a choice education 2008-09 annual report...

Leadership TeamDon Doran, Principal

Barbara Preuss, Associate Principal, preschool – Grade 5

Boon Boonyapat, Director of Teaching and Learning

Sherique Ransby, Coordinator of Gifted Education Services

Hanna Hurley, Special Education Coordinator

Eurith Bowen, Ph.D., High School Connection Program Advisor

Lindsey James, Director of Extended Services

Chris Bennett, Director of CREW TeensTM program

Board of DirectorsCynthia Kuhlman, Ph.D. (chairman)

Madelyn R. Adams

Amir Farokhi

Lillian C. Giornelli

Deborah Knight, Ph.D.

Ginger D. Myers

Tamara S. Nash

Carol R. Naughton

Darlene Saunders-Banks

Samuel Wright

Our school is named for Dr. Charles R. Drew

(1904-1950), a pioneering African-American

physician, medical researcher and inventor.

Dr. Drew was instrumental in developing blood

plasma processing, storage and transfusion

therapy. His groundbreaking work has saved

untold lives and paved the way for today’s

American Red Cross blood program.

1

A Choice EducationDREW CHARTER SCHOOL

2008-09 Annual Report

301 East Lake Boulevard | Atlanta, Georgia 30317 | 404.687.0001 | www.drewcharterschool.org

Drew Report_09_layout 9/4/09 12:09 PM

Selecting the right school for your child is an important decision. Charles R. Drew Charter School is

a great choice for families living in the city of Atlanta who expect excellence in education.

With its academically challenging curriculum and robust enrichment programs, Drew is a place

where children thrive and prepare for a lifetime of learning and success.

At Drew, students receive the encouragement and support they need to reach their highest

potential. A Drew education is one that fosters intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth.

Drew is organized into academies – small, flexible “schools within a school” – where students are

taught by a team of four to six teachers. The Primary Academy serves students from preschool

through grade 2; the Elementary Academy serves students in grades 3-5; and the Junior Academy

serves students in grades 6-8.

Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum, which focuses on excellence in reading,

math, science and writing. Student schedules are rounded out with two daily enrichment class-

es, including art, drama, music, physical education and Spanish. Drew is proud to offer cutting-

edge programming for gifted and high achievement students.

Drew’s commitment to academic excellence is supported by an extended school day (8 a.m. – 4

p.m.) and school year. Many students take advantage of our Before and After School Programs

– among the most comprehensive in the state.

With its academically challenging curriculum and robust enrichment programs, Drew is a place where children thrive and

prepare for a lifetime of learning and success.

2 3Drew Report

What is a Charter School?Charter schools are public schools of choice that have greater flexibility in implementing teaching

methods and serving the unique needs of students. A charter school operates according to the

terms of a charter, or contract, that has been approved by a local and state board of education.

Having exceeded its performance standards, Drew won unanimous approval for its charter

renewal from Atlanta Public Schools and the Georgia Department of Education in 2005.

Drew Report_09_layout 9/4/09 12:09 PM

4 Drew Annual Report

Drew balances academic rigor with its vast array of enrichment

offerings. These opportunities enhance classroom instruction

and help students discover their passions. While many public

schools have eliminated or reduced arts, foreign language

and physical education classes, Drew continues to strengthen

these offerings.

Every day, students attend two enrichment classes – choices

include art, dance, drama, chorus, band, orchestra, Spanish,

golf, swimming and more.

The physical education program at Drew deserves special

recognition – classes are as varied as those offered by many

large universities. Drew adjoins the East Lake Family YMCA,

which serves as the school’s physical education partner, and

is across the street from the Charlie Yates Golf Course, home

to The First Tee® of East Lake golf and mentoring program.

These facilities enable Drew students to learn golf, swimming,

tennis and more – at no additional cost to Drew families.

Academic excellenceSince opening in 2000 as the city of Atlanta’s first public charter

school, Drew has proven its approach to education works.

Standardized test results show that achievement increases

through 8th grade; the longer students stay at Drew, the better

they perform.

Drew helps students succeed. An academically rigorous curriculum

focuses on excellence in reading, writing, math, science and

technology. Drew has the resources to support a wide variety

of learning styles, enabling all students to reach new heights.

Drew offers a program for students who excel in the current

curriculum as well as special programs for students who need

extra academic support.

Drew’s longer school day and year give students additional

instructional time and make good sense for today’s families. A

Drew student who remains in school from Kindergarten through

grade 8 receives 2.1 years more instruction than the average

Atlanta Public Schools student.

Drew’s mission

of high academic

achievement

is supported

by a longer

school day

and year.

Enriching experiences

• Drew introduced an innovative Literacy Center, which helps average and above-average students excel, while closing the achievement gap for their classmates.

• Drew retained its “Distinguished School” rating by exceeding the standards established bythe state and making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the fifth consecutive year.

• 92% of Drew 8th graders met or exceeded Georgia writing standards – compared to 74% for Atlanta Public Schools and a state average of 75%.

• A record 140 Drew students (including representatives from all grade levels) were selectedto participate in the 2009 statewide MathFest, sponsored by the National SchoolImprovement Alliance. Eight Drew students were honored with medals for outstandingperformance.

