Open enrollment will begin soon for the Ethical Community Charter School in Jersey City, scheduled to start classes next fall.
After initially being rejected this past January, the application for the school was approved by the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) last month.
A charter school is a semi-public school founded by educators, parents, and other members of the public. They apply to the state to get a “charter” and receive funding through the local Board of Education, but the board little oversight on the charter school.
The charter for Ethical was one of 22 applications submitted last August from across the state, but was rejected by the state in January due to the charter not having a “viable financial plan.”
In March, the school’s would-be founders resubmitted the application.
The Ethical Community Charter School will be operated according to the guidelines set down by the New York City-based Ethical Community Charter School Foundation, which is behind the formation of the school. The foundation’s goal, as stated on their website (www.teccs.org), is to create a school that “will serve the children of families that embrace the ideals of ethics, service, and social justice, and will provide a well-rounded education of academic studies, the arts, and the practical skills.”
The school, which is currently looking for a suitable building in Jersey City, will have 60 kindergarten and 60 first-grade slots determined by lottery. Only children living in Jersey City are eligible, and anyone from town can apply.
The school can apply to the state to renew their initial charter for another five years, which could mean further expansion up to eighth grade.Showing appreciation
Ann Wallace spoke at the Oct. 8 City Council meeting about the application being approved. She thanked the City Council for approving a resolution supporting the charter application earlier this year. She singled out city councilpersons Steven Fulop, Steve Lipski and City Council President Mariano Vega.
“It showed the state how much the city was behind our school, and how deeply the city residents feel.” Wallace said. “We need more educational options here in Jersey City; we need other models.”
She continued, “The more we can do for the kids of Jersey City, the better.”
Lipski called Wallace’s efforts to get the school started that of a “yeo-person.” Lipski operates the CREATE Charter School, located in the Greenville section of the city.
The school founding team has begun the process of selecting a principal and filling several other key positions.
Interested parents can consult www.teccs.org or call (201) 606-8108 for more information. Comments on this story can be sent to rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com