The Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board approved two new charter schools during its regularly scheduled meeting this week.
Per a press release from MCSAB, the two charter schools mark “a significant step forward in expanding educational opportunities across the state.” The newly approved schools are designed to address the growing demand for diverse and adaptable educational options that meet the needs of Mississippi’s students and families, the release continued.
The groundbreaking of Archway Charter School – which will be Mississippi’s first hybrid model charter school, combining in-person and online learning – was approved during the Monday meeting. Archway Charter School will serve grades 7-12 in Humphreys County and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025.
“The approval of the hybrid model school reflects MCSAB’s commitment to fostering innovative educational practices that can better serve the diverse needs of Mississippi’s children,” the release from MCSAB stated. “The hybrid school will offer a comprehensive curriculum that includes core subjects, elective courses, and extracurricular activities, all designed to engage students and encourage collaboration. By leveraging technology and a flexible schedule, the school aims to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world, equipping them with the skills needed for future careers.”
The second charter school approved, Mississippi Global Academy, will operate a traditional in-person model and serve grades 4-12 at capacity from the North Bolivar Consolidated School District and West Bolivar School District. Mississippi Global Academy was modeled after a successful charter school in Washington, D.C. The MCSAB did not include an opening date in the release.
Both applicant teams for Archway Charter School and Mississippi Global Academy were assisted through the Embark Fellowship program in developing their application. The MCSAB believes the opening of both will help promote high-quality schools, specifically for underserved students.
“The application cycle is both rigorous and demanding to ensure that only those founding teams that clearly demonstrate the ability to open and operate a highly successful school are offered a charter,” MCSAB executive director Dr. Lisa Karmacharya said. “We look forward to working with both schools’ governing boards and school-level leaders as they prepare to serve the children of Mississippi.”
Mississippi currently has 10 operating public charter schools, educating over 3,000 children. Families interested in learning more about the programs and opportunities offered by charter schools are encouraged to visit schools’ websites for further details.
