CT State Department of Education Approves New Haven Montessori Charter School

Today, the Connecticut State Department of Education approved Elm City Montessori Charter School in New Haven, the final step in paving the way for the city’s first public Montessori school to open. Elm City Montessori will be Connecticut’s third new charter school approved this year, as well as the state’s only “local” charter school (click here for an infographic tracking the growth of Connecticut charter schools). Local charter schools are overseen by the state and funded by local school districts, while receiving a $3,000-per-student state grant. NECSN Connecticut State Director, Jeremiah Grace, made the following statement.

“The approval of Elm City Montessori Charter School is a step in the right direction for New Haven’s public school system. The school has broad public and parent support, and is highly desired by the local board of education. Elm City Montessori will provide a lifeline to some of the over 900 names currently stuck on charter school waiting lists in New Haven, as well as another desperately needed quality pre-K program. 

“We’d like to commend the New Haven Board of Education for offering more high-quality options to its children, and commend the state for approving the school’s application. We look forward to working with the board, the school and the State Department of Education to ensure that more students have access to a quality public school education, regardless of race, wealth or zip code.”