New Charter School Applies To Open In Englewood

ENGLEWOOD, N.J. - Universal Business Academy is one of 24 charter schools that could open in 2017 if the state Department of Education approves its application.

The latest application cycle, which ended March 31, resulted in two dozen new applications across the state from prospective charter schools seeking to open in 2017, according to a report.

Read the full NJ Spotlight article here.

The school would provide classes for students in grades 6 through 12, NorthJersey.com reported, and instruct them in the skills and strategies they need to succeed in the business world. The school would open with grade 6 and add a new grade each year, according to the report.

If the last round of charter school applications is any indication, however, not all of the hopeful institutions will get what they want.

According to state officials, New Jersey only approved three new charter schools after the last DOE application cycle in October, although it approved 16 expansion requests and 19 applications for renewal.

• See related article: Christie Supports Charter Schools, Will 'Run Over' Newark Mayor To Get Them

According to the DOE, a charter school applicant team must meet the department's “rigorous multi-stage approval process.”

After receiving initial application approval, the department conducts a preparedness visit and reviews the school's academic, fiscal and operational components to “ensure that the charter school applicant has the capacity to provide a high-quality educational program from the first day of school.”

New charter school approvals last for four years, and renewals last for five years, the DOE states.

According to the NJDOE, there are currently 89 charter schools in New Jersey. Since 2010, 39 new charter schools have opened and the state has closed 17 due to “academic, operational or financial deficiencies.”

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