i3 Academy, a public charter school in east Birmingham, is celebrating the renewal of its charter contract for a second five-year term after a successful hearing before the Alabama Public Charter School Commission. The school, which opened in the midst of a pandemic, has rapidly grown from 400 K-5 students to 850 students in grades K-9, with a focus on providing a high-quality education to a diverse student body.
Selena Rodgers Dickerson, a parent and board member at i3 Academy, highlighted the importance of offering a quality education to all students, regardless of their background or location. She emphasized the school’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, and its dedication to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment for children.
The growth of charter schools in Alabama reflects a national trend, with an estimated 7,500-8,500 students enrolled in 17 public charter schools across the state. However, charter schools face challenges in terms of funding, particularly when it comes to acquiring and maintaining school buildings. Emily Schultz, Executive Director of Alabama Families for Great Schools, stressed the need for a new funding model that takes into account the diverse needs of students in both charter and traditional public schools.
Despite these challenges, i3 Academy has been successful in raising funds and expanding its services each year. The school’s Head of School, Martin Nalls, acknowledged the difficulties in sustaining financial stability in an emerging charter market but remains optimistic about the school’s future.
As charter school enrollment continues to grow in Alabama, there is a push for equitable funding models that support all types of schools. The approval of i3 Academy’s charter contract renewal serves as a testament to the school’s commitment to providing a quality education to its students and the support of its dedicated community.
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