Potentials Charter School at The Arc of Palm Beach County recently received its 15-year charter renewal – an accomplishment that its principal called a “vote of confidence” from the School District.
On Sept. 7, 2016, Bairbre Flood, principal of Potentials, was officially notified that her school had earned its continued charter status for the maximum length allowable. It is a distinction that she and The Arc CEO Kimberly McCarten celebrated as confirmation of the staff’s dedication to its mission of providing stellar educational services.
“It’s a big deal with everything that is happening with charter schools at the moment. Everything is being looked at, every element of the school’s operation is evaluated,” Flood said.
The charter renewal process began in October 2015 and concluded almost 11 months later, during which time the Potentials School underwent a very stringent competency review. The curriculum, building, staff qualifications and special education paperwork were evaluated. Following the review, the contract between the school and the School District was rewritten, and then the School Board reviewed and decided to approve it.
For Flood, the charter renewal means Potentials will be able to continue to serve up to 32 students with developmental disabilities from grades pre-K through eighth, as part of The Arc’s programs and services.
“Most of our families find out about us through word of mouth and personal referral,” Flood said. “We are one of very few resources in Palm Beach County that serve this student population with this level of technology, educational expertise and community support.”
ABOUT POTENTIALS CHARTER SCHOOL
Located on The Arc’s campus at 1201 Australian Avenue in Riviera Beach, Potentials Charter School provides intensive classroom learning experiences, as well as speech, occupational and physical therapy for children in grades Pre-K to the 8thgrade, who are unable to walk or talk independently. Potentials employs innovative curriculum models that yield outstanding success rates. The school’s ultimate objective is to create a strong foundation in communications, academics and independence that allows for each child’s successful inclusion in his or her neighborhood school with age-appropriate peers.
ABOUT THE ARC OF PALM BEACH COUNTY
The Arc works with children and adults with all levels of developmental disabilities, from mild autism to severe cognitive and physical restrictions. From after-school programs and physical fitness trails to personalized tutoring and adult employment training opportunities, The Arc works with families to ensure their children are progressing and developing, no matter their disability.
The Arc of Palm Beach County has been improving the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families through services, education and advocacy since 1958. The Arc supports programs throughout Palm Beach County that touch more than 2,300 families each year. For more information, please visit www.arcpbc.org.
