Newspaper articles on Gulen schools
Page created June 2010; last updated May 1, 2012
by C.A.S.I.L.I.P.S. - Citizens Against Special Interest Lobbying in Public Schools (CASILIPS on Twitter and slideshare)
We periodically add to this list. Hyperlinks are provided whenever possible. Note that services such as News Library can be used to obtain some articles that are no longer available online, although a small fee is required. (We have no affiliation with this service, and mention it only because we have used it ourselves. Several other websites such as highbeam.com also offer access to historical news archives, but usually require a subscription. Our main reason for using News Library is that it is possible to buy one article at a time, without a monthly or annual subscription.)
May 1, 2012 Alpharetta-Milton Patch, Alpharetta GA
Fulton Science Academy Middle School, Alpharetta GA
State Recommends Denying FSA Charter
"The Georgia Department of Education said Fulton Science Academy Middle School was strong on academics, but weak on everything else required." (After having its charter renewal denied by Fulton County Schools, FSA tried to get its charter approved at the state level.)
April 30, 2012 Knoxville News-Sentinel, Knoxville TN
Knoxville Science Academy (proposed), Knoxville TN
Charter school asks for 6-month extension to find Knox location
"Knox County Superintendent Jim McIntyre has recommended that they not extend the contract."
April 25, 2012 New York Times
Gulen charter school network U.S.A.
Turkey Feels Sway of Reclusive Cleric in the U.S.
"Gulen followers have been involved in starting one of the largest collections of charter schools in the United States."
April 19, 2012 Philadelphia Inquirer
Truebright Science Academy, Philadelphia PA
Allegations raised over N. Phila. charter school run by followers of Turkish imam
" Truebright Science Academy Charter School in North Philadelphia is one of more than 130 charter schools nationwide run by followers of the Turkish imam M. Fetullah Gulen, and federal officials have put it under a microscope."
April 18, 2012 Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey
Gulen charter school network U.S.A.
Gulen charter schools in US lawmakers' crosshairs
"The activities at 'Harmony Schools' in Texas had raised questions about whether the schools were using U.S. taxpayer dollars for the benefit of the Fethullah Gulen religious movement, the New York Times reported in June 2011."
Mar 9, 2012 Floyd County News and Tribune, New Albany, IN
Indiana Math and Science Academy, Indianapolis IN
GIBSON: All schools should be created equal (op-ed)
"Indiana Math and Science Academy received 44.82 percent budget increase in 2010."
Mar 4, 2012 Clarion-Ledger Jackson, MS
Harmony Public Schools TX (proposed expansion into Mississippi)
Outside firms could be among suitors for charter schools
A Turkish foundation that has drawn praise for excellence and scrutiny for spending could be among those seeking to operate charter schools in Mississippi if state lawmakers clear the way.
Feb 15, 2012 Tampa Bay Times, Tampa FL
Pinellas School of Math and Science (proposed) Tampa FL
Proposed charter school wants to lease old North Ward Elementary campus
Pinellas School of Math and Science, a proposed charter school in Tampa, is eyeing a school building that was closed in 2009. Sirin Coskun, one of the would-be school's founders, says the plan is to eventually have a K-12 school with 1000 students. The article notes that the proposed school's name is confusingly similar to Pinellas Academy of Math and Science, which already has an approved charter. (Note that many Gulenist organizations have names similar or even identical to existing institutions; this may be a deliberate strategy.)
Feb 14, 2012 Peoria Journal Star, Peoria IL
Quest Charter Academy Peoria IL
District 150 votes to sell two school buildings
Peoria County is buying two school buildings from District 150 and then selling them to Quest Charter Academy to bypass a law that stipulates that the building cannot be sold to Quest directly. Peoria County has also given Quest a $500,000 line of credit for building improvements. If Quest closes, the County will still be liable for making payments on the buildings to the district.
Feb 9, 2012 WMBD/WYZZ TV Peoria IL
Quest Charter Academy Peoria IL
Science Fair Numbers Nearly Double for Quest Academy
The article states that "more than 35 projects were on display" at Quest's science fair this year, almost twice the number from last year. This article is an excellent example of how Gulen charter schools manage to get press even when there is little remarkable to report.
Feb 8, 2012 Independent Weekly, Durham NC
Triangle Math and Science Academy (proposed) Raleigh NC
Under pressure, State Board of Education reviewing charter applications
The North Carolina State Board of Education is under intense pressure to approve nearly all of the "fast-track" charter applications up for review; Triangle Math and Science Academy is one of them. The article notes that "The organizers, who already run one charter school, the Triad Math and Science Academy in Greensboro, have ties to Turkey and to Turkish-American communities here, giving their school a flavor of separatism—ethnic or religious—that is common to charter schools around the country."
Yet it seems that concerns about charter schools resulting in resegregation, or having a negative impact on school districts because of loss of funding, are not allowed to affect the approval process. Further, it seems that lifting the cap on number of charter schools has caused educational quality to no longer be a factor in the approval process.
Feb 5, 2012 Utica Observer-Dispatch Utica NY
Utica Academy of Science Charter School (proposed)
Charter schools eye same Holy Trinity location for proposals
The proposed Utica Academy of Science Charter School is competing with another proposed charter for a building that formerly housed a Catholic school.
Feb 5, 2012 Boston Globe Boston MA
Pioneer Charter School of Science Everett MA
Everett school gets OK, but not to grow
Pioneer Charter School of Science was granted a 5-year renewal of its charter, but was denied its request to expand into the K-6 grades.
Feb 3, 2012 Utica Phoenix Utica NY
Utica Academy of Science Charter School (proposed) Utica NY
Coming Soon: Success!
This is not really a news article; it is an advertisement. Why a local newspaper would print such an promotional piece as if it were actual journalism is unclear.
Feb 3, 2012 The Gainesville Sun Gainesville FL
Sweetwater Branch Academy Gainesville FL
90 ‘mathletes' vie for a spot at state
The article profiles a Sweetwater student who participates in the MathCounts competition. The Sweetwater team does not advance to state.
