SEMO GIVES ST. LOUIS CHARTER SCHOOL ITS OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE ALTERNATIVE METHODS

The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents has chartered a middle school for at-risk sixth, seventh and eighth graders in St. Louis.

Will this solve all the educational problems facing public schools in the city of St. Louis? Not entirely.

Will this provide new opportunities for children with few choices? Yes.

The not-for-profit Lift for Life group operates an after-school program featuring weightlifting. Sure, it's unconventional. But perhaps it's just the angle to attract and interest at-risk students. No student would be forced to go to this charter school. Participation is strictly voluntary.

At least once a year, the university in conjunction with the Lift for Life administration and staff will review the school's performance. The university will not be responsible for the program's success or failure. That will be up to the school itself.

But the university's approval and the Board of Regents' willingness to weigh the matter in open session have set a positive tone for this charter school.

State law allows for charter schools in St. Louis and Kansas City. The university carried out its mission by opening up learning opportunities for St. Louis city students.