Board renews Rocketship Delta Prep charter after extensive student, parent and teacher testimony

The Antioch Unified School District Board of Education voted Nov. 19 to adopt a five‑year charter renewal for Rocketship Delta Prep, after more than a dozen students, parents, teachers and community members made in‑person public comments urging the board to approve the petition.

Staff presented the charter renewal (effective 07/01/2026–06/30/2031) and recommended adoption. Rocketship students described their experiences: "Rocketship has helped us learn a lot of things I haven't learned before," said a fourth‑grader who has attended the school since kindergarten. Families and teachers described Rocketship as a supportive environment that builds leadership, belonging and academic confidence.

Teachers and a parent‑leader emphasized family engagement and the school's role in building community leadership. "Delta Prep didn't just open doors for my students, it opened doors for me too," said a parent and community volunteer. A Rocketship fifth‑grade teacher who grew up in Antioch praised the school’s local pipeline of students and staff.

Board members thanked the speakers for their testimony and discussed possibilities to strengthen transitions back to Antioch Unified middle schools. Trustee comments suggested interest in smooth handoffs for students returning to district schools after Rocketship enrollment.

The motion to adopt the charter renewal was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The resolution establishes a five‑year term from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2031 and staff recommended monitoring and facilitating coordination with district receiving schools to ensure continuity of services for students.

The board also approved a seven‑year renewal for Antioch Charter Academy 1 at the same meeting; both renewals passed by voice vote that evening.