UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS CHARTER SCHOOL
Methodist Children's Home Campus
In an effort to better meet the educational needs of students, Methodist Children's Home joined the University of Texas - University Charter School system during the summer of 2003. The Methodist Children's Home Campus is one of 18 charter schools affiliated with the University of Texas.

Program Strengths	Instruction
Academic Standards	Facilities
Curriculum	Technology

Program Strengths
All residents in the Home's structured care program - and some basic care residents who need a small-school environment - attend school on the Methodist Children's Home campus. Due to academic and behavioral needs, these students require more flexibility and individual attention than public school systems offer. Enhanced staffing, a 6:1 student/caregiver ratio, positive behavior management, and the various academic options available through the school are key factors for residents who achieve academic success and personal growth through the Methodist Children's Home program.

Residents who successfully complete the Methodist Children's Home program transfer into the public school system. Although the majority of Methodist Children's Home students will earn their diploma through Waco Independent School District, students may earn a diploma through the Methodist Children's Home Charter School Campus when needed.

Academic Standards
As part of its affiliation with the University of Texas-University Charter School System, the Methodist Children's Home Campus must meet rigorous academic standards and accountability assessments established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Curriculum
Methodist Children's Home offers a diverse academic curriculum for 6th through 12th grades, including a self-paced credit remediation program for students who need to increase their high school credits. Administrators designed the regular education curriculum to mirror that of Waco Independent School District so Methodist Children's Home students in the campus school can make an easier transition into the public school system.

More than 100 students are enrolled in the University Charter School - Methodist Children's Home Campus. Two-thirds of these students meet regular education requirements while one-third of these students meet special education requirements. The school utilizes an inclusion model, where both regular and special education students are served in all classrooms rather than the traditional self-contained classroom.

Instruction
Classes are taught by 16 highly-qualified teachers who are required to have both regular and special education certifications. In addition, teachers are assisted in the classroom by instructional facilitators and youth care counselors. The school also has reading and math specialists. The instructional facilitators must have an associate's degree or approximately 60 hours of college credit in order to work in the school. Instructional facilitators are encouraged to work toward an education degree.

Facilities
In preparation for the new charter school in 2003, Methodist Children's Home remodeled its existing school facilities. The Home added spacious classrooms and a well-equipped science lab. Food service staff provides the noon meal daily for structured care residents in a state-of-the-art kitchen and cafeteria.

Technology
Methodist Children's Home also made a significant upgrade in technology. Students have access to 70 computers, which includes computer stations in every classroom and a new computer lab. The computers are connected to a wireless network, which provides access to Internet resources for assignments and research.

For More Information
Charter School
Methodist Children's Home
1111 Herring Avenue
Waco, Texas 76708
254-753-0181
E-mail