Looking for education options? Consider charter schools - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

TYLER (KYTX) - If you're looking for an option in schooling for your children, have you considered a charter school? It seems to be a growing trend in East Texas, as some are expanding classrooms and buildings. CBS 19's Jennifer Heathcock joins us with more on what this could mean for your student's education.

Across the state, charter schools are expanding, like Cumberland here in Tyler. They're building a brand new facility to house an increasing enrollment.  

It's the sound of progress. "We drive by at least 2-3 times a week and she's excited to see - 'oh there's more!'"

Amy Sharp's 6 year old daughter Hannah loves to see what's happening at her 'new' school. She's a student at Cumberland Academy. Sharp chose the school because of the one on one interaction Hannah would have with her teachers.

"It seems like everyone comes and has their children taught here, good place to be," said Sharp.

"Our enrollment has increased significantly for this coming year. We have 400 students here."

Principal James Moyers says there's been a spike in enrollment. More than 150 students - as soon as workers hit the construction site. "I think a lot of parents are looking for a choice about to register for public school."

The state has seen an increase too. The state board of educators adopted a plan to dedicate millions of public school endowment dollars to finance charter school facilities. "It would be helpful for us to help pay for this construction," said Moyers. 

Lending a hand to new facilities to help students like Hannah in the classroom. Crews are working overtime to get Cumberland ready for students to walk through the doors and sit in the classroom come August 23.

http://cumberlandacademy.com/  

http://www.texasisd.com/

http://www.localschooldirectory.com/city-schools/Tyler/TX

http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/index.html