Newspaper articles on Gulen schools
Page created June 2010; last updated September 16, 2013
by C.A.S.I.L.I.P.S. - Citizens Against Special Interest Lobbying in Public Schools (CASILIPS on Twitter and slideshare)
see also Gulen charter schools and Gulen in the International Press
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.)
Sep 5, 2013 Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster PA
(Proposed) Academy of Business and Entrepreneurship Charter School , Lancaster PA
Proposed business charter school to submit new application
A letter of intent has been submitted indicating that the Academy of Business and Entrepreneurship Charter School applicants intend to resubmit their application in November, for the 2014-15 school year. However, a spokeman for the proposed school says they have not yet decided whether they will proceed with submitting the full application. Locals say that if this happens, they intend to oppose the application again. The school board’s rejection of the application on the previous cycle cited “serious and pervasive deficiencies."
August 27, 2013 NBC - WKTV, Utica NY
Utica Academy of Science Charter School , Utica NY
Utica superintendent: 'perfect storm' of financial blows
The Utica School District is facing severe budget cuts which are necessitating layoffs of teachers and increased class sizes. At the same time, the district will have to give the Utica Academy of Science Charter School 1.8 million dollars, and in addition provide the charter school with transportation and a nurse.
August 22, 2013 Star Tribune, Minneapolis – St. Paul MN
Minnesota School of Science , Minneapolis MN
Minnesota School of Science charter school closes
Minnesota School of Science sued the district in an effort to stop the closure, but the judge sided with the district. The school had been in operation for 2 years.
August 18, 2013 Fox6 News, Milwaukee WI
(Now-closed) Wisconsin Career Academy , Milwaukee WI
College applicant told charter school diploma is worthless
A 2009 graduate of Wisconsin Career Academy found herself unable to enroll in the medical assistant program of Milwaukee Career College, because the college Registrar believed that WCA was not accredited. It turned out that the school in fact did not lose its accreditation until the 2012-13 school year, after which it shut down. However, the Milwaukee Career College registrar said “she had a hard time verifying whether the school was accredited because it changed its name and the phone numbers listed on the school’s website were disconnected, with no forwarding contact information.” This story points to a general problem that students may face if they attended or graduated from a charter school that later closed down: it may be difficult to obtain transcripts, or to prove that they have a valid diploma.
August 17, 2013 Action News, Jacksonville FL
Sweetwater Branch Academy , Gainesville FL
Gainesville charter school forced to shut down
“Sweetwater Branch Academy was forced to close its doors after receiving three consecutive failing grades from the state, according to Alachua County Public Schools. The Board of Education granted permission for the school to remain open last year after receiving an F score.”
July 31, 2013 The Buffalo News, Buffalo NY
Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School , Buffalo NY
State audit faults Buffalo science charter school rental of YWCA
A critical audit by the State Comptroller found that the school was paying too much for rent to Apple Educational Services. “Auditors estimated the corporation’s costs for buying and renovating the building, plus interest, at $1.9 million and noted that rent during the 15-year lease would total more than $4.4 million, ‘a return on its investment of more than 200 percent.’” There are signs pointing to this being a related-party deal. Side note: See this page on Apple Educational Services , which contracts to many Gulen charter schools in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states.
July 11, 2013 Post Standard, Syracuse NY
Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School , Syracuse NY
Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School gets critical audit from the state
“If the school had ensured better competition among vendors, the audit says, it probably could have found better prices for some $383,390 worth of equipment and furniture it purchased.”
June 28, 2013 McKeesport Daily News, McKeesport PA
(Proposed) Young Scholars of McKeesport Charter School , McKeesport PA
McKeesport board nixes charter school
“McKeesport Area school board has denied for the second time an application for the Young Scholars of McKeesport charter school to make its way into town.”
June 21, 2013 Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta GA
Fulton Science Academy High School, Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary School , Alpharetta GA
Sixteen school apply for charter through State Charter Schools Commission
Fulton Science Academy High School and Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary School are among 16 schools applying for a state charter. They are doing this to bypass the control of Fulton County, which closed their sister school Fulton Science Academy Middle School. (Recall that all 3 schools were jointly involved in a bond default of approximately 18 million.)
