The free, public charter school is set to open next school year in Tulsa. And parents are already showing interest.
“He’s ready to go to school. He’s telling me he wants to go to school,” said Latoya Shaw.
Shaw wants to put her three-year-old son Josiah on the fast track .She’s looking for alternatives outside of public schools. Lighthouse Academies offers an arts-based, college prep program.
“That is a big thing for me. If he can learn to sit still and focus on the arts, I want him to also learn how to use both sides of his brain, pretty much, and just be able to apply it in life,” Shaw said.
The charter school is sponsored by Tulsa Public Schools, but operates separately. It could move into Greely Elementary in north Tulsa, which was recently closed as a part of Project Schoolhouse.
“In the community there is a higher drop out rate. So we’re just looking to provide another opportunity for parents and families in the area. There are some wonderful public elementary schools. But we just want to be another choice that parents deserve and that kids deserve,” said Principal Jamila MacArthur.
MacArthur says the charter school will add a school grade every year once it opens until the school houses students through the 12th grade.
“We prepare students for college through a rigorous arts-infused program. So you’ll see arts infused in our lessons and classrooms. Whether it’ll be teaching math through music, or drawing and writing about a mural we’ve created together,” she said.
There are 280 slots open for students in Pre-K through fourth grade next year. If there are more applicants than seats a lottery will be held. Shaw hopes this could be the right school for her son.
“I want him to go to college, and if he could receive his master’s or doctorate, the sky is the limit,” she said.
The Tulsa Lighthouse Charter School is open to all TPS students. It’s also hiring 16 teachers and staff members. For more information, click on the link below.