadership and commitment to magnet schools across the nation, the Washington, D.C. Law Firm of Hogan and Hartson is the sponsor of a $1,000 cash award.

Please contact Arlington International Leadership School in Tennessee for more information on these awards and the school’s programs.

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