Schools

GCPS Rejects Ivy Prep -- Twice

The Peachtree Corners charter school is in its first year with the school system. A proposed boys' charter school application also is denied.

The Gwinnett school system and Ivy Prep of Peachtree Corners are in limbo again.

The GCPS board voted Thursday in Suwanee not to renew the all-girls charter school's contract; Ivy Prep had sought a five-year contract after receiving a one-year deal for 2011-12.

However, the system gave the Peachtree Corners school 30 days to address "deficiencies" cited if it wishes to reapply.

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A GCPS statement said Ivy Prep's petition "does not clearly identify a unique and innovative curriculum design and instructional program to address the needs of female students."

Also, the GCPS said sufficient documentation was not provided to indicate "need or parent support," only "community-based partner support." And the proposed budget was "greater than the charter school law requires for start-up local charter schools."

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Also, the GCPS denied Ivy Prep's petition to start an all-male, college prep division called Ivy Prep Young Men's Leadership Academy. The system said the proposed budget "is based on income which is greater than the charter school law requires for start-up local charter schools." Also, the GCPS statement said that lack of an established location, lease and confirmed funding for the faculty is "problematic" for an August 2012 opening.

Again, the school system gave Ivy Prep 30 days to work out the problems cited if it wishes to reapply.

Nina Gilbert, head of Ivy Prep, said after Thursday's meeting that she will take the matters up with Ivy Prep board members.

Ivy Prep, which opened in 2008, joined GCPS last July. .

Ivy Prep could function as a state charter school, outside the GCPS system.


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