About
The Madrone Trail Public Charter School is a public charter K-8 school that has been open in Medford, Oregon since September 2007. The first year, we opened with grades K-2 and will add a new grade up to eighth grade when the school reaches its full size. We will adapt Waldorf educational methods to public education. As a public charter school, there is no tuition and the school is open to anyone residing in the area. If demand exceeds spaces, preference will be given to students residing within the Medford School district. The school features parent and community participation at all levels, including governance.
We offer a Waldorf-inspired educational program that is typically found in a smaller school setting, including an arts-integrated curriculum emphasizing music, singing, art, drama, life skills, and handwork. We also offer French starting in First Grade. Seasonal festivals are an integral part of the school activities. Average class size is currently planned at approximately 22 in Kindergarten and 25 in the grades.
History
The Madrone Trail Public Charter School was awarded a competitive Federal Charter School Development Grant in April 2006. The Medford School District approved our charter proposal in December 2006.
The founders of the Madrone Trail Public Charter School are parents and educators with a shared commitment to the principles and pedagogy of Waldorf education, and we want to see its methods adapted and incorporated into the public model, with equal access for all.
The Madrone Trail Public Charter School is among the endeavors of the Madrone Trail Initiative, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization based in Southern Oregon.
Charter Milestones
- The Madrone Trail Initiative signed the Charter Agreement with the Medford School District Board in February 2007.
- The Madrone Trail Initiative was granted the non-profit tax-exempt status by the IRS in January 2007.
- The Medford School District approved the charter proposal on a contingency basis in December 2006.
- Formal presentation of the charter proposal to the Medford School Board in November 2006
The Medford School Board held a Public Hearing on our behalf on November 28, 2006.
- Summary PowerPoint presentation of the charter proposal to the Medford School Board in October 2006
- Submission of the charter proposal to the Medford School District Superintendent and his cabinet in September 2006
- Award of the Federal Charter School Development Incentive Grant in May 2006
Submission of the Federal Charter School Development Incentive Grant in April 2006
Charter Documents
The following documents contain information about our charter and our charter process:
