Urban Charter Closes the Achievement Gap

Roxbury Preparatory Charter School has much to celebrate. And during National Charter School Week 2002, this Boston middle school invited President Bush's top official for K-12 education, and other public figures, to come see first hand why.

Since opening in 1999, this school of 155 African-American or Latino students has garnered the attention of educators for closing the achievement gap between white and minority students. On the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exams last year, Roxbury students' scores were on par with white students.

Students at Roxbury had the highest score of any predominantly African-American school in the state on the sixth grade exam and the second highest score on the seventh grade exam last year. Even more importantly, these gains were made at a school where over a third of the students enroll more than two grade levels behind.

In light of the school's success, Susan Neuman, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education for Elementary and Secondary Education, toured Roxbury and spoke about the new federal education reform plan on May 1.

The school's co-director, John King says the students and teachers were honored to have the secretary visit and recognize their hard work. "There is no question that the principles of choice and accountability underlying the No Child Left Behind Act are consistent with the Massachusetts charter school legislation and the founding vision of Roxbury Prep," says King.

Here, students are at school from 7:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. They wear uniforms and follow strict rules to ensure that classes are focused and productive, says King. Students take two English classes, and two math classes each day and do two hours of homework nightly.

And, the test scores show that students have done well with this regimen. "We welcome the tests because we view them as a tool to combat the stereotype that urban students and students of color cannot perform at the same level as suburban or white students," says King. "We refuse to argue the merits of standardized testing. Complaining about the tests sends the wrong message to our kids. If Roxbury Prep's students are going to enter outstanding high schools and colleges, they must learn to succeed on these tests."

This philosophy appears to be working. This year, one-fourth of the students in the school's first eighth-grade class to finish all three years at Roxbury gained admission to area independent and parochial schools, according to John Park, director of development at Roxbury. The 14 students have earned over $300,000 in financial aid, most receiving full-ride scholarships to well-known high schools.

One of those students is Chrystal Korngay's son, Elijah, an 8th grader at Roxbury. He received a scholarship to Williston-North Hampton, a boarding school in East Hampton, Massachusetts.

Korngay chose Roxbury because it set high expectations for students and provided a disciplined environment. "He's had to work at school to earn his grades. And he has homework every night. He's challenged," says Korngay. "He's become a much better student."

The school was very helpful in introducing parents to various high school options and providing workshops about the admissions process, says Korngay. Elijah also took advantage of Roxbury's summer math camp and other opportunities to get prepared academically.

"The school has been excellent. It has exceeded my expectations," says Korngay.

King says the future vision of Roxbury is simple: "We want our school to become one of the highest performing schools in the Commonwealth, period." As charter schools demonstrate their success through tests, annual reviews and charter renewal, King anticipates that more parents will see charters as a refreshing alternative. Roxbury currently has a waiting list of 75 for the sixth grade. "Over time, I think we will hear fewer arguments against charter schools, and more arguments for expanding freedom and accountability in public education."