SLU's School of Education Adds Kansas City's Frontier Schools to Public Charter School Portfolio
09/12/2023
The Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Education is proud to announce a significant enhancement to its commitment to education and community development through the addition of Frontier Schools in Kansas City, Missouri, to its public charter school portfolio.
This strategic partnership underscores SLU's dedication to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in the realm of K-12 education. The partnership between Frontier Schools and SLU became official in July 2023. The Kansas City institution is a public charter school serving over 1,600 pre-K-12 students at four sites.
Frontier Schools, known for its dedication to empowering traditionally underserved students with high-quality education, aligns seamlessly with the School of Education's core values: Cura Personalis, Trust and Integrity, Social Justice, Growth and Transformation, and Reflective Practice. This new collaboration will bring forth a myriad of opportunities for students, educators, and the broader community, contributing to the enrichment of the educational landscape in the region.
With a track record of producing well-rounded individuals who contribute meaningfully to their community, Frontier Schools has earned a reputation for its STEM-focused educational programming. The exceptional work of Frontier Schools has been demonstrated in the most recent iteration of growth data released from the Missouri Department of Education. Frontier Schools is ranked 3rd and 6th statewide for student academic growth in English language arts and mathematics, respectively, as measured by the Missouri Assessment Program.
Alexandra Boyd, Ph.D., executive director of SLU's Office of Public Charter School Partnerships, conveys SLU's wholehearted enthusiasm for establishing a formal partnership with Frontier Schools.
“Frontier Schools' remarkable dedication and excellence in serving a student body comprising nearly 70% English Language Learners and 85% of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch has not gone unnoticed," Boyd said.
We are eagerly embarking on a journey of mutual learning and knowledge sharing, drawing inspiration from the success of Frontier's innovative education model.”
Alexandra Boyd, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Office of Public Charter School Partnerships
As part of Saint Louis University's public charter school portfolio, Frontier Schools gain access to a wealth of resources, expertise and support. This access will undoubtedly contribute to further elevating the educational experience provided to students.
Gary Ritter, Ph.D., Dean of SLU’s School of Education, expressed enthusiasm about this new endeavor.
"We are thrilled to welcome Frontier Schools into the SLU family," Ritter said. "This partnership not only allows us to extend our commitment to academic excellence but also opens doors for collaborative initiatives that will benefit the students at both Frontier and in SLU’s School of Education. We look forward to supporting Frontier Schools as they continue to build an educational environment that nurtures growth, curiosity, and leadership."
Frontier Schools' Superintendent, Ugur Demircan, shared his excitement as well.
"Joining forces with Saint Louis University marks a momentous chapter for Frontier Schools," Demircan said. "This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision to provide our students with the best possible education and prepare them for success in an ever-evolving world. Together with SLU, we are confident in our ability to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and their families."
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About Saint Louis University:
Saint Louis University (SLU) is a world-class Catholic, Jesuit institution dedicated to student learning, research, health care, and service. Founded in 1818, SLU strives to make a difference in students' lives and the communities it serves.
About Frontier Schools:
Frontier Schools is a leading educational institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development. With a focus on preparing students for success in the modern world, Frontier Schools provide a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.