Charter Schools

It has been nearly two-years since the Florida legislature signed off on the creation of Charter Schools in Florida.. They serve many different kinds of students, with varied educational approaches.

In "Assignment: Education".. Bill Ratliff visits a Bay Area Charter School that takes the Montessori approach to education, for Pre-k through First Graders.

--[Owner Tommie Brumfield says:] "I'll give you new words, alright?"--

It's another day at one of the newest schools in Hillsborough County. Richardson Academy is a school for Pre-k through First graders. It uses the Montessori approach to education.. making it the only state-sanctioned school of its type in the county.
--[Brumfield says:] "Your are really going to have to look at it very carefully to get the ones that match."--

Tommie Brumfield is the owner of Richardson Academy.. One of three new Charter Schools in the Hillsborough School District. She says the reason she applied for a charter for her once private school is simple.

--[Brumfield says:] "There are children who ordinarily would not have an opportunity to go to a montessori school simply because the tuition is very high.:--

Charter schools, like Richardson, are paid 34-hundred dollars per student by the state. The money is dispersed by the local district, but because Charter schools are considered independent public schools.. they work outside district rules and regulations but within state guidelines. Brumfield was able to prove a Montessori school was viable alternative in the Hillsborough County School District. She describes it as a way of life.. a philosophy.

--[Brumfield says:] "The child being independent.. get your lesson.. after the child has been taught how to do the lesson the child is supposed to go off and work for himself."--

Student independence and responsibility. A calm environment. One-on-one instruction. The Montessori approach has been around for years. The only difference now is the state is willing to pay for it. Two more charter schools have already been approved for next year in Hillsborough County, and applications are being accepted for two additional charters, as well.

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