Aspen Public Schools Strengthens Academic Reach in Fresno

Aspen Public Schools, a high-quality network of charter public schools in the Central Valley, is proof that better education options can lead to life-changing results for underserved students.

Earlier this month, Aspen Valley Prep Academy (AVPA), a TK-8 school, was approved to continue operating in the Fresno community. While the school had been seeking a two-year renewal from its authorizer, Fresno Unified School District, it was approved for a four-year renewal—a formal and important recognition of the school’s commitment to equity and its significant success in closing the achievement gap.

You can learn more about charter schools and the renewal process here.

And the good news doesn’t end there: The charter school network was green lighted to replicate its success by opening Aspen Ridge Public School, a new high school campus that’s currently enrolling for Fall 2021.

Watch this Aspen Public Schools alum share how attending the charter school network has helped him thrive during his high school years:

Like its fellow network schools, the high school will leverage the more personalized Summit learning model with its students. You can learn more about the Summit learning model by checking out our earlier blog on how AVPA is using it to close the achievement gap.

The soon-to-be-open-high school is also sending strong early signals about its commitment to academic excellence and a college-going culture: launching a dual enrollment program that provides high needs students an opportunity to get a head start on earning college credits as they earn their high school diploma.

“We are aware that a large majority of students in the Central Valley are massively underserved, and the incorporation of Summit Learning along with Dual Enrollment will be a great opportunity for our students,” says Director in residence at Aspen Meadow Joshua Hodges on the opening of the new high school.

“Access to college (at no cost) while our students are in high school, along with additional mentoring and supports that they'll receive from our staff can serve as a catalyst for success for our students prior to and after graduation,” he adds.

We are looking forward to the continued success of this high-quality, student-centered charter school network in 2021—and for many years to come!