Wilmington charter school meets enrollment requirements

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY )– A Wilmington charter school says it has the right number of students as it started its second year today. Last year, Douglass Academy only had about half of the enrollment required by state law.

Josiah Brown started his first day of school at Douglass Academy Tuesday. His parents specifically chose to put him in a charter school.

“We like the one-on-one intervention between the students and teachers,” Josiah’s dad Demetrisu Brown said.

Brown says it was the school uniforms and strict academic structure that drew them in.

“It’s just the best environment,” he said. “Nothing against the public schooling, but this was the best for our kid.”

Last year the school did not meet enrollment requirements. In March, Douglass Academy had 33 enrolled students, which is just about half of what the state requires.

“There was a building issue,” spokeswoman Sawyer Batten said. “There was a recruiting mailer that was returned and a few other things, renovations.”

Batten also said there is a misconception about charter schools.

“Many people aren’t sure if they are public,” she said. “What’s the difference? What can my student get here? What sets them apart?”

She says the numbers speak for themselves. They saw more than 80 students enroll for this school year.

“The more successes each year brings to our schools, that will speak for charter schools,” Batten said.

Brown says he just wants a solid education for his son.

“We feel that your foundation is what’s going to build him up for his future,” he said.

Batten says this year Douglass Academy added a third grade. Eventually she says they plan to expand to fifth grade.