April 13, 2013 Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster PA
(Proposed) Academy of Business and Entrepreneurship Charter School , Lancaster PA
SDL spent more than $30K on charter school review
“School District of Lancaster spent more than $30,000 to review a proposed public charter school that the SDL board rejected last month… The school board rejected the charter application by an 8-0 vote, citing ‘serious and pervasive deficiencies’ in the ABECS application.”
April 12, 2013     Lincoln Square Patch, Chicago IL
(Proposed) Horizon Science Academy (Belmont?) , Chicago IL
Charter School Pulls Out of Lincoln Square Location
“A Concept Schools representative said community resistance and poor timing led officials to withdraw their request for the charter school’s location.” Chicago Public Schools had denied the charter for this school, but this was overturned by the newly-created Illinois State Charter School Commission.
April 2013 San Diego Community News Group, San Diego CA
Magnolia Science Academy San Diego , San Diego CA
Charter school withdraws bid to share Mission Bay High School campus next year
“The Magnolia Science Academy, a charter school that many local parents felt undermined the Mission Bay Cluster’s progress, withdrew its Proposition 39 application to share Mission Bay High School as a location for the 2013-14 school year.”
March 21, 2013     Nj.com, Bergen NJ
Bergen Arts and Science Charter School , Garfield NJ
Garfield schools lose out on lease, now need facility for 200 students
Garfield public schools was trying to negotiate a renewal of their lease of a Catholic church building; meanwhile Bergen Arts and Science Charter School signed a 5-year lease for the same building.
March 14, 2013     Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh PA
(Proposed) Young Scholars of McKeesport Charter School , McKeesport PA
McKeesport Area School Board denies charter school application
McKeesport Area School District Board has rejected the charter application Young Scholars of McKeesport Charter School. Applicant Melih Demirkan said they plan to appeal at the state level.
Feb 21, 2013     Boston Globe, Boston MA
(proposed) Pioneer Charter School of Science I & II , Greater Boston area, MA
Turkish charter schools growing as some question cleric ties
The article notes the school’s ties to Gulen, which are flatly denied by principal Barish Icin: “In an interview at the Pioneer school, Icin denied any connection to other Turkish-led schools in the United States or to Gulen. `There is no Gulen influence in the school whatsoever,’ said Icin.”
School expenses for immigration and related-party deals are also covered: “In recent years, five Turkish-run companies have won contracts from Pioneer. Those five companies have also used the same street address in Carlstadt, N.J. They include Apple Educational, Ivy Learning (owned by Apple Educational), Technotime Business Solutions, Proacademy (owned by Technotime), and Lotus Media. In total, those vendors received $218,646 from Pioneer.”
Feb 17, 2013     Kennebec Journal, Augusta ME
(proposed) Queen City Academy Charter School, Bangor ME
Proposed charter school linked to Turkish imam
“A proposed charter school to be based in Bangor is tied into an informal worldwide network of religious, cultural and education institutions operated by followers of a controversial and reclusive Turkish imam, Fethullah Gulen.”
The article states that the applicants for the Queen City Academy intend to apply again.
The article contains an unfortunate but very understandable error (understandable because the names of Gulen schools can be very confusingly similar). It identifies the publicly-funded Pioneer Charter School of Science in Massachusetts as having been listed on the Gulenist CTAA (Council of Turkic American Associations) website as a member. To the best of our knowledge, Pioneer Charter School of Science has never been officially listed as a CTAA member on their website. Rather, it is the similarly named but private Pioneer Academy of Science in NJ that is listed as a CTAA member. Note, however, that there is evidence pointing to the CTAA (as the umbrella Gulenist organization for the northeast US) as having de facto control over charter schools in the northeast, including Pioneer Charter School, whether or not this is “officially” acknowledged.