• Drew’s talented teachers are supported by top members of thelocal arts community. Partners such as the Georgia State UniversitySchool of Music provide opportunities for students to learnthrough hands-on experience and tutoring from professional artists.

• Our entire 3rd grade class – and their teachers – learned to play theviolin. We plan to introduce an Elementary Academy orchestra in 2009-10.

• Band classes were added for students in grades 5 and 6; now, studentsin grades 5 through 8 may attend daily band classes.

• The Georgia State University Center for Educational Partnershipsprovided students with guitars, amps and drums, and helped studentsproduce a concert featuring the masterworks of African-Americanand female artists.

2008-09 Highlights

Drew Report_09_layout 9/4/09 12:09 PM Page 4

6 Drew Annual Report 7Drew Report

Drew offers one of the state’s most comprehensive Before and After

School programs, helping students learn and grow while making

life easier for busy working parents.

Before School Program (6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.)Our doors open at 6:45 a.m., providing students with a

bright, safe haven before school. Students may complete

their homework assignments and enjoy a nutritious,

delicious breakfast.

After School Program (4:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.) Drew provides a comprehensive After School Program

beginning at 4:15 p.m. daily. In addition to a wide

selection of enrichment activities such as chess,

debate, technology, drama, dance, creative writing,

soccer and basketball, students receive tutoring and

homework assistance in a secure and stimulating

environment. Thanks to donor-funded support

from the East Lake Foundation, the program is

available to participants at a nominal weekly cost.

A smarter startIn 2007, Drew welcomed its inaugural Pre-K class. Operating in partnership with the Rollins Center for

Language & Learning at the Atlanta Speech School, Drew’s program provides an early learning experience that

increases students’ academic success. In just two years, Drew’s Pre-K has attracted attention from educators

across the state. In fact, the Georgia Pre-K program is applying Drew’s professional development and

instructional model to improve literacy in 20 additional sites. Drew has built on this success by adding a

preschool class for three-year-olds in fall 2009.

Making the leap to high schoolDrew faculty members nurture students from preschool through their pivotal middle school years. And the

support doesn’t end in eighth grade. With Drew’s High School Connection Program, an advisor begins to talk

to students about high school as early as sixth grade. Working one-on-one with students and their families,

Drew’s high school advisor helps find the best high school fit. As a result, most Drew graduates attend either

competitive public and charter schools offering concentrated studies in such areas as engineering, international

studies and the performing arts, or selective private schools – frequently with significant financial assistance.

Creating Responsible, Educated & Working (CREW) Teens The CREW TeensTM program was created to sustain the academic achievement of Drew alumni through

high school. CREW Teens now provides more than 300 students with academic support, leadership training

and personalized education and career advisement. Since 97% of CREW Teens participants will be the first

in their families to attend college, the program is a critical resource for tutoring, standardized test preparation,

career information, college counseling and scholarship assistance. Students complete the program with a

plan for success in college, technical school or a career.

Making college a realizable dreamNot only are Drew students preparing for college, but colleges are preparing for Drew students. Special

educational endowments have been established at the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech to support

the higher education of Drew graduates.

Drew facultymembers nurturestudents from

preschoolthrough their pivotal middleschool years.

• Serving more than 270 students, the After School Program integrates academic support

with dozens of popular enrichment opportunities that reinforce and enhance lessons

from the classroom. A student may receive math tutoring on Tuesday, then apply those

lessons during cooking class on Wednesday.

• More than 20 new After School classes were added, including cooking, gardening, capoeira

(a South American martial art), architecture, drumming and puppetry.

Educating children from cradle to college

2008-09 Highlights

Support both before and after school


8 9Drew Report

When a student enrolls at Drew, the whole family becomes part of a

community. A network of dedicated teachers, staff, volunteers and

parents work together to ensure student success.

Drew believes in supporting teachers so they are well-equipped

to give their best to their students. All Drew teachers have two

planning periods a day, one of which is devoted to professional

development. A team instructional approach allows teachers to

know all students as individuals.

Family members become active participants in their child’s education

through regular meetings with teachers, involvement in the

school PTA and volunteer opportunities.

A Beautiful Place to Learn Drew Charter School is an award-

winning, 105,000-square-foot building

with large, bright classrooms. The

school has three computer labs,

music and dance studios and a

spacious media center.

Through our partnerships,

our campus extends to

include the use of the

state-of-the-art East Lake

Family YMCA, which is

connected to the school, and

the award-winning Charlie

Yates Golf Course across the

street. Students also use the

tennis courts and athletic fields

at The Villages of East Lake,

adjacent to the school.

Because of its distinct advantages, Drew continuesto attract support from top local foundations, universities and companies, all dedicated to helpingDrew students achieve.

Drew Charter School is grateful to our EducationPartners for their generous support:

Atlanta Public SchoolsThe Atlanta Board of Education, along with the East Lake Foundation and local families, openedDrew Charter School in 2000. In 2005, the Boardunanimously renewed Drew’s charter.

