Charter School

After much discussion and an overwhelming support from our community, the Gillett Civic Group is founding a new Open Enrollment Charter School in Gillett, AR.  Thank you for your continued support in this endeavor!

Facts:   The name has been established as “Gillett Heritage Academy”.  It will enroll grades K - 12.   There is NO tuition for this school.  It is FREE to those who are accepted.  It operates basically as a public school with special privileges.  You do not need a certain grade point to attend.  We will be able to accept open enrollment of students from anywhere in the state of Arkansas.  We have plans to build a new facility that will hold at least 250 students with the option to expand. 

You may go to  the Arkansas Department of Education website to learn more information about charter schools.

  • Update:  The Gillett Heritage Academy Charter School application is underway.  
  • The Letter of Intent was mailed according to the requirements by the deadline.
  • The Gillett Civic Group is hosting a public meeting at the Dumas Community Center on Thursday July 29, 2010 at 6:30 pm.  We will present an overview of our application and familiarize parents with the Civic Group and its goals.  We will have handouts with parent surveys and will be available to answer questions. 
  • There will be a public hearing at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gillett on August 12, 2010 at 7:00 pm.  Everyone is encouraged to attend!

Deadlines:
June 30, 2010   Letter of Intent must be sent to the Arkansas State Board of Education & the Superintendent and the Board Members of our local school district.
August 31, 2010   Application for an Open Enrollment Charter School must be submitted.  Anytime prior to that date a public hearing must be held to allow the effected school districts to state their opinions on the matter.  The minutes of that meeting will be included in our application to the State Board of Education.
Nov./Dec. 2010   The State Board of Education will review our application and approve or disapprove our Charter School application.  Based on that decision we will hopefully be able to found “Gillett Heritage Academy.”

*A note from our Board of Directors:  We have a grand vision for our new school.  It is our responsibility to provide the type of school that will attract students from the Southeastern area of the State.  A beautiful school with exceptional teachers as well as parent involvement and community support will provide our students with an excellent education.  The opportunity for “Gillett Heritage Academy” to excel is immense.  Thru the flexiblity of the charter school curriculum we will be able to offer enhanced learning skills as well as a hands on learning approach to each student.  Small student to teacher ratios will ensure that your child will receive the individual attention that he/she may need to excel.
We are honored to be founding our new school.  What a privalege and opportunity it is to be able to change the future of our community for future generations. 
We thank you for your support thus far, and ask for your continued support throughout this endeavor.  We hope you share in our grand vision for our new school, “Gillett Heritage Academy!”

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions please contact Jennifer Menard at 870-946-1664.