Feb 2, 2012 WAWS Fox 30, WTEV CBS 47 Jacksonville FL
River City Science Academy Jacksonville FL
Field trip money stolen
This article is noteworthy primarily because the school principal "did not want to be identified." When has the principal of a publicly-funded school in the US ever declined to be identified? What is the reason why she doesn't want her name associated with the school?
Feb 1, 2012 Everett Independent, Everett MA
Pioneer Charter School of Science Everett MA
Pioneer Charter School of Science Receives Its Renewal
This article looks very much as if it is merely a reprint of a press release from the school. It is an advertisement, not journalism.
Jan 31, 2012 Appen Newspapers, Fulton County GA
Fulton Science Academy Alpharetta GA
FSA fails to satisfy state about school site permit: Second letter to charter school says state has concerns as FSA continues to build
Jan 30, 2012 The Gainesville Sun Gainesville FL
Sweetwater Branch Academy Gainesville FL
Education officials release state school rankings
"Sweetwater Branch Academy’s elementary charter school, which opened in 2010, earned a dubious honor — being near the bottom of the barrel. It ranked 1,792nd out of 1,795 in the elementary school category. It also received an F state grade for the 2010-11 school year. ... Principal Ugur Baslanti said the ranking doesn’t provide context."
There is an irony in how Gulenists present school rankings as completely valid measures when their schools rank well, but when the rankings are unfavorable, they say that the numbers do not reflect the school's performance.
Jan 26, 2012 Utica Observer-Dispatch Utica NY
Utica Academy of Science Charter School (proposed) Utica NY
Officials promote their charter school in Utica
Tolga Hayali and Fehmi Damkaci of Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School promote its proposed "sister school."
Jan 25, 2012 The Journal News Westchester NY
Westchester Academy of Science Charter School (proposed) Westchester NY
Science charter school makes 3rd try for OK to open in Yonkers
Jan 25, 2012 Appen Newspapers, Fulton County GA
Fulton Science Academy Alpharetta GA
Fulton Science Academy looks to state to keep doors open: No local options remain after Fulton Schools rejects state mediation
Jan 25, 2012 Independent Weekly Durham NC
Triad Math and Science Academy Greensboro NC
Charter schools under the microscope (Part 3/3): Questions loom about group proposing Raleigh charter school
This very well-researched article by Samiha Khanna gives a detailed examination of the school's ties to the Gulen Movement, discusses concerns about the school, and reports that the school administration has denied any connection to Fethullah Gulen.
Jan 25, 2012 Lake County News-Sun, Chicago IL
Great Lakes Math and Science Academy (proposed) Chicago IL
Public hearing for District 187 charter school proposal set for Feb. 2
Concept Schools is pursuing an application to run a charter school at Naval Station Great Lakes, to be named "Great Lakes Math and Science Academy."
Jan 24, 2012 CBS Odessa TX
Harmony Science Academy Odessa Odessa TX
There are Options for West Texas Students
Jan 24, 2012 CBS Atlanta GA
Fulton Science Academy Alpharetta GA
Alpharetta charter school runs into state hurdle
Jan 20, 2012 The Record Bergen NJ
Clifton, Northeastern Arts & Science Charter Schools (proposed) NJ
Charter schools rejected in Ridgefield Park, Clifton
(The lead applicant for these two rejected schools was Nihat Guvercin of Bergen Arts and Science Charter School in Bergen NJ)
Jan 19, 2012 Alpharetta Patch Alpharetta GA
Fulton Science Academy Alpharetta GA
Updated: School Board Reject State's Mediation Offer with Fulton Science Academy
Jan 19, 2012 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Atlanta GA
Fulton Science Academy Alpharetta GA
State says Fulton Science Academy is violating rules
Jan 16, 2012 Utica Observer-Dispatch Utica NY
Utica Academy of Science Charter School Utica NY
Proposed charter school has ‘impressive’ pedigree
Jan 13, 2012 Peoria Journal Star Peoria IL
Quest Charter Academy Peoria IL
Our View: Risk justified in Peoria County's loan to charter school
The Peoria County board has approved a $500,000 line of credit for Quest Charter Academy.
Jan 13, 2012 Alpharetta Patch Alpharetta GA
Fulton Science Academy Alpharetta GA
Fulton Science Academy Needs $150,000 More by Wednesday: Charter Division Director says state can only consider the petition Futon County School Board rejected.
Jan 13, 2012 mycentraljersey.com Somerville NJ
Bergen Arts and Science Charter School Bergen NJ
Central Jersey schools officials bewildered by state DOE's stance on background checks: State legislators asking for 30-day extension for compliance
Jan 12, 2012 Star Ledger Newark NJ
Bergen Arts and Science Charter School Bergen NJ
N.J. officials tell 200 school board members to step down after failing to complete background check
Jan 12, 2012 Alpharetta Patch Alpharetta GA
Fulton Science Academy Alpharetta GA
Alpharetta, Milton Find Spots in Top 10 of Magazine's Best High Schools: Five of the top high schools ranked by Atlanta Magazine are in North Fulton.
Fulton Science Academy High School ranks 45th on list of 50 selected high schools in Atlanta.
Jan 6, 2012 KTVI - Fox St. Louis MO
Gateway Science Academy St. Louis MO
Students excited about tests
"How do you get kids excited about tests? It's one of the secrets of success at this new South St. Louis blue ribbon charter school." Describing Gateway as a "blue ribbon" school, even in lower-case letters, is misleading. The term "Blue Ribbon" is generally used to describe schools that won the U.S. Department of Education's Blue Ribbon award, which Gateway has not.
Jan 6, 2012 Centre Daily, State College PA
Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania State College PA
Schlow children’s program to promote language diversity
It seems that YSCP needed to find some way to use the $300,000 from a FLAP grant they received from the U.S. Department of Education for teaching languages. (Reading between the lines, the YSCP administration had hoped to use this money to teach Turkish, but the parents resisted. With school districts around the country badly underfunded, it is frustrating to hear about a school that has to look for uses for its grant money.)
