Spotlight on Schools:
Charter School Posts Impressive Test Scores

        The New Frontiers Charter School in San Antonio, Texas, has released impressive data on student performance on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, a national standardized test administered to all students in grades K-5 during the school's first year.

        Some highlights of the test results:

• Kindergartners scored in the 94th percentile in reading.
• Kindergartners increased scores from the 44th to the 70th percentile overall across reading, language and math, gaining 26 percentile points.
• First-graders increased scores from the 22nd to 38th percentile, a 16 point gain.
• Second-graders increased scores from the 24th to 34th percentile.
• Fifth-graders gained 7 percentile points in their reading score.

        Dr. Cynthia Castillo, School Director, said the results "illustrate all that is possible in urban education when you combine proven curricula, a safe and orderly learning environment, and highly skilled and motivated teachers."

        Melinda Wheatley, Chair of the New Frontiers Charter School Board of Trustees, said, "the Board is so proud of our teachers and children at New Frontiers.  These test scores proved what we knew all along: All children can learn if we give them the opportunity."

        Ms. Wheatley cited parental involvement as a major factor in the school's success, and said, "the parents of New Frontiers are our customers: These results prove that they made a wise choice for their children's education."

        The school is run by Advantage Schools, a private company that operates about a dozen other charter schools nationwide. For information about these fabulous charters, visit the website www.advantage-schools.com or call 617-523-2220.

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