Miami Community Charter School
Article By: Dr. Jila Rezaie
Dr. Jila Rezaie, principal of Miami Community Charter School, MCCS, was one of five principals, and the only principal from a charter school, in Florida who met with Governor Charlie Crist on Tuesday, August 18, 2009. The governor had extended an invitation to these five schools to attend a morning gathering at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee.
Miami Community Charter School’s great effort in changing the school status from being a sanctioned school in 2008 to becoming an “A” school and meeting the AYP in 2009 was already noted by FLDOE when the department featured the MCCS in a press release issued on June 25, 2009.
Miami Community Charter School offers a unique program to the community. The essence of the school program is based on three simple elements; order, procedure and cultural exposure. In addition to a strong academic program, which puts the school in the top 5% of all schools in South Miami-Dade, the school sustains a 0% suspension and detention rate since its inception. In this Title I school, 96% of students speak English as their second language. Nonetheless, based on the national norm test, CTBS, at the end of 2008-2009 school year, MCCS’ students in grade 8 were reading on a tenth grade level. As well, in mathematics, they scored a year and half above grade level. As a Title I school, MCCS operates on a limited, however well managed budget, with 85% of staff as teaching faculty and in the classrooms. All reading and math classes have a certified teacher and one full-time qualified paraprofessional.
The Intensive Intervention Program starts a month before the regular school year to prepare a small group of students who may need more time. During the last nine weeks of each school year, 90-95% of students enter the “Move Up” program. In this program, students in grades K-5 move to the next year’s teacher, classroom and curriculum. The students then receive a summer math and reading assignment, which must be completed by the first day of the new school year. The school is open from 6:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. for curricular and extra curricular activities. Our community believes success is not an accident!
