University Academy Charter School

TWO N.J. CHARTER SCHOOLS PLACED ON PROBATION, THIRD FACES SHUTDOWN IF STUDENT SCORES DON'T IMPROVE; March 10, 2011; Star Ledger (NJ) 

Two of New Jersey’s most well-established charter schools are on probation and a third was warned to improve its student test scores or face a shut down, state education officials said today.

Trenton Community Charter School and University Academy Charter School in Jersey City were placed on 90-day probation last week and given a long list of problems discovered during a recent state review.

The deficiencies ranged from low student test scores and improperly locked classrooms to inadequate lesson plans and sloppy record keeping…

Jersey City Community Charter School, one of the state’s original charters, was issued a less-severe warning letter citing students’ poor test scores. It has been labeled a "school in need of improvement" by the state…

The warnings come as New Jersey is preparing to add to its 73 current charter schools. Earlier this year, Gov. Chris Christie approved a record 23 new charters and announced plans to simplify the process of applying to open new schools.

Under New Jersey law, charter schools are monitored by the state and may receive warning letters or 90-day probations if problems are found. The education commissioner has the option of issuing a second 90-day probation, if needed. If conditions still do not improve, the state can shut down the school…