Kindle Education Public Charter School, a new school opening in Journal Square this fall, will receive $1.25 million from the U.S. Department of Education thanks to the Charter Schools Program of the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association. Two charter schools in Trenton will receive funding from the same NJPCSA program as well.
“The association is proud to award these high-performing charter schools with these grants to increase the number of high-quality educational seats in the state and expand opportunities for all students, particularly traditionally underserved students, to attend public charter schools,” said Harry Lee, President of NJPCSA. “With these grants, we are unequivocally demonstrating our confidence in these schools to deliver on their promise to students, families, and their communities.”
Kindle was approved this past fall to open a new charter school in Jersey City. Initially serving just sixth and seventh graders, the founders plan to add one grade each year until the school serves grades 6-12.
“We are thrilled to serve the diverse families of Jersey City,” said D.J. Hartigan and Katie Hahn, the school’s co-developers. “This CSP funding, in addition to the general support of the NJPCSA, will go a long way towards ensuring that we meet the needs of every student who walks through our doors.”
According to the NJPCSA, data released this past December “verified that public charter schools are best positioned to improve student learning, particularly for low-income students of color.” In particular, the data showed that Black and Latino public charter school students are twice as likely to be at grade level than their peers at district-run schools.
To qualify for the competitive award, Kindle had to demonstrate a commitment to educating at-risk students, among other goals and accomplishments. Kindle received just shy of the maximum $1.5 million grant the charter schools association awarded.