September 2024 Springs eNewsletter

Opinion: The Future of Education 

May be Flex-based Schools

The following is an article written by Dr. Kathleen Hermsmeyer which appeared in print in the August 6, 2024 issue of The San Diego Union-Tribune:

American education has faced persistent and disappointing challenges in the past few post-pandemic years,  including high absenteeism, academic regression, behavioral issues, a widening achievement gap and students leaving the traditional public school system altogether. Opinion columnist David Brooks, in The New York Times article “America Should Be in the Middle of a Schools Revolution,” notes that teachers and students are grappling with altered realities that may persist for years.

To address these challenges and engage disenchanted students and parents, a viable solution exists: flex-based schools. These schools, also called hybrid schools, or in California, non-classroom-based schools, empower families and students to play a more active role in their education while providing personalized support and acceleration. Flex schools offer a dynamic schedule that adapts to each student’s evolving needs, promoting engagement and success.

Springs Charter Schools’ flex-based programs in 17 physical sites in Southern California, including two in San Diego County, have been serving the region for more than 20 years, and we have been listed as one of a select few charter school networks that have made gains toward closing the achievement gap for students in typically underperforming groups. We are making a positive impact on students’ lives and providing valuable choices in education. What does this look like in practice? A high school student might take classes on campus three days per week and work at an internship two days per week while earning credit for that internship. A younger child might attend class four days per week and work on personalized assignments to accelerate her progress with her parents on the fifth day. And there are many more scenarios.

Click here to read the remainder of the article on the San Diego Union-Tribune website.