MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — There are 50 K through grade 6 students in classes at the Wisdom Academy, a public brick-and-mortar charter school in the city of Morgantown.
On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Chairman Javaid Syed said they have transformed the former Monongalia County Schools headquarters building on South High Street from 84 offices to 14 classrooms. The layout includes an open area for students and faculty activities, a boardroom, and an administrative office area. Construction included a new sprinkler system and fire alarm.
Classes have been underway at the facility since August 11.
“Two weeks of solid training leading up to classes at the Wisdom Academy,” Syed said. “There is a lot to see when you come to the Wisdom Academy; you will see what kind of wonderful staff we have and the depth of knowledge they bring with them.”
The academy is located on the same block as Morgantown High School, and that caused some concern about traffic with city officials. After months of negotiations, the academy agreed to stagger their start and dismissal times to minimize congestion.
“We have worked hard with the city to establish our drop-off and pick-up times, so there have been no issues at all,” Sted said. “Wisdom Academy classes start at 9 a.m. and dismiss at 4 p.m.”
Each student’s learning path is dictated by the Individual Performance Plan for Success after an assessment is completed. Syed said the parents are involved in every step of the process, which includes quarterly meetings and an open-door policy between the scheduled meetings.
“The parents are always involved in the quarterly meetings, so they always know what’s going on,” Syed said. “We do not want a parent that does not know what’s going on in the classroom—we want the parents to be fully aware of where their child is, what the strengths are, what the weaknesses are, and that they are being addressed.”
Syed encourages students and families to come tour the South High Street facility and take a tour. Parents are welcome to ask questions, get to know the staff, and get a better understanding of their approach to public education.
“We’re inviting everyone to come and see for themselves,” Sued said. “Where we are, what we have done, and why we are different from other schools.”
Now, with public and public charter school options, parents are encouraged to look at the different options available in Monongalia County. Tours and visits can be arranged by calling 304-404-3130.
“If you’re not very happy with where your child is and you want to see improvement, this is the time to come and explore,” Syed said. “See who we are, what it is we have laid out, and how we are achieving it.”