Jan 5, 2012 Peoria Journal Star Peoria IL
Quest Charter Academy Peoria IL
Quest Charter Academy asks county for funding
"A Peoria County Board committee endorsed a $500,000 loan to Quest Charter Academy to make improvements to its current facility on University Street. The academy also will make repairs to the now-shuttered Columbia Middle School, where it is expanding."
Jan 5, 2012 Indianapolis Star Indianapolis IN
Indiana Math and Science Academy Indianapolis IN
Unions, teacher pay and the Mind Trust plan
"Average pay at the Indiana Math and Science Academy is just $30,500 — a whopping $24,000 less than IPS." (IPS = Indianapolis Public Schools)
Dec 23, 2011 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Atlanta GA
Fulton Science Academy Alpharetta GA
Legislative plea, amendment for Fulton Science Academy rejected
Dec 20, 2011 marketwatch.com
Fulton Science Academy Alpharetta GA
Fitch Downgrades Fulton Science Academy, GA's Revs to 'BB-'; Rating Watch Negative
Dec 20, 2011 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Atlanta GA
Fulton Science Academy Alpharetta GA
Fulton School board denies charter extension to nationally acclaimed school
Dec 19, 2011 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Atlanta GA
Fulton Science Academy Alpharetta GA
Fulton charter school insistent on long contract, risks closing
Dec 14, 2011 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Atlanta GA
Fulton Science Academy Alpharetta GA
Fulton, acclaimed charter school in tiff over contract
Dec 13, 2011 Global Atlanta Atlanta GA
Fulton Science Academy Alpharetta GA
Fulton Charter School's Status Threatened Despite Honors
December 1, 2011
Orlando Science Elementary (proposed) Orlando FL
Orange set to reject most charter applications for 2012
"Later this month the Orange school board plans to vote up or down on the last four of 23 charter applications for fall 2012. ... Two were approved (Orlando Science Elementary and Mavericks High)."
November 14, 2011 Independent Weekly, North Carolina
Triangle Math and Science Academy (proposed) NC
State considers five new Triangle charter schools
Application for new Gulen charter school in Wake County; Kenan Gundogdu lead applicant
November 7, 2011 Leesburg Patch, Virginia
Loudoun Math & IT Academy (proposed) VA
School Board Candidate Bill Fox for School Choice and Critical Thinking
A candidate for the Leesburg School Board supports charter schools and according to the article says that "Loudoun Math and IT Academy was proposed by a company producing one of the top achieving in Maryland and closing the achievement gap." The Maryland school referred to is not named in the article but clearly is Chesapeake Science Point.
October 26, 2011 The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus OH
Horizon Science Academy Columbus Columbus OH
County OK for bonds likely a first for a charter school
"Another central Ohio charter school, Horizon Science Academy in Columbus, sought the county’s OK to sell tax-exempt bonds last year. That request prompted the county to create a process to review such requests from charter schools, to make sure the bonds support a public purpose and to assess schools’ credit. Horizon Science Academy’s request was later withdrawn."
October 18, 2011 The Record Bergen NJ
Bergen Arts & Sciences Charter, Passaic Arts and Sciences Charter, (proposed) Northeastern Arts & Sciences Charter; (proposed) Clifton Arts & Sciences Charter
State receives 42 new charter school applications, including 4 in Passaic and 2 in Bergen
"Two of the proposals come from the same educators who run the Bergen Arts & Sciences Charter, based in Garfield and Hackensack, and the Passaic Arts and Sciences Charter. They want to expand by launching a Northeastern Arts & Sciences Charter for K-5 students in Hackensack and Ridgefield Park, as well as a proposed Clifton Arts & Sciences Charter for K-5 students."
October 6, 2011 WTSP/CBS News
Harmony Science Academy NW Houston Houston TX
Fourth grader forced to scrub school toilets for tardies
"Parents of some students at the Harmony Science Academy Charter School in Northwest Harris County say their children were forced to clean restrooms as punishment."
October 3, 2011 Commercial Appeal, Memphis TN
Harmony Public Schools; Proposed Memphis charter school Memphis TN
Herenton submits applications to start charter schools
"With Texas-based Harmony Schools as advising partner, Herenton and his newly formed W.E.B. DuBois Consortium of Charter Schools expect to be the first private company to take over an entire public school here."
October 1, 2011 Austin American-Statesman
Harmony Public Schools TX
Federal grant spurs charter school expansion in Austin area
September 28, 2011 The Daily Independent Tucson AZ
Sonoran Science Academy Tucson AZ
TUSD Governing Board delays agenda vote
"Many Tucsonans oppose the Sonoran Science Academy proposals due the fact that they appear to be part of a network associated with Fethullah Gulen. SSA offered to buy three of the closed school buildings."
September 26, 2011 Huffington Post
Gulen charter school network in US
Islamophobia Network Targets Top Performing American Schools
This article attributes all criticism of Gulen charter schools to "Islamophobia." Interestingly, the article uses the term "Gulen charter schools." It mentions that two of these schools were on Newsweek's 2011 Top 10 Miracle Schools list; in fact, as explained on this webpage, one of those schools (Harmony Science Academy North Austin) was included erroneously, yet it seems Newsweek has never issued a correction.
September 2, 2011 First Coast News, Jacksonville FL
River City Science Academy, Jacksonville FL
After FCAT, River City Science Student Waits and Waits for Cash Reward
"Ashley Newman used to go to River City in the seventh and eight grades, but this year she's being home schooled. 'I don't feel I can trust what they say,' said Monica Newman. Newman said she took her daughter out of River City Science Academy for a number of reasons, but she said she was most disappointed with a broken promise related to the school's FCATs."
September 1, 2011
Orlando Science Middle/High School, Orlando Science Elemetary (proposed school)
And then there were 21 — Orange charter applications, that is
" And the Orlando Science Elementary would be run by the same people who run the Orlando Science Middle/High School, which was recently cleared of having suspicious test erasures."
