Lionheart Classical Academy, a charter school scheduled to open in Peterborough in September with students in kindergarten through fifth grade, has been approved by the State Board of Education to increase the school’s first-year enrollment from 157 to 197 students.
According to an announcement from the school, the board amended the school’s charter at an April 14 hearing in response to demand. Prior to its enrollment lottery last month, 206 students registered at Lionheart, and more than 50 have registered since.
“We are pleased to have received the State Board of Education’s approval to increase the size of our first-year student body,” stated Lionheart Executive Director Kerry Bedard. “This means that Lionheart Classical Academy will be able to offer a tuition-free classical education to more families in our region.”
According to the announcement, before requesting the board’s approval to enroll more students, Lionheart conducted an internal review to confirm that it has the resources necessary to handle the expanded student body, while still providing for all students previously enrolled. The review showed that the school could add two additional sections of 20 students each, one in second grade, and one in fourth grade. The additional students to be enrolled will come from the school’s lottery waitlist.
“We are confident that Lionheart Classical Academy is off to a strong start,” stated Principal Elizabeth Wilber. “We look forward to welcoming all of our first-year students to a great educational experience in 4 1/2 months.”
Lionheart is interviewing prospective faculty and staff members and constructing new classrooms to be ready to open its doors for the first day of school Aug. 31.