This year's CharterCon will focus on literacy in Delaware's schools. (Photo courtesy of the Delaware Charter Schools Network)

500+ educators gather Friday for 3rd annual Charter Conference

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

The Delaware charter school community is coming together Friday, March 14. More than 500 educators, administrators, and leaders from Delaware’s charter school community will convene at Las Américas ASPIRA Academy’s K-8 campus for the third annual CharterCon, hosted by the Delaware Charter Schools Network. Theme of CharterCon This year’s conference, themed “Creating a Culture of Literacy,” will emphasize the pivotal …

The Charter School of Wilmington is one of 50 schools across the country to be chosen for the competition.

Wilmington Charter to rep 1st State in Samsung STEM competition

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

WILMINGTON – The Charter School of Wilmington will represent the First State as one of 50 schools in the country to compete in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national STEM competition.  With this achievement, the charter, located on North Dupont Road, earns a $12,000 Samsung technology prize package, including a Samsung Video Kit to showcase their proposed STEM …

Las Américas ASPIRA Academy's Georgetown location will open in September 2026.

ASPIRA Academy: 1st Spanish immersion school to open in Sussex Co. in Fall ‘26

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

GEORGETOWN – Sussex County will have its very first Spanish immersion school as Las Américas ASPIRA Academy will open its third location in September 2026. “It’s definitely an honor to be able to create the school in Sussex,” said Margie López Waite, co-founder and CEO of the charter school. “The community approached us with this opportunity and have expressed to …

Cindy Marten has been selected to be the next Delaware Secretary of Education.

Cindy Marten named new Delaware Secretary of Education

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

The state of Delaware has a new secretary of education, and she’s been plucked from her role as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. Cindy Marten will replace current secretary Mark Holodick, leaving an agency that President-Elect Donald Trump has sworn to close. “I am honored to join Governor-elect Meyer’s team and help lead Delaware’s public schools into a …

Delaware-lead BEAD Program for internet access's final proposal was approved by the federal government. (Photo by Proxima Studio/Adobe Stock)

Del. leads national ‘Internet for All’ funding initiative

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

Delaware is leading the charge in the federal government’s mission to provide internet for all. Tuesday, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved the First State’s final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The program is a key feature of the federal government’s “Internet for All” initiative to connect everyone in America …

DELAWARE’S SCHOOL CHOICE APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSES WEDNESDAY, JAN. 8 AT 11:59 P.M.

WEDNESDAY: Application deadline for school choice 

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Parents have until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday to submit applications for their child to attend a school outside their residential district for the 2025-2026 academic year. If history holds true, the state is likely to see about 25,000 applications from parents wanting to switch this year. “Delaware is unique, but it’s more about understanding that our children are unique,” said Kendall …

Among other topics, the task force talked about the importance of engagement in Monday's meeting. (Photo by Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

School climate group stresses engagement, funding

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

As Delaware students head back to school, a state task force dedicated to keeping their environment positive had a major focus on family engagement and funding. The 24-member Student Behavior and School Climate Task Force, made of government and educational officials as well as school behavioral specialists and resource officers, first heard a presentation from Kendall Massett, executive director of …

The board chair of Newark Charter joined a few other charter leaders to voice their support for Senate Bill 311.

Charter leaders happy with flexibility new legislation could give 

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Several leaders from charter schools spoke at the state’s legislative hall in support of a bill that allows them flexibility in hiring. Senate Bill 311, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola, D-Newark, provides the ability for charter schools to hire the administrators that they deem beneficial to the success of the school’s education program and the needs of …

The state's graduation rate is more than double the proficiency rates.

How is state grad. rate 88% with 31% math proficiency, 41% ELA?

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Although just 31% of students in Delaware are proficient in math and 41% are proficient in English language arts, the graduation rate in First State high schools is 88%.  “While Delaware’s graduation rate is encouraging, understanding achievement requires a deeper look at student growth throughout their K-12 experience,” said Julia Keleher, chief strategy and operating officer for First State Educate, …