Kathryn L. – Mom From Barnesville, PA

We spent my daughter’s early elementary years trying to find a school that would meet her special needs while providing a quality education. We tried parochial and public schools, but they couldn’t provide adequate support for her learning disabilities and speech delay — especially after the public school reduced its special education services.

We were fortunate to be able to choose Gillingham Charter School, where my daughter is now in fifth grade. She’s only in her second year there, and already she’s gone up three grade levels in math. Her teachers ensure the curriculum is shared in a way that she can fully grasp the concepts, and they equip me with the tools and information to reinforce that education at home so she doesn’t fall behind. 

While we chose a charter school based on my daughter’s special needs, that is not the only reason we support charter school choice in Pennsylvania. 

Although my daughter is shy, she’s made a lot of friends at the school from many areas, not just her neighborhood. With parents being very involved in the school, our charter school feels more like a family than an institution. 

Plus, with smaller classes and more individualized attention, I’m no longer nervous that help and resources will become depleted as they did in the last school my daughter attended.

Personalized learning and a true focus on the student make public charter schools a winner for our family. Without this school, I know my child would not have had the level of success she is enjoying. Having the option to choose a charter school gives every child the opportunity to succeed.