Sussex Charter School holds open house

Sparta - Sussex Charter School, within Sussex Tech, is a middle school for seventh- and eighth-graders focusing on technology and an everngrowing humanities program. Jill Eckel, principal, said because of the location, Sparta gets first pick for enrollment each year, but Spartans only send about 5 percent of the seventh-graders. Other towns in Sussex like Vernon, which sends about 20 percent, are taking advantage of a curriculum that aims to produce future leaders and students who can think critically and participate in an ever-changing global economy. At the Oct. 21 Open House, Eckel told prospective parents the school takes about 50 students each year for its seventh-grade class. She noted there is often a lottery for those slots, which will be this year on Dec. 7 for students with application in. Eckel pointed out: A student/teacher ratio of one teacher to 12 students at the charter school; A series of technology rotations in five programs in partnership with Tech. No tuition. No entrance exam. All students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Maximum class size of about 25. Close student/faculty interaction missing in many schools and classrooms, which decreases student alienation and raises self-esteem. A number of strong accelerated academic programs, but, students can often work at a pace best for them. Eckel said there is a positive link with humanities, mutually reinforced with the technology programs and there is also a Spanish language program. She also noted that former students are coming back to teach at the school, which is a positive experience for those teachers, and students, who now have mentors who share similar experiences. Eckel said many students go to local high schools like Sussex Tech and Pope John, but also schools more known on a state and national basis like Blair Academy, the Peddie School, and the very prestigious Choat Academy. Echoing Eckel’s sentiments, one member of the PTO from Vernon at the school noted that “there is no other place like Sussex Charter School and we count our blessings for that.” For further information on the school, call Jill Eckel at 973-383-6700 ext. 26 or via e-mail at jeckel@sussex.tec.nj.us.