Ravenswood school board extends Stanford New Schools charter

East Palo Alto Academy High School charter extended two years; most elementary students will transfer back to Ravenswood schools.

Stanford University will continue its partnership with the Ravenswood City School District under a renewed charter agreement that will maintain East Palo Alto Academy High School (EPAAHS) and continue to involve the university in elementary education in the district, the Ravenswood school board voted late Thursday.

The modified charter, approved by a board vote of 3-1, means that the 250 students in the charter's high school grades will continue to attend EPAAHS, which is administered through Stanford University's Stanford New Schools. Students in the charter's fifth grade class will also continue to attend East Palo Alto Academy.

Students who will be in grades K-4 during the 2010-11 school year who have been attending the East Palo Alto Academy Elementary School will be transferred to other Ravenswood district elementary schools, where Stanford University faculty will continue to work closely with their teachers.

"We are very pleased that we will continue to be involved with students in the East Palo Alto community, which has been so enthusiastic and supportive of our presence," said Deborah Stipek, dean of the Stanford School of Education. "Stanford has a long-term commitment to the students of East Palo Alto. We are pleased that we will continue our partnership with the Ravenswood school district, and that the board is supportive of our successful high school program."

"We appreciate the cooperation we've had with Stanford, and it is in that spirit we will continue to work together," Ravenswood board President Sharifa Wilson said after the vote...Read more