At the end of the article, Maine representative Dennis Keschl, who went on a Gulen-funded Turkey trip in summer 2012, says of the Gulen Movement: “I felt them to be very open and honest.” This line is striking, given the many instances of misinformation, distortion, and outright fabrications in Gulenist statements and writings. Keschl apparently sees the Gulen Movement as a force for good, and is quoted as saying "Maybe I'm naive, but I don't think I can easily have the wool pulled over my eyes.” It is interesting to note that Keschl and his wife wrote a testimonial after their Turkey trip, which can be viewed on the website of the Gulenist Turkish Cultural Center New Hampshire (tccnh.org). In that testimonial, Keschl describes the Gulen-run Zaman newspaper as the “equivalent” of the New York Times, and states that “freedom of the press seems to be alive and well in Turkey.” Given the plethora of news articles from early 2011 to the present on the dire state of freedom of the press in Turkey, as well as Zaman newspaper’s reputation (see here, here, and here for instance) of deliberately printing misinformation and engaging in unprofessional character assassination attacks on Gulen Movement critics, it appears that the Maine representative’s Gulen-sponsored Turkey trip was a very successful propaganda effort.
Feb 15, 2013     Boston Globe, Boston MA
(proposed) Pioneer Charter School of Science II , Greater Boston area, MA
State education commissioner recommends 5 new charter schools, endorses expansion of 11 existing ones
The Massachusetts commissioner of elementary and secondary education has endorsed the proposed new Pioneer Charter School of Science II, to be located in the Salem area. Article: “The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will vote on the proposals at its monthly meeting on Feb. 26. The board almost always approves the commissioner’s recommendations.”
Feb 14, 2013     Syracuse Post-Standard, Syracuse NY
Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School; Syracuse NY
Syracuse charter school draws only praise at expansion hearing
“The school, which runs campuses at 4837 S. Salina St. and 1001 Park Ave., is seeking permission from the state to expand from 696 students to 975 over the next four years.”
Feb 8, 2013     The Record, Bergen County NJ
Bergen Arts and Science Charter School; Garfield NJ
Garfield school security guard charged with impersonating officer, weapons possession
“Hector L. Rodriguez, a guard at the Bergen Arts and Science Charter School, was also charged with possession of a weapon without a permit to carry and possession of a weapon in an educational institution, according to a release from the Garfield Police Department.”
Feb 6, 2013 News on 6, Tulsa OK
Dove Science Academy; Tulsa OK
Mold Discovery Cancels Classes At Tulsa's Dove Science Academy
“Tulsa's Dove Science Academy has canceled classes because of mold. School officials say it started from a plumbing leak, but some teachers aren't buying that. Teachers, who don't want to be identified, tipped off News On 6 to the problem and said they have been sickened by exposure to black mold.”
Feb 6, 2013 The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City OK
Dove Science Academy; Discovery School of Tulsa, Tulsa/Oklahoma City OK
Oklahoma legislative panel rejects charter school measure
The proposed measure targeted the use of H-1B and other visas for teachers and administrators at Gulen-affiliated charter schools in Oklahoma.
Feb 1, 2013 Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster PA
(proposed) Academy of Business & Entrepreneurship Charter School, Lancaster PA
Academy's credibility an issue (Letter to Editor)
The author of the letter notes that applicant Sait Onal’s claim that the proposed school is “not associated with anyone, with any group…” is highly questionable, given that Adam Oksuz [a.k.a. Adem Oksuz] has solicited on behalf of the school, and Oksuz was principal of a charter school in Arizona that has been tied to Fethullah Gulen.
Jan 31, 2013 Philadelphia Tribune, Philadelphia PA
Truebright Science Academy, Philadelphia PA
Poor showing by Pa. charters in new AYP figures
A federally mandated recalculation of AYP (“Adequate Yearly Progress”) for Pennsylvania charter schools has caused the number making AYP to fall from 49% to 28%. After noting this, the article starts reading like an advertisement for Truebright Science Academy. It is noted that Truebright still made AYP under the new calculations. Truebright is described as “one of the handful of charters that have made AYP in consecutive years” which is referred to as “impressive.” What is not noted is that Truebright did not make AYP in the 2007-08 and 2010-11 school years (source: NAPCS website). The article states that “The PVAAS website also shows that Truebright’s graduation rate hovers near 100 percent, while traditional neighborhood schools are graduating students at a rate closer to 60 percent.” How this graduation rate was calculated is an excellent question, since the NAPCS website shows 59 11th graders in 2010-11 and only 8 12th graders in 2011-12. Similarly, while there were 47 11th graders in 2009-10, only 34 12th graders were enrolled in 2010-11. Moreover, the article makes no mention of Truebright’s dismal SAT scores: in 2011, verbal 370, math 375, writing 339 (source: State of Pennsylvania ), an indication that its graduates are performing way below college-ready on average.
