We are only a few months into the 2024-25 school year and it is abundantly clear that our schools are continuing to build off the momentum they’ve created since opening their doors. Concept Schools recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and the success of its network schools with two events in Chicago and Columbus this past month.
With community partners, school administrators, students, and central office employees in attendance at both events, the organization was able to reflect on the past and see what is to come for its bright future in the education space.
“At Concept Schools, our people have always been our greatest strength,” Concept’s President/CEO Sedat Duman wrote in an email. “Every day, you bring something special that makes us who we are. I’ve witnessed so many of you step up just when we needed it most, guiding us forward and helping us maintain the momentum we’ve built. You have shaped this journey through your coaching, mentoring, leading, serving, and wisdom; I am incredibly grateful for that.”
Check out the other highlights from our schools over the past month.
Horizon Science Academy Columbus Student Impresses At Business Pitch Competition
This past month, 18-year-old Jaylen Fultz represented Horizon Science Academy with excellence at the national level of the Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship's business pitch competition in New York City. Competing among 50 talented students, Jaylen presented his business, BOYFAILYOURS, in front of a panel of five distinguished judges. He made it to the quarterfinals and his pitch impressed the judges, who responded to his work with enthusiasm and constructive feedback (which not all other participants received).
Following the pitch, Jaylen had the opportunity to showcase his artwork at an expo booth and cocktail hour event, where students could interact with attendees and sell their products. Jaylen's booth quickly became a highlight, drawing interest from many guests, including one of his judges from earlier, who is a prominent figure in the art business. This judge was so impressed by Jaylen's talent that they encouraged him to consider studying art in New York City. The two had a productive conversation and exchanged business cards, marking an exciting potential avenue for Jaylen’s future in the arts.
Jaylen has been described as a thoughtful and sometimes reserved student which made his performance at the competition even more inspiring to those who know him well. Throughout the competition, he embodied HSA Columbus’ S.O.A.R. (Seek, Organize, Advance, Reflect) values and set an example of what the school’s students can achieve.
Horizon Science Academy Cincinnati Science Teacher Secures $5,000 Grant
Horizon Science Academy Cincinnati recently celebrated a milestone after middle school science teacher Scott Gates helped secure a $5,000 grant from the Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN). The grant will enable the school to install a four-station 3D printer system from MakerBot. This advanced setup will empower students in grades 6-8 to gain hands-on experience with 3D printing technology, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. As part of this program, students can also earn certification directly from MakerBot, enhancing their credentials in an increasingly tech-driven world.
"This grant is an exciting step forward for our students," Mr. Gates said. "By integrating 3D printing into their curriculum, we are giving them access to technology that can expand their skills and prepare them for future opportunities in STEM fields."
As a STEM-certified school within the Concept Schools network, Horizon Science Academy Cincinnati is dedicated to providing a high-quality STEM education, evidenced by this new initiative. The academy’s commitment to enhancing STEM learning aligns with Battelle’s mission, as OSLN is part of Battelle’s broader efforts to invest in sustainable STEM-based programs across Ohio. To date, Battelle has awarded $1.16 million in grants statewide, supporting a variety of projects designed to expand STEM access in public schools and open doors to future career paths.
Gates himself has had an eventful year. He was named Teacher of the Year at the middle school level and was awarded a scholarship to be a part of the highly regarded Bimini Sharklab in the Bahamas this past summer.
IMSA West, GSA Fyler Shouted Out For Academic Excellence
Indiana Math and Science Academy West and Gateway Science Academy continue to make a name for themselves as two premier educational institutions in their areas.
The Indiana Department of Education released its 2024 ILEARN results which were gathered in the spring from Indiana students in grades 3-8. The Mind Trust, a platform dedicated to furthering equity in education in the Indianapolis area, parsed through the data and came away with the following highlights:
- For Black students, Indiana Math and Science Academy West surpassed the math proficiency rates of every Indiana district except one.
- For Black students, proficiency rates at two charter schools, Indiana Math and Science Academy West and Paramount Brookside, surpass the rates at IPS’ test-in school for gifted students.
- For Black students, 11 of the top 15 public schools within IPS boundaries are charter and innovation schools.
- For Latino students, 10 of the top 15 public schools within IPS boundaries are charter and innovation schools.
Gateway Science Academy Fyler also made its way into the news after Niche, which goes rates and reviews different schools and institutions across the country, recognized it as one of the best schools in Missouri. GSA Fyler came in at No. 8 on Niche’s list, a testament to the high-quality education the school offers to all of its high school students.