Charter schools touted as educational option

New London - Charter schools are not necessarily the solution to the state's education woes but they do offer students a choice, and when it comes to education the more options the better, a charter school official said Monday at a community breakfast held at the ISAAC school.

"We are all working for the best interest of our children," said Michael Sharpe, president of the Connecticut Charter Schools Network. "Regardless of what school the child is in, we are ultimately serving the same children. Charter schools just want to be part of the solution."

Jo Lutz, director of CCSN, said there are 17 charter schools throughout the state, serving just over 6,000 students. Lutz said data shows that charter school students continue to outperform students who take the Connecticut Mastery Test. She said that in reading, 76.2 percent of low-income ISAAC students reached proficiency, compared to 61 percent of all students statewide.

Gina Fafard, executive director of ISAAC, said the school serves 190 middle school students, half of whom come from New London and the remaining from 11 neighboring towns.

She said the key to ISAAC's success is the partnerships it has made with Pfizer, Coast Guard Research and Development, the Garde Arts Center and Dominion, among others.

"These partnerships have really motivated the students," said Fafard.

She said ISAAC's use of the arts to teach students has helped make them more well rounded and engaged in their learning.

Almost all of the students at ISAAC have access to their own personal computer. The school is piloting an iPad program, in which special education students are given the device to help them with their schoolwork, she added.

Fafard said the school plans convert the third floor of the building into a gym and multipurpose room. The project will cost $1.2 million and is not funded by the state. The school has managed to raise $450,000 through private donations.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd, several state representatives, education and community leaders also attended the breakfast.

i.larraneta@theday.com