Newark Charter School Fund Hosts High School Fair

The Newark Charter School Fund is hosting a first-ever Charter High School Fair for Newark students who want to learn more about their high school choices.

The fair is open to all Newark students and parents, particularly seventh and eighth graders looking to learn more about their high school options. In addition, some Newark charters have spots available students who will be sophomores next school year.

The fair is scheduled for Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at 321 Bergen Street, the former Camden Middle School Building in Newark. There is no charge for admission and refreshments will be served.

Newark currently has four charter high schools with four more slated to open, pending final state approval, for the next school year. Charter schools are public schools that do not charge tuition nor require an entrance exam.

"Now more than ever, Newark students have more options to pursue their secondary education, from charters to magnets to new NPS school models," said Mashea Ashton, the CEO of the Newark Charter School Fund.

Ashton said the purpose of the fair is to provide students with an opportunity to learn more about the city's charter high schools and the programs they offer. Representatives from each of the schools will be on hand to answer questions.

Additionally, interested parents and students will be able to enroll their students at the fair if space is available at their school of choice, and they are able to provide immunization records, the student's birth certificate and three proofs of residency, such as a lease, deed, tax bill, rent statement, utility bill or driver's license. These documents are required under charter school law for enrollment.

Schools that have more applicants than spaces available are required by law to hold an admissions lottery.

"Each school offers something different," Ashton said. "The fair will give students an opportunity to answer any questions they may have about attending a charter school. Students should be well informed before making such an important life decision."

The schools expected to participate in the fair are: People's Preparatory, TEAM's Newark Collegiate Academy, Visions Academy, North Star Academy, Spirit Prep, Newark Prep, New Day, and Paulo Freire.

The Newark Charter School Fund makes grants to support the quality and sustainability of Newark's charter schools. The NCSF is dedicated to improving Newark's charter schools and generally to creating a thriving public school sector in Newark that prepares all Newark public school students for college and work.