The Farash Foundation has awarded one million dollars to six charter schools in Rochester.
Four of the grants involve new schools planning to open later this year. The grants are part of the foundation's larger focus on all aspects of education. Officials at the foundation note that they have also given support to other educational organizations, including the city school district.
The Chair of the Foundation's Grants Committee, Theresa Mazzullo says that charter schools are an acknowledged part of the educational landscape in Rochester, and the foundation believes their contributions will become even more significant as time goes on.
The grants, supporting start-up costs and facilities enhancement, were made to:
· Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School, to develop a single K–8 campus on Joseph Avenue.
· PUC Achieve Charter School, to open a school serving fifth- to eighth-grade students (starting in August with fifth graders).
· Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts, to open a school for grades K–6 (starting this fall with K–2).
· Rochester Preparatory Charter School, to support the opening of a new high school that will serve students from its existing elementary and middle schools.
· University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men, for the Young Men’s Wellness Initiative.
· Vertus Charter School, to support the establishment of a new career high school for boys.
A second round of Foundation funding for charter schools will open in June and be announced in September.
