Sedona AZ (October 19, 2019) – The Sedona Charter School—the first in Arizona–will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year. Now, there are over 500 charter schools in the state, but the status of many is shaky–a recent report estimates that over 100 could soon close.
Why is ours still thriving? Find out from Alice Madar, one of the school’s leaders for over 20 years, when she will be the guest of honor at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s (OLLI’s) Sedona Community Forum (formerly called Lunch and Learn) on Wednesday, October 30, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., in room 34 of Yavapai College’s Sedona Center (on Cultural Park Place, across Rt. 89A from Red Rock High School).
The Charter School has a rigorous curriculum—its students learn a lot about our community and the world. But how much do you know about the Charter School? Find out by taking this test: Which of these statements about the Charter School are true and which are false?
- Students from grades K-8 attend.
- Their open enrollment system accepts new students on a first-come first-served basis.
- Its kindergarten enrolls three-to-six-year olds.
- Its campus sits on nearly five acres in a quiet West Sedona neighborhood.
- It has small group study areas on a nature trail, near their pond, in a historic log cabin, and in a streetside wildlife habitat area.
- Its curriculum is based on the Montessori method.
- This approach emphasizes individualized, self directed learning.
- When you visit a classroom, you will find the students are all busy working, but generally not on the same subject or lesson.
- Children are taught by a teaching team in multi-age, multi-grade classrooms.
- The student-teacher ratio ranges between 10:1 and 15:1.
- Their math program is individualized, ranging from very basic to quite advanced instruction.
- All students in grades 1-3 learn to play the violin and perform in concerts at least twice per year.
- Students develop multi-media history presentations in Lower Elementary, end-of-year plays in Upper Elementary, and theater and choral performances in Middle School.
- They serve hot Lunches, with all natural and organic ingredients, hormone-free meat and dairy, vegetarian and vegan options every day.
- The school is tuition-free.
- Maria Montesorri is the Principal.
Here’s the answer key: All of these statements are True, except the last one.
Want to learn more? Join us to meet Alice Madar (and perhaps some other visitors from the Sedona Charter School). Find out how the school is managed, funded, staffed, and evaluated, as well as how it compares to other local schools and other charter schools in our state. OLLI’s Sedona Community Forum is an enjoyable, informative, weekly community event that is free and open to the public.
OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) offers academic, not-for-credit programs for adults 50 years old or older at program sites at Verde Valley Campus, Sedona Center, and Camp Verde Library. OLLI at Sedona/Verde Valley is a program of the Division of Lifelong Learning at Yavapai College. For information about OLLI at Sedona/Verde Valley, contact Linda Shook, Associate Dean Sedona Center and OLLI Director Sedona/Verde Valley, at the OLLI office, 928-649-4275, ollisv@yc.edu or visit the website at www.yc.edu/ollisedonaverde.