August 23, 2011
Chesapeake Math and IT Academy, Laurel MD
New Laurel charter school celebrates first day, first year
August 23, 2011 GSA Business, Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson SC
Greenville Renewable Energy, or GREEN, Charter School (proposed), Greenville SC
Committee rejects GREEN charter school
This new school, which would have been the first Gulen charter school in South Carolina, had lead petitioner Akif Aydin, who co-founded River City Science Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. The school has been rejected, but an appeal is still possible. The proposal appears to be the latest reincarnation of an earlier "Greenville Science Academy," proposed by other Florida Gulenists in 2006 and 2009 and rejected both times.
August 22, 2011 WFMJ Youngstown OH
Horizon Science Academy Youngstown
Horizon Science Academy expands, adds 8th grade class
The article states that “the academy boasts a 16 to one student-teacher ratio.” In fact, this is nothing special, since the Ohio state average is 16 students per teacher. This appears to be yet another attempt to capitalize on the confusion between student-teacher ratio and class size. The two measures are not the same; class size is always larger than student-teacher ratio.
August 20, 2011 Times-Picayune, New Orleans LA
Abramson Science and Technology Charter School, New Orleans LA
What gets inspected gets done: A guest column by Brian Beabout
Discusses inadequate accountability in charter school system.
August 16, 2011 KTHV, Little Rock AR
LISA Academy, Little Rock AR
LISA Academy thinking outside the box
This article is a great example of Gulenist propaganda appearing in local news stories. The article suggests that LISA Academy students are learning original thinking by building prototype model cars. In fact, this is a type of project done by Gulen school students all over the country. One of the LISA students gives a strange example of a Science Bowl Quiz question: "how many hydrogen bonds are in a carbon atom." It's unclear whether this was meant to be a trick question, but in any case there most certainly cannot be any hydrogen bonds in a carbon atom. The attempted depiction of Gulen schools as a place where students are not "taught to conform" is misleading, given that Gulenists in reality place a great emphasis on obedience to authority.
August 15, 2011 KMOV, St. Louis MO
Gateway Science Academy, St. Louis MO
Construction project adds element of danger for some students
A construction zone near Gateway Science Academy is causing safety concerns at the beginning of the school year.
August 15, 2011 Business Wire, New York City NY
Chicago Math and Science Academy (CMSA), Chicago, IL; Horizon Science Academy Dayton High; Horizon Science Academy Toledo High; and Horizon Science Academy Springfield OH
Fitch Affirms New Plan Learning Inc. Project (OH) Revs at 'BBB-'; Outlook Stable
About 34 million dollars in bonds have been given an investor-grade rating, and are about to be offered for sale to investors. The bonds are for facilities construction projects for the four schools. It is noteworthy that the most established of the four schools, CMSA, is going to contribute 50% of the lease payments. This means that this Illinois school will be subsidizing newer schools in Ohio. This flow of money across state lines to help establish new schools is a common phenomenon in Gulen charter school chains across the country.
August 11, 2011 Baltimore Sun, Baltimore MD
Chesapeake Science Point Public Charter School, Hanover MD
Sixth-graders excel at test normally administered to high school students
This article is very representative of the Gulenist use of one high-performing precocious student to create the impression that their student body is much more advanced than other schools. No doubt the student mentioned is very talented, and his success is certainly to be celebrated. However, the article fails to note that this student is not representative of the entire student body, and that moreover many other schools in the region also have a few highly advanced students (but presumably they are not as active in issuing press releases). While articles like this may be feel-good news for parents and the community, they contribute to the nationwide problem of an inflated image of Gulen charter schools.
August 10, 2011 Times-Picayune, New Orleans LA
Abramson Science and Technology Charter School, New Orleans LA
Jefferson Parish School Board OKs hiring of two consultants
One of the two individuals fired because of lax enforcement at Abramson Charter School has now been rehired as a consultant, with pay of $100,000. It is noteworthy that the whistleblower who was fired, Folwell Dunbar, is not the one being re-hired. The article leaves the impression that those who ignored the problems at Abramson are being rewarded, while the one individual (Folwell Dunbar) who reported a bribe attempt and tried to bring attention to the abuses has lost his job.
August 10, 2011 Odessa American, Odessa TX
Harmony Science Academy Odessa, Odessa TX
Harmony school expands for second year
Harmony Odessa, now starting its second year, already has a new principal, Emin Cavusoglu who is coming from Dove Science Academy, a Gulen charter school in Arkansas. The planned enrollment this year is 350 compared to 220 last year. As with all Harmony schools, the administration claims the school has a long waiting list.
August 9, 2011 Today's Zaman, Turkey
Abramson Science and Technology Charter School, New Orleans LA
When a reporter becomes part of the story
Again, the fact that Today's Zaman, known to be run by the Gulen Movement and located in Turkey, is taking such an acute interest in a charter school in Louisiana is further proof of the connection of Abramson to the Gulen Movement. The article is a classic example of Gulenist attempted character assassination of anyone who points out the deficiencies of their schools. The great irony is that it is the reporter Aydogan Vatandas, along with Today's Zaman newspaper, who are committing the ethical error of becoming "part of the story." Their affiliation with the Gulen Movement guarantees their total lack of objectivity. The naming of former employees and accusations of "slander" constitute a very objectionable attempt at intimidation and contribute to the impression of Today's Zaman as a propaganda instrument rather than a serious newspaper.
August 8, 2011 Louisiana Weekly
Abramson Science and Technology Charter School, New Orleans LA
State orders closure of Abramson Charter School
The article title is slightly misleading, as the school itself is not closing, but rather the state has terminated its contract with Pelican Educational Foundation, which now no longer can run the school. The decision was made "Amid allegations of attempted bribery, lack of resources for special needs students, grade inflation, and an incident between two five-year-old students that was 'possibly sexual in nature'..." A noteworthy line of the article is "While some critics have loudly condemned the Turkish 'Gulen Movement' connections of the Charter operator, the BESE closure came at the behest of several other teachers speaking privately to the Board about improprieties at the East NOLA school." It is interesting that the article puts the term "Gulen Movement" in quotation marks, as if questioning whether such a movement exists. Also, no mention is made of the fact that at least some of the same concerns have arisen in several other Gulen charter schools around the country.
