April 19, 2010
INSIDE INDIANA BUSINESS: Indiana Charter Schools Receive $1 Million

The Greater Educational Opportunities (GEO) Foundation has received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help with services at its two charter schools in Indianapolis. Fall Creek Academy and Fountain Square Academy will use the funding for school tutoring, Saturday school and partnerships with local organizations. The GEO Foundation will receive $250,000 a year for the next four years to be split between the two schools. (Inside Indiana Business)

INDIANAPOLIS – GEO Foundation is the recipient of a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help pay for school tutoring, Saturday school and partnerships with local organizations. 87 applicants applied for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, 47 were funded and GEO's charter schools were two of only three in the state to receive funding.

"These funds are critical to these two schools," said Kevin Teasley, president of the GEO Foundation. "With both schools providing an extended day and extended year, as well as Saturday school services, we are providing 24 percent more education at our schools than traditional public schools."

Both Indianapolis-based charter schools, Fall Creek Academy and Fountain Square Academy, will partner with groups such as the Civic Theater, Junior Achievement, Girls, Inc., 100 Black Men, Marian University, College Summit and the YMCA. The grant provides $250,000 a year for the next four years to be split between the two schools.

Additionally, both schools go to great lengths to make sure all students have access to the schools by providing transportation, including on Saturdays, and providing them a breakfast and lunch. The schools also use their K-12 dollars to pay for college tuition, textbooks, and other college support services for their students who are eligible to take college courses while in high school.

"Last year, 94 percent of our high school graduates went to a 2-4 year college and the remaining student went into the National Guard," said Teasley. "This year, 100 percent of our graduates have been accepted to college--many have been accepted to numerous colleges and universities and have received multiple scholarships. Most of this year’s high school graduates have already earned 16 college credits, too."

ABOUT 21ST CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS GRANT
This program, created by the U.S. Department of Education, supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.

About Greater Educational Opportunities (GEO) Foundation
The GEO Foundation believes that all children should have access to a quality education and embraces all quality educational options that enable parents to help their children learn and schools to succeed. As part of this commitment, GEO operates four charter schools – three in Indiana and one in Colorado – as part of its GEO Academies network. More information is available at www.geofoundation.org.