The Education Foundation is pleased to announce that beginning in the 2009-2010 school year Charter Schools USA has been selected as the new management company for Canoe Creek Charter Academy and PM Wells Charter Academy.

Charter Schools USA successfully manages 18 high-performing charter schools across the State of Florida, including the A-rated Four Corners Charter School which is also located in Osceola County. Charter Schools USA creates and operates high quality
schools with an unwavering dedication to student achievement, unyielding commitment to ethical and sound business practices providing a choice for communities, parents, students and professionals that fosters educational excellence in America. Visit Charter Schools USA to find out more about their commitment to education excellence by "Putting Students First."

The Education Foundation’s Family of Charter Academies

The Education Foundation of Osceola County, Inc., in 2001, availed itself of the opportunity to be the conduit for the flow of state charter school capital funding in our county. This action is consistent with the Foundation’s mission statement:

To bring resources and people together to support and enhance public education in Osceola County.

The purpose of The Education Foundation of Osceola County’s involvement in charter schools was to provide more classrooms for Osceola County, and to promote a high standard of education. The Foundation selected a reputable school management company, Chancellor Beacon Academies, now Imagine Schools, to develop and operate the schools. The Foundation later partnered with the Osceola County School District to build and manage our newest charter school.

The Education Foundation’s Family of Charter Academies consists of three schools. Our academies, in order of completion, are:

Bellalago Academy (grades PreK – 8)
Dr. Cecille Diez, Ed. D, Principal
3651 Pleasant Hill Road
Kissimmee, FL 34746
407-933-1690

Canoe Creek Charter Academy (grades PreK – 8)
April Williams, Principal
3600 Canoe Creek Road.
St. Cloud, FL 34772
407-891-7320

P.M. Wells Charter Academy (grades PreK – 8)
John Bushey, Principal
2030 Remington Blvd.
Kissimmee, FL 34744
321-697-1020

Background on Charter Schools

Charter schools are public schools of choice. They are very popular—and among the fastest growing school choice option in Florida. Florida has the third highest number of charter schools in the nation.

Charter schools are, by definition, flexible and have freedom to set their own rules on such issues as curriculum, teaching style, personnel, and discipline. Operated by parents, teachers, administrators, or concerned citizens, a charter school can offer a student-directed learning environment or alternative programs that meet the needs of students. Parents have more input and often share in the decision-making.

For parents and students, charter schools are selected primarily for educational reasons – high academic standards, limited class size, and a different approach to quality education. Charter schools receive funding from the state, just like other public schools, based upon the student attendance. Charter schools are tuition free and non-sectarian.