July 27, 2011 FOX Channel 8, New Orleans LA
Abramson Science and Technology Charter School, New Orleans LA
Changes may soon be coming for Abramson Charter School
Some parents are concerned about change in management of Abramson so close to start of new school year.
July 26, 2011 South Brunswick Patch, New Jersey
Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School (proposed), South Brunswick NJ
Second Charter School with South Brunswick Students Will Not Open This Year
A proposed Gulen charter school will not open this fall and was given a planning year extension by the state. "District to have $1.5 million taken from state aid for two charter schools returned."
July 24, 2011 Today's Zaman, Turkey
Abramson Science and Technology Charter School, New Orleans LA
Abramson charter school officials reject the allegations of local paper
This article is remarkable first and foremost for the fact that a high-circulation Turkish newspaper known to be run by the Gulen Movement is writing about a charter school in Louisiana. This in itself provides yet more strong evidence that Abramson was run by Gulenists. The article consists of classic Gulenist damage control, with denial of all wrongdoing, inflated claims about the school, and negative insinuations about any critics (e.g., the suggestion that complaints came only from "expelled students" or "former teachers" is made in an attempt to invalidate these complaints). The claim that Abramson demonstrated "remarkable academic growth in 2009-2010" is questionable, as a comparison of 2009 and 2010 state standardized test passing percentages on official Louisiana report cards shows that some grades declined in performance. The most over-the-top line is "Eski also added that they have fears of a racist terrorist attack against their school following unsubstantiated allegations presented in the article," a classic example of Gulenist play-the-victim tactics.
July 22, 2011 Impact News, Austin TX
Harmony School of Political Science and Communication, Austin TX
Harmony charter system expands in Northwest Austin: Long waiting lists prompt construction of new schools, legislation
The article is about the opening of the new Harmony school, and mentions that long waiting lists for charter schools have prompted legislation to aid new construction. It is regrettable that the journalist does not appear to have conducted any independent verification of the claimed waiting list numbers, which are apparently maintained by charter schools themselves. Since these schools have a vested financial interest in the numbers being large, such independent confirmation is essential, especially given that state money allocation is based on them. Moreover, the prospect of a school run by a foreign politico-religious movement known to have its own agenda specializing in teaching foreign policy to young Americans is extremely concerning. It is unfathomable that the article completely elided this issue.
July 21, 2011 The Advocate, Baton Rouge LA
Kenilworth Science and Technology Charter School, Baton Rouge LA
Probe opened at school: BR charter has link to troubled site
The state of Louisiana is opening an investigation into the Kenilworth school, because it is run by the Pelican Educational Foundation, the charter holder of the troubled Abramson school in New Orleans.
The article says that Abramson was recently closed "amid allegations of sexual abuse and other problems." (In fact, the school is not actually closed, but the Pelican Foundation is no longer in charge of it.)
July 20, 2011 Times-Picayune, New Orleans LA
Abramson Science and Technology Charter School, New Orleans LA
Investigation of Abramson now includes rape allegation
Excerpt: "The crisis surrounding an eastern New Orleans charter school under state investigation deepened Wednesday as the Louisiana Department of Education announced it is looking into a previously undisclosed rape allegation associated with the school."
July 20, 2011 Dayton Daily News, Dayton OH
Horizon Science Academy Dayton High School, Dayton OH
Charter school seeking $9.2M to expand County commissioners must approve issuance of the revenue bonds
Excerpts: "Montgomery County commissioners will decide Thursday whether to approve the issuance of $9.2 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds to expand a controversial charter school in Dayton." "Chicago-based Concept Schools runs 19 Ohio charter schools, including three Horizon Science Academies in Dayton. One of the state’s largest operators of publicly financed charters, it was founded by Turkish educators inspired by religious leader and scholar, Fethullah Gulen."
July 18, 2011 North Jersey Media Group, Hackensack NJ
Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology, Paterson NJ
State flags two North Jersey schools for erasures, changes on tests
Exerpts: "Two North Jersey schools have been flagged for having an unusually high percentage of answers changed from wrong to right on state tests for two years in a row, reports released by the New Jersey education department show. // A high rate of answers changed from wrong to right does not in itself indicate cheating, but a state official said Monday that schools that repeatedly show high rates might warrant further inquiry. // Seventeen schools statewide that had high rates in both 2009 and 2010 include Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology // At Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology, Principal Riza Gurcanli expressed surprise at news his school was flagged twice by the state’s so-called 'erasure analysis.' "
July 4, 2011 Houston Chronicle, Houston TX
Harmony Public Schools, TX
Facing funding cuts, KIPP drops Saturday classes
Excerpts: "Harmony will be adding 3,000 to bring enrollment to 20,000 students in Texas. // Harmony Science Superintendent Soner Tarim said they had planned for a worst-case scenario of 10-12 percent cuts. To handle the smaller cuts they plan to give employees smaller raises and make slight increases to class size. 'We are very comfortable,' Tarim said."
Note that the "comfortable" state of Harmony's finances is not surprising, since this school chain has received $215,000,000 from bond offerings.
July 2011 Tucson Daily Independent, Tucson AZ
Sonoran Science Academy, Tucson AZ
Community input on TUSD's closed schools varied and informed
Excerpt: "There was vocal opposition to the Sonoran Science Academy..."
June 29, 2011 CBS-DFW (CBSDFW.com) Dallas-Ft. Worth TX
Harmony Public Schools
Texas Legislature To Launch Investigation Of Charter Schools
Following the June 6, 2011 New York Times article, the Texas legislature has decided to investigate charter schools, including the Harmony network, to ensure taxpayer money is being used wisely.
