Aristoi Classical Academy

Aristoi Classical Academy, formerly West Houston Charter School, is a state charter school in Katy, Texas.[1] The school, which serves grades K-12, is limited by the State of Texas to have up to 440 students. The school may accept students residing in the following school districts: Alief, Cypress-Fairbanks, Fort Bend, Houston, Katy ISD, Lamar Consolidated, and Royal. It does not accept residents of the Sealy Independent School District.[2] At one time the school had a high school program.

History

The school was founded in 1996.[1] It opened with almost 100 students. It was one of 20 charter schools approved by the Texas State Board of Education that opened in 1996. Robert and Joy Guercio, the founders, were former Houston Independent School District teachers. Originally they planned to open the school in the Town & Country Mall. They were unable to do so; the school occupied a former day care and the founders received a $65,000 loan, with the house being the collateral. The founders paid the loan.[3] It initially opened as a performing arts charter school. It trained students on how to pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).[1]

Prior to December 2005 the charter school had a high school component. It was closed; the operators said that the school had insufficient funds to keep the high school in operation.[4]

In the 2007-2008 school year the enrollment increased by around 100 students, from 160 to about 270. In 2008 the school renovated its campus in order to prepare for a surge in student enrollment.[5]

The Houston Chronicle said that the school's name changed so its purpose as a classical education school would be made clear. In March 2011 it had 307 students.[1]

In April 2013, the TEA Commissioner, Michael Williams, granted an increase in enrollment from 325 to 440 students; as of April 8, Aristoi had 447 applicants for the 2013—14 school year. To accommodate increased enrollment, the school is planning increased classroom space, additional parking spaces, divided carpool, and many more new opportunities to meet the needs of the growing student body. The school has also requested a Charter Amendment to add a high school. If this is granted, Aristoi will open one grade level per year until the high school is complete.

Campus

Elementary students occupy classrooms inside a brick building as well as a metal building along with the auditorium/lunch room. The Jr. High classes are held in metal temporary buildings. [5]

Curriculum

The school curriculum includes art history, Latin, and music. Dance was part of the curriculum but was dropped in order to fit in all the other State requirements needed by the students. The school teaches a classical curriculum.

School uniforms

Students are required to wear a standard dress code. Red Polo shirts. Navy pants. Girls may also wear skirt. White rubber-soled (ie., tennis) shoes with no obvious branding. Physical Education: Black, White, Spirit Shirt, or Gray T-shirt. Black shorts down to knee.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Morgan, Kim. "Charter schools establish their niche in Houston." Houston Chronicle. Tuesday March 22, 2011. 2. Retrieved on December 2, 2011.
  2. ↑ "School Information." Aristoi Classical Academy. Retrieved on December 2, 2011.
  3. ↑ Markley, Melanie. "Chartering new paths to learning / Charter schools are taking Texas and rest of nation by storm." Houston Chronicle. Monday September 15, 1997. A20. Retrieved on December 2, 2011.
  4. ↑ Richard, Alan. "New Texas Policy Cracks Down on Charters." EducationWeek. January 26, 2005. Retrieved on December 2, 2011.
  5. 1 2 Piña, Kimberly. "Katy charter school renovates campus to accommodate growth." Houston Chronicle. Thursday June 26, 2008. Retrieved on December 2, 2011.

External links

Coordinates: 29°47′48″N 95°49′20″W / 29.7967°N 95.8221°W / 29.7967; -95.8221

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