An all-girls elementary school is an innovative program that will soon be put to the test in Bradenton.
"All the research we have shows that girls in an all-girls setting get better grades," said Just For Girls CEO Becky Canesse. "They develop more confidence and courage and capability as they go through life."
The Manatee County School Board approved a 5-year contract for the new charter school last night. The grassroots organization, Just For Girls Club, has been operating in the community for 44 years.
"Their application was a very strong application," said Dr. Verdya Bradley, associate director of Innovative Programs for Manatee Schools. "They did a great job researching and trying to design a program that would meet the needs of the girls."
Canesse said the main emphasis for Just For Girls Academy will be technology, followed by a focus on character development.
"There will be yoga to help the students who have stress when they take tests or throughout their life," she said. "We want an opportunity to teach these girls how to be decent human beings and to develop character that includes empathy first and foremost."
The Just For Girls Academy plans to open for the 2012-2013 school year and will initially only offer classes for kindergarten through third grade. The school plans to add another grade every year, eventually stopping at the eighth grade.
"We're signing up students now," Canesse said. "Enrollment will be limited. We encourage those families who want to enroll to get a hold of us right away. It's an easy process if they choose this academy.
"It's a free public charter school. The standards for accountability are higher than the traditional school system, and we have highly qualified teachers that will be employed here."