June 6, 2011 New York Times
Harmony Public Schools, Cosmos Foundation TX
Charter schools tied to Turkey grow in Texas
Article focuses on how Harmony school administrators direct many school business contracts to their own network of businesses and organizations.
May 31, 2011 Austin Business Journal, Austin TX
Harmony Public Schools, Cosmos Foundation TX
Harmony School closes $65M bond issue
"Harmony Public School has completed a $65 million fourth bond offering that will fund its campus expansion plans." "In total, the charter school system has raised $215 million through bond offerings during the last 10 years."
May 29, 2011 Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno NV
Coral Academy of Science, Reno NV
Top high schools part with tradition
“high turnover of juniors and seniors and a limited number of Advanced Placement and other rigorous classes, as well as teachers to teach them.”
May 28, 2011 New York Times
Gulen charter school network in US
Return of Islamic College Raises New Questions
"The movement, led by Fetullah Gulen, a Turkish religious leader living in self-imposed exile in rural Pennsylvania, supports scores of charter schools" "The Gulen movement, called Hizmet (a Turkish word meaning 'service')...... operates more than 120 publicly financed charter schools in 25 states."
May 28, 2011 Syracuse Post-Standard, Syracuse NY
Syracuse Academy of Science, Syracuse NY
Syracuse charter school to bring new life for former St. James parish school in the Valley
"The [Terra Science and Education] foundation was established recently to support a network of charter schools in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, he said."
"The Syracuse Academy will pay the foundation roughly $20,000 a month in rent and related costs to use the St. James building, he said."
May 27, 2011 Baldwin-Whitehall Patch, Baldwin-Whitehall PA
Young Scholars of Western Pennsylvania, Baldwin PA
Young Scholars Officials Say That B-W's Refugee Population Was Targeted
"Young Scholars' stance on refugees has changed 180 degrees since March."
May 26, 2011 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh PA
Young Scholars of Western Pennsylvania, Baldwin PA
Charter school to focus on global perspectives
"Charter founders said the Baldwin-Whitehall School District was selected because one of the towns in the district, Whitehall Borough, has the highest refugee population in Western Pennsylvania."
May 24, 2011 The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City OK
Dove Science Academy, Cosmos Foundation (Harmony Public Schools)
Oklahoma charter schools hire math, science teachers from overseas
"These schools are part of a growing movement in America, more than 120 charter schools that were founded by young intellectual Turkish nationals. ... The officials say the schools are not connected or associated with a broader movement. Social scientists who have studied the movement, say the schools are part of a broader international movement that has millions of followers..."
May 24, 2011 Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond VA
Richmond Science Academy (proposed charter school in Richmond VA)
Proposed 2nd charter school withdraws application
May 22, 2011 Hawaii Free Press, Hawaii
Mokapu STEM School (proposed), Mokapu HI
Gulen Cult strikes out in Hawaii Legislature, School?
May 20, 2011 Columbus Dispatch, Columbus OH
Horizon Science Academy, Columbus OH
Feds question schools' visa use: Federal funds used to pay for teachers' families
May 20, 2011 KOLD-TV, Tucson AZ
Sonoran Science Academy, Tucson AZ
Three Tucson schools rank top 40 nationwide
(See Valerie Strauss' piece in the Washington Post strongly criticizing the methodology used to obtain these rankings, which depend only on the number of AP tests taken per student, not whether the students actually passed.)
May 18, 2011 ABC News Channel 13, Toledo OH
Horizon Science Academy, Toledo OH
Ohio charter paid immigration fees
May 14, 2011 Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond VA
Richmond Science Academy (proposed), Richmond VA
Second charter school for Richmond recommended for denial
May 8, 2011 Baldwin-Whitehall Patch, Baldwin-Whitehall PA
Young Scholars of Western Pennsylvania, Baldwin-Whitehall PA
Young Scholars Responds to Patch Readers' Concerns Over Mailings
May 1, 2011 The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City OK
Dove Science Academy, Oklahoma City and Tulsa OK
Schools' backers say Islamic ties pose no threat
April 13, 2011 Baldwin-Whitehall Patch, Baldwin, Pennsylvania
Young Scholars of Western Pennsylvania, Baldwin-Whitehall PA
Residents Concerned Over Charter School's Mailings
April 7, 2011 Chicago News Cooperative, New York Times
Chicago Math and Science Academy, Chicago IL
Unions Move In at Chicago Charter Schools, and Resistance Is Swift
April 4, 2011 Philadelphia Inquirer
Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania, Truebright Science Academy, PA
WikiLeaks files detail U.S. unease over Turks and charter schools
March 29, 2011 Baldwin-Whitehall Patch
Young Scholars of Western Pennsylvania, State College PA
Young Scholars Charter School Discussed Heavily at Baldwin Township Meetings Monday Night
March 28, 2011 NewsOK, Oklahoma City OK
Dove Science Academy, Oklahoma City OK
Dove Science Academy in OKC celebrates 10 years of success
March 25, 2011 Florida Independent FL
River City Science Academy, Jacksonville FL
ACT! for America alleges FBI investigation of Jacksonville charter school
March 22, 2011 Houston Chronicle, Houston TX
Harmony School of Excellence, Harmony School of Advancement, Houston TX
Charter schools establish their niche in Houston: Principals report students on waiting lists
The article states that Harmony School of Excellence Houston has a 12:1 student:teacher ratio; the 2009-2010 Texas AEIS report for this school shows number of students per teacher as 17.
