RIDE Rejects RI STEAM Academy Charter School Proposal

A proposed charter school in Newport or Middletown that would have offered focused science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education for area children in grades K to 6 has been rejected by the state Department of Education.

Mike Cullen, co-founder and president of Rhode Island STEAM Academy said in a letter to supporters on Monday that RIDE notified them that Commissioner Deborah Gist “will not be promoting the RISA proposal at this time. Only one of the five charter school proposals in the state’s pipeline will make it to the next step.”

“While we understand the political calculus, we’re terribly sad for the kids, parents, and communities that would have benefitted from our game-changing grade K-6 STEAM approach,” Cullen said. “The soon to be released 2014 NECAP Science scores will show that we remain in serious academic trouble. RIDE has embargoed their release, although local districts already have their scores. The local results are particularly grim.”

The proposed school would have used an integrated, project-based curriculum with a goal of closing achievement gaps and preparing students for the high-skilled and highly-technical jobs of tomorrow, according to plans filed with the state.

RISA filed formal plans for the charter school in May.

Click here to read through the application.

The Rhode Island Board of Education Council on Elementary and Secondary Education on Sept. 22 recommended RISE Mayoral Academy receive preliminary approval. That school is a proposed K-8 charter school serving Woonsocket, Burrillville and North Smithfield.