Good And Bad News For Tuscaloosa Charter Schools
The Alabama Public Charter School Commission meeting Monday produced good and bad news for Tuscaloosa area charter school programs.
The Good News
Commissioners unanimously approved C.A. Fredd Jr. Career and Technical Academy on MLK Blvd. for a proposed Tuscaloosa County career technical charter school, opening in the 2028 academic year. This is a publicly funded, tuition free public charter high school coming to Tuscaloosa County, serving students in grades 9 through 12. The school will focus on career and technical education, workforce development, and real-world learning experiences. Like other schools approved for 2028, it must reach at least 80% of projected enrollment six months before opening.
Commissioners also approved I Dream Big Charter School’s request to amend its charter contract to include eighth grade and add ninth grade next year, but not before warning schools against making major changes without commission approval. The I Dream Big Charter School, which is partnered with Stillman College, had already added eighth grade at the start of the current school year before receiving approval, prompting a corrective action plan.
The Bad News
The commission denied an appeal from Pathways in Education for a proposed Tuscaloosa charter school designed to serve students who are off track for graduation. Pathways, according to their website, is a national non-profit network of public charter schools serving students aged 14 to 21, particularly those who have struggled in traditional settings. It uses a blended learning model, combining independent study, small group instruction, and online coursework with a focus on flexible scheduling, relationship-based mentoring, and credit recovery.
Tuscaloosa City Schools Superintendent Mike Daria said the district initially saw potential for a partnership but identified unresolved concerns in the application.
Commission staff had also raised concerns about the school’s funding model, year-round enrollment structure and governing board capacity.
CHOOSE ACT Sparks Charter School Growth
The number of charter schools is growing in Alabama, largely due to the CHOOSE ACT which establishes refundable income tax credits called Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to help families pay for K-12 private school tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses at approved providers.
In 2017 there were no charter schools in Alabama there are 18 schools operating 25 campuses, serving roughly 8,800 students and with more planned.
The act is controversial because it removes money from public school to help parents with school choice expenses.
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