Letter to Parents from Jim Albrecht Re: Enrollment Increase

Dear Sturgis Parents, In the attached press release, you will learn about the plan of the Sturgis Board of Trustees to apply to the MA Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for an increase in the school's enrollment cap for the 2010-11 school year. The plan, if approved this fall, is to set up a separate IB for All high school program in a separate building in Hyannis in order to offer a Sturgis IB experience to a larger number of students across southeastern MA starting in the 2010-11 school year. The Board is committed to maintaining the outstanding IB fo All program for our current students in our current building at 427 Main street in Hyannis.

If you have any questions about this initiative, please do not hesitate in contacting Eric Hieser, our Executive Director. For the Press Release,

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Press Release - Sturgis Charter Public School

Strategic Planning at Sturgis Charter Public School Leads to Application to Raise Enrollment Cap

As a result of the success and popularity of the "International Baccalaureate for All" program, Sturgis Charter Public School’s student admission waiting lists swelled to 175 students for the 2009-10 school year. In addition, a large number of requests by other schools to examine the school and program – over 40 visits in the past two years – has stretched the school’s resources. While these circumstances are gratifying and affirming, they present some questions. The strategic challenge is meeting the increasing demand for a Sturgis IB experience while continuing to be a leader in the dissemination of best practices.

The strategic plan of the Sturgis Board of Trustees includes an application in late July to the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for an increase in the enrollment cap at the school from 425 to 800 students. The Sturgis community ideally hopes to provide a Sturgis "IB for All" education to any and all students wishing to pursue such an endeavor. If the charter amendment is approved, Sturgis will be positioned to responsibly and thoughtfully consider a range of possibilities and opportunities to better serve current and future Sturgis students. The school also hopes to meet the growing requests of other educational institutions and professionals interested in IB for All and ensuring college readiness. Sturgis remains committed to providing the same outstanding IB program and positive school culture that currently exists.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sturgis Charter Public School:

1. Is Sturgis a public school? Yes, Sturgis is a public school as it receives its funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Thus, attending Sturgis is free.

2. How are students selected for admission to Sturgis? Admission to Sturgis is by lottery with the first priority given to siblings of currently enrolled students. Second priority is given to residents of the following school districts: Barnstable, Bourne, Carver, Chatham, Dennis-Yarmouth, Falmouth, Harwich, Mashpee, Nauset, Plymouth, Sandwich, Provincetown, and Wareham.

3. What is the average class size at Sturgis? The average class size at Sturgis is 17 students. If a class grows beyond 20 students, we split it into two classes.

4. What is unique about a Sturgis IB education? Sturgis offers students an "International Baccalaureate for All" experience where all courses taken in grades 11 & 12 are IB, no non-IB courses are offered. In addition to being offered to highly capable students, this IB program is required of students of all abilities, including those with special needs.

5. What makes an IB education so desirable? A recent national study concluded that IB Diploma Programme standards demonstrate a very high degree of alignment with the Knowledge and Skills for University Success standards in all subject areas. College readiness for all Sturgis students is our highest priority.