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News & Information
MaST Charter School Charts Unique Learning Pathway
November 11, 2005
Pennsylvania is the fastest growing charter school state in the Northeast. Although still a relatively new concept, 114 charter schools have taken root throughout the Commonwealth and a number of others are sprouting on the horizon. But will these schools stand the test of time?
MaST Community Charter High School, perhaps the fastest growing charter school in Northeast Philly, answers that question with a resounding "Yes!"
Opening its doors in 1999, MaST was founded to teach students world-class standards with an emphasis on math, science and technology (hence the name MaST). Initially, MaST provided education to students in grades 6-12. In 2000, the school expanded to include grades K-12. The following year, MaST purchased a building at 1800 E. Byberry Road where it remains today.
MaST has a student population of 1120 and staff of 120, of which 75 are teachers. The students enroll from all areas of Philadelphia and represent various ethnic backgrounds and socio-economic levels.
A student's education is recognized at MaST as a journey that begins with Kindergarten and weaves through graduation. Emphasizing that concept, the school charts a "consistent pathway" for student learning and development. Unlike traditional public education programs that progress students from one grade level to another, the pathway through each grade links to and overlaps each other.
The pathway is paved by teachers who work together with a goal of providing a maximum learning experience for all students. On a weekly basis, teachers of each grade level meet in Faculty Study Groups to discuss students: how students are progressing, what they are learning, and how teachers can improve the quality of education each student receives.
"These Faculty Study Groups enable us to constantly build upon past successes and improve teacher instruction and student test scores," said MaST CEO Richard Trzaska.
If PSSA scores are an indicator of its effectiveness, the Faculty Study Groups are producing a good outcome. MaST Community Charter School students have scored well above state averages in math, reading, and writing. And, the school has made AYP for the second year in a row.
"MaST Community Charter School proves that school choice and charter schools work in Pennsylvania," said Trzaska. "Our teachers, parents, and administrators will continue to remain 100% student-focused, and this will ensure that our success will continue for generations to come."
For more information about MaST Community Charter School, visit www.mastcharter.org.
More than 50,000 students are enrolled in Pennsylvania's 114 charter schools throughout the Commonwealth. These schools include a host of distinctive missions: early childhood enrichment, specific academic disciplines, high achievement, core knowledge, technology, project based learning, special needs education, gifted education, community service and more. For more information on charter school opportunities within Pennsylvania, log on to www.pachartercoaltion.com.
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