SR1 College Preparatory & STEM Academy
The inaugural school year for the SR1 College Preparatory and STEM Academy began on Thursday, August 3rd in Canton. The 2023-2024 school year opens with kindergarten and first grades. Provost Kristen Williams serves as the instructional and operational leader of the school. The SR1 CPSA is the state’s first ever Charter School dedicated to STEM-infused education. STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
SR1 CPSA has been a goal of SR1 Founder Tamu Green. “The United States suffers from persistent differences in achievement between groups of students defined by race/ethnicity or family income, and our students also rank well behind those in economically competitive countries on international tests. We must continue to invest in education in order to create a system that is more equitable and that produces American students who are more competitive in the global marketplace for talent,” said Green, SR1 Founder and CEO.
The school is temporarily housed in the St. Paul AME Zion Church, 505 S. Union St, in Canton. Plans are underway for a state of the art campus with indoor and outdoor learning facilities for the permanent location in the future. The inaugural school year has kindergarten and 1st grade, and the school will add a grade each year until it reaches 5th grade.
Provost Williams has high expectations for the school. “SR1 CPSA will be the best elementary school in the state. I will exemplify the mission and vision of SR1 CPSA. I plan to incorporate a project-based learning culture so that students make connections with the curriculum. I also plan to empower students and teachers through high expectations and a positive, restorative environment. All will take part in goal setting with the assistance of our wonderful parents. Effective routines will be in place to manage time and effective pedagogy,” she said.
Provost Williams was born and raised in Vicksburg, MS and has four educational degrees from Alcorn State University and the University of Southern Mississippi. She has served as a teacher and principal in Mississippi, Arizona, and Texas. She previously served as the ACME Principal at Vicksburg High School and the head principal of Hawkins Middle School before coming to lead SR1 CPSA.
She exclaimed, “I am so excited to embark on this journey with you all! I look forward to the school’s community growing and flourishing as we take an unorthodox approach to teaching and learning. We will strive for excellence and ensure our focus remains on the students. We will persevere together. Children learn what they live. Let’s remember, education is not simply filling a pail, but lighting a fire!”
The SR1 CPSA will focus primarily on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics as well as the foundations of reading and writing. STEM-infused education allows students to explore the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare them for college and careers. Exploration of STEM infused lessons will allow students to channel their interests and encourage their paths to solidify their goals. The goal is for all students to achieve access and success to a college degree.
SR1 CPSA is open to all students in Canton and surrounding districts. It follows state requirements for enrollment. It is FREE for all students.
For more information on SR1 CPSA, you can visit the website at www.sr1cpsa.org or call 601-206-4544.