CPSC CHARTER: Likely Impact on the Community

From our original charter which was applied for as "The Community School for Children." in 2001.

The Community School for Children will be modeled after the educational philosophy of The Duke School for Children, a very successful, child-centered, private school in Durham. The Community School will demonstrate that the progressive and innovative teaching methods more common in private, independent schools can be successfully implemented in the public school domain.

Each year approximately 250 public school teachers, administrators, and other education professionals from all over North Carolina visit The Duke School for Children to observe and learn from its developmentally-appropriate, hands-on, integrated, and child-centered curriculum. The Duke School is unique and wonderful in its understanding and use of these pedagogical principles. The Duke School provides tours and discussions for educators who want to understand more about how it works.

Unfortunately, many educators tour, are impressed, and then conclude that these methods work for The Duke School for Children because it is a private school. It appears to have more resources, more flexibility, and a more homogenous, success-oriented clientele. They say, "Yes, that's wonderful, but I can't do that at my school."

We believe The Duke School's philosophy, instructional methods, and dedication to best available child development research can be adapted and even expanded upon in a public charter school. With training and support for teaching partners, we can adapt The Duke School's instructional methods to a new setting. We will also stimulate the excitement of inquiry and experimentation to continuously improve the curriculum. Most important, we can treasure and take advantage of the diversity and richness that comes with a free, public school.

The members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Advisors of the Community School for Children do not currently have and do not plan to have any formal or informal connection with the Duke School for Children.