RCMA operates two charter schools (public schools of choice), the Immokalee Community School in eastern Collier County and the Wimauma Academy in southeastern Hillsborough County, which provide a unique opportunity for RCMA to extend its positive impact on children.

With a combined enrollment of more than 350 students in the 2006-07 school year, the schools provide a seamless transition for children as they progress from RCMA’s early childhood and pre-kindergarten programs into elementary school.

Instead of going to other public schools after pre-kindergarten, rural and migrant children continue to learn and develop in familiar surroundings with teachers and staff of similar backgrounds at RCMA’s charter schools. Test results confirm that the longer students remain with RCMA, they better they perform in school. Our children’s improvement between kindergarten and third grade on reading assessments, for example,

The Immokalee Community School has 180 students in kindergarten through fifth grade

          Several characteristics distinguish RCMA charter schools from others:

• Most students speak English as a second language.
• Students are required to wear uniforms.
• Former migrant farm workers are among teachers and staff.
• Class sizes are small, 17 students compared to 20 or more.
• Schools are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering programs before and after the 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. school day.
• Parental involvement is required.

The academic focus is the improvement of language and math using a thematic and integrative approach, which immerses students in an enriched environment that reflects the complexities of life. The results include improved language, academics and literacy, increased self-esteem and desirable social skills.

The Immokalee Community School (kindergarten through sixth grade) and Wimauma Academy (pre-kindergarten through fifth) were originally chartered in 2000. In 2005, the School Boards of Collier and Hillsborough Counties renewed RCMA’s charters to operate the schools for another five years.