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NORTH SALT LAKE — Thousands of Utah children are returning to the classroom this week, but many aren't returning to their traditional, neighborhood schools. Nearly 10 percent of Utah students now attend charter schools.
Pacific Heritage Academy, is one of seven charter schools opening this year. Many families come from the nearby Rose Park neighborhood, but others come from a much longer distance.
"We have families coming from The Nebo School District as well, so even south of Provo," 'Ofa Moea'i, the school's executive director, said Saturday at the school's grand opening celebration.
I think anytime you have something new, like a school in a neighborhood, it sparks interest. But what keeps people coming back is the school's vision and mission.
–Tip Pupu'a, Pacific Heritage Academy
Over the last few years, charter schools have exploded in Utah. Estimates show they will soon educate 50,000 Utah students, as many parents are looking for alternatives to their traditional schools.
"I think anytime you have something new, like a school in a neighborhood, it sparks interest. But what keeps people coming back is the school's vision and mission," said Tip Pupu'a, chairman of the Pacific Heritage Academy Board of Education.
But this growth does carry an impact. Nearby North Star Elementary School will loose about 47 children to Pacific Heritage. Still, North Star's principal, Lew Gardiner, says he isn't too worried about repercussions.
"People need to have a choice," Gardiner said. "Go over there for a year and enjoy it, see what it's like to give your kids that experience. And if it works out for you, fabulous! If it doesn't, you're welcome back."
He also said having options forces everyone to provide the best possible experience. That is one reason North Star is implementing additional programs of its own — from math to music.
"We're in a very competitive situation, so we want to make the very best product that we can make," Gardiner said," make people happy as well as make kids very successful."
Many people still don't realize charter schools are public schools, so they don't charge tuition. They must meet the same academic standards, but how they get kids there is what defines each school.
