MISSOULA — The Missoula County Public Schools Board of Trustees held a meeting early Sunday to officially approve two new charter schools the TEACH Academy and the Connect Academy.
Both schools had been previously approved by the board of trustees, but the school's contracts needed to be amended to comply with Montana state law.
The amendments needed to be made and approved by Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at noon which is why the special board meeting was called.
The TEACH Academy will be an early kindergarten through fifth-grade school that will have a minimum enrollment of 80 students.
The Connect Academy will be an online school for sixth through twelfth grade students with a minimum of 72 students.
MCPS Superintendent Micah Hill said during the meeting that the opening of these schools is a creative use of the district's budget so students can get the most out of their education.
Both charter schools are meant to provide an alternative learning environment for students who may not be successful in a typical public school.
The two charter schools will bring no additional costs to MCPS and will help bring in extra funding depending on enrollment numbers.
The additional funds can be used throughout all of the district, which could possibly alleviate some of the district’s budget issues.
The application window opens on April 1 and closes at the end of the month.
The art-focused school will be taught out of Jefferson Center on South Avenue, which currently houses the MCPS preschool.
