Smithson Craighead Academy
Highlights
Smithson Craighead Academy is a public charter school offering scholars in grades K-5 a free, rigorous education rooted in strong literacy instruction and high expectations.
We build scholars who read, think, and achieve. Our K-2 classrooms create a strong foundation for future learning. Kindergarteners are grouped with peers of similar skills, allowing teachers to close gaps and build on pre-K gains. By the end of second grade, our goal is for every scholar to read independently.
We help scholars become responsible and independent. We measure middle school readiness not just by grades, but on a scholar’s mastery of the skills, knowledge, and habits they need at the next level of their education and beyond. Our scholars develop a work ethic and discernment to open doors throughout their lives.
We are redefining what it means to invest in teachers. Our teachers are provided with a base salary well above the market average. They can also earn financial rewards by improving their practice through our Teacher Report Card program – because when teachers get better, scholars do too.
Smithson Craighead Academy is a program of Project Reflect, the nonprofit founded by the late Sister Sandra Smithson. Sister Sandra and her biological sister, Mary Craighead, co-founded the school—hence its name. Our scholars and their families have access to Project Reflect’s full circle of support, including affordable pre-K at Itty Bitty City, free afterschool tutoring, a food pantry, a diaper closet, and more.
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Regional robotics achievement