Along the way, they create their own paper and use it to produce greeting cards of their own design. Students here are encouraged to learn from one another and work together solving real-life problems. Students leave here feeling good about themselves. Performance as well as standardized tests measure student competence. In fact all three groups sign contracts at the beginning of each year, spelling out their obligations.
Students promise to do their homework and arrive at school on time.
Parents pledge to attend monthly parent-training workshops, counsel with teachers biweekly on student progress, and support the school's program by volunteering. Teachers vow to deliver high academic standards and to continue to enhance their professional development. Renewal of the charter contract in the year 2000 hinges on the fulfillment of these commitments. In 1996 Florida passed legislation allowing establishment of charter schools in an effort to increase learning opportunities for students and to encourage innovative learning models. These non-profit schools, considered part of the state public education system, operate autonomously, based on the charter developed by teachers, parents, other citizens, or a combination of the three.