Three Years Is Not Enough
I am thrilled to report that we have received the official notification that our charter has been revised and will now span grades K-8. This is such exciting news and is the next step in our plan to expand our impact!

A little more about the program: Our elementary school will be a dual language program called “Dos Amigos” at School in the Square. Research explicitly proves that dual language programs are the only approach that effectively and completely close the learning gaps for English learners and for those who speak English as a second language -- the vast majority of our student population. As such, our elementary students will receive instruction on alternate days in English and Spanish. We will add a cohort of 100 kindergarteners next school year, beginning August 2020, and continue to add one additional grade each year thereafter, achieving a full K-8 school in the 2025-26 school year. At that time we will be educating close to 1,000 students each year. 

Our Challenge and Plan

I’ve said it time and time again: As our mantra is “relationships first”, three years is simply not enough. We have done amazing work with our middle schoolers, but when you think of the ideal portrait of a graduate, there is still more we can accomplish in partnership with our students. By expanding our school to include elementary education, we are starting our students off on the right path, the most direct route to reaching their personal and academic potential. 

There is much to do as we look for students, staff, financing, building renovation - but we are up for and excited by the challenges. We have been anticipating and planning for this outcome and are ready to jump into action.
  • We have agreed on lease terms for a long term rental of a former parochial school in a stunning location near our current facility. Architectural plans are underway and we are interviewing contractors to begin renovations later this spring.
  • We have a robust plan for community outreach to attract students as we will now be accepting both 6th graders and Kindergartners for August 2020.
  • We have begun recruiting elementary school staff. 
Contact me with questions or ideas.
Expect to hear from me over the coming months with updates. Your interest and support continues to fuel our energy. If you want to know more or do more, please contact me. I also urge you to reach out and share any ideas you have or ask any questions - I love hearing from you. 
 
Gratitude.
We cannot say often enough how much we appreciate your support which has allowed us to fully realize our vision. You are vital members of our community, helping us realize our goals.

Wishing you and your family all good things in 2020. Our S2 family could not have asked for a better start to the new year.
Evan Meyers
Executive Director, School in the Square
School in the Square (S2) engages, educates and empowers adolescents to respond mindfully and creatively to life’s opportunities and challenges. S2 is a place where students, families, and educators are seen, heard, and inspired and where students build the academic foundations, emotional intelligence and leadership skills necessary to excel in their futures. S2 draws its name from the concept of the public square, where communities gather to solve problems and celebrate successes.