Opening a Charter School

Mason Classical Academy had a great turnout over the weekend at the seminar featuring Hillsdale College. People are very excited and want to get involved. They also asked about funding and how they can assist with getting the doors open in 2014. I want to explain clearly and completely the details of our efforts.

In phase one we formed a vision and started building a team with three governing board members to start. We established our partnership with Hillsdale College and incorporated Mason Classical Academy.
In phase two we developed a plan, which included researching and writing the charter application. Mason Classical Academy also attended the charter school conference at Hillsdale College in June 2012.

In phase three we submitted a 200 plus page charter application to the Collier County school district on August 1, 2012. On October 9, 2012, the Collier County School Board unanimously approved our application. Four charter schools applied and only two were approved. We also applied for 501 (c)(3) status.

Now we are in phase four - preparing to open. We established an advisory board of talented individuals who work with the governing board regularly. At this time we are working with the school district to establish a contract, which means we had to hire an experienced charter school attorney. Since charter schools receive no funding until we are open, we need to raise money to assist with start-up costs.

We secured a grant writer who will help MCA acquire funding, but this can take time. These grants often help with furniture, computers, books and supplies. Charter schools do not receive capital funding until they have been open for three years, so we will need to secure a facility and fund build out costs (site selection, due diligence, design, and permitting). Other expenses include website, governing board training, professional development for faculty, and membership to the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools, insurance, marketing, recruitment, postage, legal fees and contingency.

To date, every effort made towards opening Mason Classical Academy has been undertaken by a small group of committed volunteers. The Academy has no employees. No parent, Governing Board member, Advisory Board member or Hillsdale College representative has received any compensation for his or her efforts related to getting Mason Classical Academy opened in Naples. These volunteers spend countless hours of their time, because they are committed to the mission, vision and future of the school and next generation.

We are on a mission to restore public education and provide parents a choice in educational opportunities. A handful of people can only do so much, and we need your help. At this time we have over 200 letters of intent, which means there are many families counting on us to provide their children with an outstanding classical education. Please visit www.masonclassicalacademy.org to find out how you can serve your community and support MCA’s mission.

“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.” - Thomas Jefferson