Center for Civic Engagement, Oglethorpe UniversitySponsors numerous activities, including Parents’ DayOff, an opera concert, a Quiz Bowl and golf coaching.In addition, Oglethorpe students provide ongoingmentoring to Drew students through the PALS(Positive Actions Lead to Success) program.

Center for Teaching, The Westminster SchoolsPromotes collaboration among Drew and Westminsterfaculties, providing programs and resources thatadvance the art and science of teaching.

Cool Girls, Inc.Provides leadership opportunities for Drew girls ingrades 3-8 through Cool Scholars, Cool Sisters, CoolGirls Club and Cool Tech programs.

Children’s Healthcare of AtlantaProvides support to the East Lake community andDrew staff, students and families in areas of healthand wellness.

East Lake FoundationA Drew partner from the very start, the Foundationnow supports Drew’s Office of Extended Servicesand the CREW Teens program, and raises additionalsupport from foundations, corporations and individuals.

East Lake Family YMCAAttached to Drew, the YMCA not only serves as thephysical education partner for the school, but offersrecreational and community programs.

EdisonLearningTM

Drew is proud to partner with one of the nation’slargest and most successful educational and charterschool management firms.

Georgia State University School of MusicGSU partners with Drew on the Sound Learningprogram, which maximizes students’ potential forlearning through music and has been proven toimprove test scores. GSU faculty teach Drew students,provide professional development for Drew teachersand host field trips, integrating academics with music.

Georgia Tech Center for Education, IntegratingScience, Mathematics and ComputingEnsures that Drew students receive the best possiblepreparation in science, mathematics, engineeringand technology.

Rollins Center for Language & Learning at theAtlanta Speech SchoolSupports language and literacy curriculum, materialsand instruction for Drew students in Pre-K throughgrade 8. Provides professional development, coachingand outcome evaluation for literacy coaches, teachersand administrators.

Sheltering Arms Early Education and FamilyCenterA critical partner in our pursuit to help kids achievesuccess from ”cradle to college.” Sheltering Armsprovides a quality early education to 132 students,the majority of whom will attend Drew Charter School.

SunTrustSponsors the Drew Youth Bank, which helps studentsapply math concepts, explore career options andlearn the value of saving.

The First Tee® of East LakeAll Drew students in grades 2-8 become membersof The First Tee of East Lake, a golf instruction andmentoring program operated at Charlie Yates GolfCourse.

THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-ColaNet proceeds of this season-ending PGA TOURevent held at East Lake Golf Club are reinvested inthe East Lake community. Drew students participatein exclusive events during THE TOUR Championship.

University of GeorgiaThe University and its Athletic Association host college tours for Drew Junior Academy and CREWTeens students.

Enriched by strong partnerships

A community of learners


Drew is more than a school; it’s a community. A place where parents choose to send their children…where

students love to learn…and where teachers, staff and volunteers dedicate themselves to each child’s success.

Give your child the Drew advantageA Drew education prepares students for a stellar future, and Drew is open to all children residing within

the Atlanta Public Schools attendance zone. As a school

of choice, no child is automatically zoned to attend

Drew, but priority enrollment is offered to those

residing in the East Lake and Kirkwood communities.

Application forms for new students are accepted from

Feb. 1 – May 1 of each year. For more information or

to schedule a tour of Drew, please call 404-687-0001.

Share your talents with DrewWhether you have an hour, a day or longer, Drew

welcomes volunteers. We offer flexible, rewarding

opportunities for tutors, classroom assistants and library

aides. On any given day, you’ll see parents, college

students, individuals and small groups enjoying

one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities.

Join the Drew teamDrew is not only a great place to learn,

it’s also a special place to work. For

more information, please visit

www.drewcharterschool.org.

1110 Drew Annual Report

91% 91%

96% 92%

91% 96%

92% 88%

88% 87%

97% 89%

96% 94%

99% 98%

For more scores, please visit www.doe.k12.ga.us

Reading

% Drew Students Meeting or Exceeding Standards on the CRCT

12345678

GRADEDrew2009

Drew2009

Language Arts

81% 91%

93% 77%

71% 79%

84% 56%

84% 66%

81% 72%

86% 85%

93% 80%

Math*

Drew2009

91% 87%

84% 80%

85% 88%

95% 88%

90% 89%

98% 92%

97% 88%

99% 94%

Drew2008

Drew2008

Drew2008

Test scores show that Drew’s

instructional program works.

Virtually all Drew students

meet or exceed standards

on the Georgia Criterion-

Referenced Competency Tests

(CRCT) – even better, Drew

students continue to improve

their performance.

A great choice for a choice education

Students who attendDrew during their criticalmiddle school yearsshow dramatic gains.

As 5thgraders

As 6thgraders

As 7thgraders

As 8thgraders

As 6thgraders

As 7thgraders

As 8thgraders

As 5thgraders

As 6thgraders

As 7thgraders

As 8thgraders

72%

92% 94% 99%

62%

85%93%

71%

88% 88%99%

Language Arts*

Math*

Reading*

Drew retained its “Distinguished School” rating by exceeding the standards established by the state for the fifth consecutive year.

*Graphs represent Drew graduatingclass of 2009

Report design by Growe Creative, LLC • Photography by Duane Stork


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