Two new charter school applicants present plans: Southwest Academy (classical model) and Tempo Montessori

Two founding teams presented initial applications to the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board on Nov. 10, 2025, outlining school models, enrollment ramps and community partnerships.

Angie Ritter introduced Southwest Academy Charter School (Moore), a classical-inspired elementary model that emphasizes an integrated curriculum and a 90-minute daily differentiated reading block. The founding team told the board they plan two classes per grade at launch (pre‑K through second grade in Aug. 2027), with a phased approach adding grades annually until reaching sixth grade and a projected full enrollment of about 320 students by year five. Ritter said the school will embed character development, mentoring and family supports as community-oriented programs.

Diane Beckham presented Tempo Montessori Charter School, planning a public Montessori option within Union Schools boundaries including multi-age classrooms, a year‑round calendar to reduce long breaks and a year‑one staffing model that includes Montessori-certified teachers. Beckham described projected year‑one enrollment (50 pre‑K‑4, 50 kindergarten, 50 sixth grade) and a plan to expand toward additional early-childhood options as funding allows.

Agency staff also told the board that eight letters of intent had been received year‑to‑date, including three virtual charter intents and five brick‑and‑mortar intents; two formal applications had arrived on Nov. 4 and staff planned to convert portal submissions to shareable PDFs for board review.

Board members asked questions about curriculum design, ramping enrollment and site logistics (including a potential lease with Regency Park Baptist Church for Southwest Academy and a letter of intent from Destiny Church for Tempo). The board did not vote on any application at the meeting; staff will distribute completed application PDFs to members when ready.