March 22, 2011 Centre Daily Times, State College PA
Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania, State College PA
Young Scholars charter school faces scrutiny over ties with Islamic leader: Federal authorities examining possible employee kickbacks, according to report
March 21, 2011 Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review, Turkey
Nationwide Gulen charter school network
FBI investigating Gulen schools in US
March 21, 2011 Arizona Daily Star, Tucson AZ
Sonoran Science Academy, Tucson AZ and nationwide Gulen charter school network
Gulen-school supporters fight back as feds investigate
March 21, 2011 WJAC-TV State College PA
Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania, State College PA
Centre County Charter School Linked To Controversial International Allegations: Recent News Reports Question Operations Of Group Connected To State College Charter School
March 20, 2011 Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania, State College PA; ; Truebright Science Academy, Philadelphia PA, and nationwide Gulen charter school network
U.S. charter-school network with Turkish link draws federal attention
March 18, 2011 WBEZ, Chicago Illinois
Chicago Math and Science Academy, Chicago, Illinois
Charter school union fight heats up: Clergy, labor groups draw parallels to Wisconsin
March 9, 2011 Longmont Times-Call, Longmont, Colorado
Lotus School for Excellence, Aurora CO
State board denies Lotus appeal
March 6, 2011 Hawai'i Free Press, Hilo, Hawaii
(Proposed) Mokapu STEM School
Gulen Cult: Legislators to welcome “Ugly Unionbusting” to Hawaii schools?
March 4, 2011 The Times, Ottawa, Illinois
Quest Charter Academy Peoria IL
STATE AFFAIRS: Can charter schools save public education?
In this article, Engin Blackstone (a.k.a. Karatas) incorrectly stated that all Concept Schools in Ohio are either rated as "continuous improvement" or "effective and excellent." In fact, according to 2009-2010 Ohio state report cards, five schools are rated as "Academic Watch" and one is rated "Academic Emergency."
March 2, 2011 Longmont Times-Call, Longmont, Colorado
Lotus School for Excellence, Aurora CO
Lotus argues charter denial was not fair
February 27, 2011 Houston Chronicle, Houston TX
Harmony Public Schools Texas
A long line to learn: Harmony Academy charter system is booming, despite initial suspicions by parents and a lackluster economy
February 10, 2011 WATE, Knoxville TN
Knoxville Charter Academy Knoxville TN
North Carolina school has connection to future Knoxville Charter Academy
February 10, 2011 WFMZ-TV, Allentown PA
Allentown Science Academy Charter School Allentown PA
Charter School One Step Closer To Approval
January 21, 2011 PBS Religion & Ethics Newsweekly
Harmony Public Schools TX
The Gulen Movement
Article clearly acknowledges the connection between the Harmony schools and the Gulen Movement.
January 13, 2011 Hawaii Free Press, Hawaii
Mokapu STEM School (charter proposal), Kailua HI
Anti-gay religious cult tied to torture seeks Charter conversion of Mokapu Elementary
December 22, 2010 Arizona Daily Star, Tucson AZ
Sonoran Science Academy, etc
Sociologist calls on Gulenist charter schools to come clean
December 21, 2010 KWTX Waco TX
Harmony Science Academy - Waco
Local Teacher and Actor Charged With Sexual Assault Of A Child
December 17, 2010 Dallas Morning News, Dallas TX
Harmony Public Schools, Texas
Charter schools with ties to religious groups raise fears about state funds' use
December 7, 2010 Tampa Bay Online Tampa FL
New Springs Elementary School, Tampa FL
Hillsborough approves seven charter schools
December 1, 2010 Daily Breeze Torrance CA
Magnolia Public Schools, Los Angeles CA
Charter group no longer seeking new LAUSD campus
November 29, 2010 WBIR.com Knoxville, TE
Knoxville Charter School, Knoxville TE
Charter school application to be approved if it addresses concerns
November 16, 2010 Longmont Times-Call Longmont, CO
Lotus School for Excellence, Longmont CO
Looking at Lotus’ progress
November 10, 2010 The New Republic
Harmony Public Schools, Texas; other Gulen charter schools
The Global Imam: What does the leader of the world’s most influential Islamic movement really want?
November 1, 2010 Community Impact Newspaper, Austin TX
Harmony School of Political Science Austin TX
Charter school plans to break ground in northwest Austin
October 11, 2010 Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque NM
Albuquerque School of Excellence
Texas Charter School Chain's Resources Used at Local, But Unrelated, Campus
September 19, 2010 Dallas Morning News, Dallas TX
Harmony Science Academy Austin
Texas' top charter schools demand more from students, parents, teachers
September 16, 2010 Arizona Daily Star, Tucson AZ
Coral Academy of Science, Horizon Science Academy, Chicago Math and Science Academy, Sonoran Science Academy
"Pima IDA helped Turkish-run, out-of-state schools"
August 20, 2010 Baltimore Sun, Baltimore MD
Chesapeake Science Point, Hanover MD
"Guerilla Ed"
There are two major errors in this article. The statement that Chesapeake gets less than half the funding of regular district schools is false. The statement that Chesapeake got an additional one million dollars in donations is also false.
Notice the similarity of this article to several other articles on Gulen charters, e.g. the Nov 26, 2009 story (below) profiling a Gulenist principal in a California school, yet principal Fatih Kandil says "We have something unique going on here."
August 20, 2010 statecollege.com, State College PA
Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania, State College PA
"Five Years In, Young Scholars Thrives With Global Approach"
August 17, 2010 USA Today
Horizon Science Academy, Pioneer Charter School of Science and Beehive Science & Technology Academy, Harmony Science Academy, Sonoran Science Academy, etc
"Objectives of charter schools with Turkish ties questioned"
August 1, 2010 Texas Monthly
Harmony Science Academy, Houston TX
"Head of the class"
(A subscription to the magazine is required to read the complete article.)
