The Legends Academy, Denton’s newest tuition-free, public charter school is making final preparations to open its doors, to as many as 150 students eligible for classes in grades 6 – 10 for the 2009-2010 school year. The academy will expand the grade-levels served each subsequent year until it reaches its planned capacity of 500 students in grades K-12.

The Legends Academy, accredited by the State of Texas Education Agency, will focus on drop-out prevention strategies and programs, and has adopted a mission to provide a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for post-secondary education or training through the development of academic, leadership and interpersonal talents and skills. The Academy will implement a model that integrates behavioral health with academic and community supports that promote a safe school and healthy environment. The model provides individualized instruction for students who work and learn best outside of a traditional classroom setting.

Because The Legends Academy recognizes that the community must be a vital partner in a student’s education, it is seeking to develop partnerships with community businesses. Additionally, The Legends Academy Superintendent, Cassandra Berry emphasizes that the academy encourages parents to take active roles in all aspects of its educational programs.

Charter schools are open enrollment innovative public schools funded and accredited by the State of Texas. Their purpose is to deliver programs tailored to educational excellence and the needs of the communities they serve.