Open Classroom presents academic growth and community engagement at Salt Lake City School Board meeting

The Salt Lake City School District Board Meeting on May 6, 2025, highlighted the impressive achievements of the Open Classroom Charter School, marking a significant moment as it was the first formal report from the charter school in years. Principal Pitts, alongside teacher Amanda, presented a comprehensive overview of the school's history, mission, and recent academic successes.

Open Classroom, established nearly 50 years ago, operates as a parent cooperative learning community, serving students from preschool through eighth grade. The school has seen notable academic growth, with 59.5% of third graders reading at grade level and significant improvements in RISE testing scores across English Language Arts and Math. The median growth percentages for middle school subjects exceeded 54, showcasing the effectiveness of their teaching staff.

The school serves a diverse student body, including a notable percentage of students with disabilities, which Principal Pitts estimated at around 20%. The school employs a blend of pull-out and push-in services to support these students, ensuring integration within the general education environment.

Looking ahead, Open Classroom aims to increase enrollment to its charter limit of 400 students and is preparing for its re-chartering process in the 2026-2027 school year. The school is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on enhancing student learning, closing achievement gaps, and increasing attendance rates, which have been a challenge due to its commuter nature.

The board expressed appreciation for the detailed report, emphasizing the importance of ongoing communication and support for the charter school. As Open Classroom continues to thrive, it remains a vital part of the Salt Lake City School District's educational landscape.