July 20, 2010 The Commercial Appeal, Memphis TN
Memphis School of Excellence, Memphis TN
Memphis school board approves fee from charter schools
July 7, 2010 Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta GA
Fulton Sunshine Academy, Roswell GA
Despite good schools, north Fulton parents line up for new math and science charter school
June 10, 2010 Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City UT
Beehive Science and Technology Academy, Holladay UT
"State board reverses decision to close charter school"
June 10, 2010 Deseret News, Salt Lake City UT
Beehive Science and Technology Academy, Holladay UT
"Charter board reverses decision to close Beehive Academy"
June 7, 2010 Tulsa World, Tulsa OK
Dove Science Academy, Tulsa OK
"Teen pleads guilty to raping child at Tulsa charter school"
June 1, 2010 Deseret News, Salt Lake City UT
Beehive Science and Technology Academy, Holladay UT
"Islamic links to Utah's Beehive Academy probed"
May 28, 2010 Arizona Daily Star, Tucson AZ
Sonoran Science Academy, Tucson AZ
"How Gülen schools create Turkey sympathizers — a columnist's view"
May 12, 2010 Maryland Gazette, Annapolis MD
Chesapeake Science Point, Hanover MD
"Chesapeake Science Point wins charter school of year"
This article is noteworthy for two points. First, exactly where did the one million dollars in donations come from? Also, note the statement that several other schools were equally qualified to get the charter school of the year award. The article does not explain how Chesapeake landed the award.
May 11, 2010 KOLO, Reno NV
Coral Academy of Science, Reno NV
“Attempted Kidnapping Prompts Lockdown at Coral Academy of Science”
May 6, 2010 Arizona Daily Star
Sonoran Science Academy, Tucson AZ
"Debate shifts on Gulen, US charter schools"
April 30, 2010 Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City UT
Beehive Science & Technology Academy, Holladay UT
“State charter board votes to close Beehive academy”
(article appears to no longer be available online)
April 27, 2010 Arizona Daily Star, Tucson AZ
Sonoran Science Academy, Magnolia Science Academy, Lotus School for Excellence
On Turkish schools, HomeVisits© and strategic ambiguity
April 26, 2010 Arizona Daily Star, Tucson AZ
Sonoran Science Academy, Tucson AZ
More on Sonoran Science, on Gulen
April 25, 2010 Arizona Daily Star, Tucson AZ
Sonoran Science Academy, Tucson AZ
Gulen movement an enigmatic mix of Turkish nationalism, religion, education
April 25, 2010 Arizona Daily Star, Tucson AZ
Sonoran Science Academy, Tucson AZ
Foreigners fill ranks of local charter- school chain
April 1, 2010 KVUE, Austin TX
Harmony School of Excellence, Austin TX
"Lottery held for limited number of seats at South Austin charter school"
March 30, 2010 Centre Daily, State College PA
Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania, State College PA
"Young Scholars teachers, staff vote for union"
March 2, 2010 Dallas Morning News, Dallas TX
Harmony School System, under Cosmos Foundation, TX
“Turkish scholars excel with charter schools that emphasize science, math”
February 24, 2010 Inside Indiana Business, Indianapolis IN
Indiana Math and Science Academy-North, Indianapolis IN
Another Charter School Approved in Indianapolis
February 18, 2010 MinnPost.com, Minneapolis MN
Minnesota School of Science, Minneapolis MN
Minneapolis district poised to create two schools outside the bureacuracy
Feb 9, 2010 News4Jax.com Jacksonville FL
River City Science Academy, Jacksonville FL
“School Bus Driver Yells 'Man With Gun'”
Dec 31, 2009 Tucson Weekly, Tucson AZ
Sonoran Science Academy, Tucson AZ
“Hidden Agenda? Parents raise concerns that a Tucson charter school has ties to a Turkish nationalist movement”
Nov 26, 2009 Newsreview.com Sacramento CA
Pacific Technology School, Orangevale CA
"Do the math: A new charter school pushes ‘hard sciences’ thanks to its principal"
Oct 26, 2009 Tulsa World, Tulsa OK
Dove Science Academy, Tulsa OK
“Tulsa school board ends charter with Dove Science Academy”
Sep 5, 2009
Harmony Science Academy, San Antonio TX
"Low-scoring students told to leave"
July 17, 2009 Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City UT
Beehive Science and Technology Academy, Holladay, UT
“Utah charter school's ties to Turkey draw scrutiny”
March 18, 2009 6 ABC Action News, WPVI-TV, Philadelphia PA
Truebright Science Academy, Philadelphia PA
"Predator follows teen into school"
August 28, 2008 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Lubbock TX
Harmony Science Academy - Lubbock, Lubbock TX
Alarm issues delay Harmony opening
February 2, 2008 Voices of Central Pennsylvania, State College PA
Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania Charter School, State College PA
Charter Schools Siphon Public Funds
August 27, 2007 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Lubbock TX
Harmony Science Academy, Lubbock TX
Incident leads LISD officials to have concerns about Harmony
June 16, 2007 Rocky Mountain News, Denver CO
Lotus School for Excellence, Aurora CO
“Students put at risk, building code official charges; Unsafe school allowed to stay open, e-mails say”
May 30, 2007 Columbus Dispatch, Columbus OH
Horizon Science Academy, Columbus OH
"Horizon charter school in financial fix"
May 7, 2007 Channel 10 TV, Columbus OH
Horizon Science Academy, Columbus OH
“10 Investigates: Licensed To Teach?”
Nov 17, 2006 KOTV Tulsa, Oklahoma
Dove Science Academy, Tulsa, OK
“New teacher allegations"
June 19, 2006 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee WI
Wisconsin Career Academy, Milwaukee WI
"Top dollar for top scholars: Charter school offers gift cards to attract pupils"
April 21, 2006 Baltimore Sun, Baltimore MD
Chesapeake Science Point, Hanover MD
“Charter Schools Struggle to Survive”
Mar 30, 2006 Washington Post
Chesapeake Science Point, Hanover MD
"County Takes Over Charter School: Police Remove Director From Hanover Campus"
Mar 14, 2006 Baltimore Sun, Baltimore MD
Chesapeake Science Point, Hanover MD
"Charter School Under Scrutiny: Teachers Allege Mistreatment; Leader Suspended"
January 18, 2006 Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek CA
Bay Area Technology School, Richmond, Richmond CA (proposed)
Technology Charter School Proposed
January 3, 2006 Tulsa World, Tulsa OK
Dove Science Academy, Tulsa OK
“Dove Faces Challenges As Charter School”
August 29, 2005 Tulsa World, Tulsa OK
Dove Science Academy, Tulsa OK
“Charter School Revises Practice”
