New charter school is recruiting first pupils

Offering grades 4-6, Love of Learning plans to open August 7 on the second floor of the United Methodist Church and become the city's first charter school.

By MICHAEL SANDLER, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published May 31, 2002

LARGO -- The city's first charter school plans to open this August, and officials began actively pursuing students this week to fill seats in the inaugural classes.

Love of Learning advertises itself as being a school for "emotionally and creatively advanced children."

"That means students that love to learn and want to be in an atmosphere with other students who want to learn," said Terry Schlesinger, who founded the school and will serve as dean.

The school, which received its charter from the Pinellas County School District last year, will rent the second floor of the United Methodist Church on 4th Street, directly across from Largo Fire Station 41. Classes are scheduled to begin Aug. 7.

Charter schools are operated by private groups but receive public money and are considered public schools. Charter schools receive the same amount per student as other public schools, minus 5 percent for administrative costs.

Schlesinger, who most recently worked as a teacher at Ridgecrest Elementary, said the school will offer an alternative approach for up to 150 students in grades 4-6.

He has already heard from nearly 50 potential students, 10 shy of the 60 students it needs to open.

By law, any student is eligible for admission. But Schlesinger said Love of Learning will have a strong exit policy that is not based on grades but on interest.

"To put it as generally as I can: You have to be a good student," Schlesinger said. "You really love learning; and when you have discussions about Socrates and Plato, it is more exciting than Britney Spears."

The school has support from Largo Commissioner Marty Shelby. He wrote a letter in March 2000 to the Pinellas County School Board giving his blessing.

"I thought it was a good concept to be able to foster creative thinking, critical thinking, and to foster a love of learning during a period of transition," Shelby said. "The concept sounded like it warranted merit."

Mayor Bob Jackson also has been a strong advocate of bringing a charter school to Largo. He has pushed for one to replace the soon-to-be vacant library in Largo Central Park.

But Jackson said Love of Learning will be challenged by its location.

"That seemed like an unusual location, right across from a fire station with little playground space," Jackson said.

Nonetheless, Jackson, a former middle school principal, is happy to see any alternative school opening in Largo.

"As far as charter schools, some will be nice," he said. "It will relieve some of the crowding in the public schools."

-- Michael Sandler can be reached at sandler@sptimes.com.

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