Jan 23, 2013 Yale Daily News, New Haven CT
(proposed) Connecticut Academy of Math and Science (CAMS) New Haven CT
State may get new charter schools
“The third proposal, for a math and science academy, is the work of Ismail Agirman and Fatih Mercan GRD ’11 and boasts an advisory board that includes Deputy Connecticut House Speaker Kevin Ryan and Yale Police Department Chief Ronnell Higgins. Tentatively titled Connecticut Academy of Math and Sciences, or CAMS, the school would serve grades seven to 12 and emphasize science and engineering skills.”
Jan 23, 2013 Washington Post, Washington DC
(proposed) Loudoun Math & IT Academy Loudoun County VA
Proposed Loudoun charter denied application extension
“An effort by a group of Turkish immigrants to get more time to develop their application to open a charter school in Loudoun County — which would be the first there and possibly in Northern Virginia — was rejected by a 6-3 vote of the county’s school board. “
Jan 16, 2013 Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era, Lancaster PA
(proposed) Academy of Business & Entrepreneurship Charter School Lancaster PA
School District of Lancaster eyes charter school
“Opponents attacked the caliber of the school's curriculum, saying it offers nothing new and would be inappropriate for children as young as 5 years old. They also raised concerns the school may be affiliated with a network of U.S. charter schools linked in published reports to a Turkish Muslim movement….. Deslippe and other opponents mentioned published reports that have linked the proposed charter school to an investigation into Fethullah Gulen, a reclusive Turkish Muslim cleric.” In another of a long string of denials of the Gulen connection to its charter schools, would-be founder Sait Onal is quoted as saying "We are not associated with anyone, with any group, in any part of the world but here in Lancaster.”
Jan 9, 2013 Maine Department of Education News, Augusta ME
(proposed) Queen City Academy Charter School Bangor ME
Commission takes action on five charter school applications
The charter application for Queen City Academy Charter School, proposed for the Bangor area [and modeled after Pioneer Charter School of Science in Massachusetts] has been denied by the Maine Charter School Commission. The article notes that the applicants are eligible to apply again.
Dec 21, 2012 Columbus Dispatch, Columbus OH
Horizon Science Academy (High School) Columbus OH
Going to school: Ozsha Armstead, Horizon Science Academy
“My brother, Golden Jr., went to this school. My dad read up on the school and found out how good the educational system is here. I had to take an entrance examination to get in. I was so nervous. It was math, English and science. Obviously, I did well enough. I got in.” Note that Ohio Revised Statutes 3314.06 E , governing admissions to Ohio charter schools, states “That the school may not limit admission to students on the basis of intellectual ability, measures of achievement or aptitude, or athletic ability…” Therefore, Horizon Science Academy’s use of an entrance examination is illegal.
Dec 21, 2012 Atlanta Business Chronicle, Atlanta GA
Fulton Science Academy, Alpharetta GA
Wells Fargo: Science Academy in default on $19M loan
“A troubled Atlanta charter school is in default on a $19 million loan, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court.”
Dec 17, 2012 Southeast Texas Record, Beaumont TX
Harmony Science Academy, Houston TX
Pearland couple: Charter school racially discriminated against daughter
A Pearland, Texas couple have filed a federal lawsuit contending that their daughter was subject to racial discrimination at Harmony Science Academy.
Dec 16, 2012 Morning Call, Allentown PA
Allentown Engineering Academy Charter School Allentown PA
Allentown school directors question charter school applicant's ties to Gulen Movement
The charter application was previously rejected in the 2005-06, 2009-10 and 2011-12 cycles. “Last year, Zimmerman said applicants were evasive when he questioned whether they were affiliated with 71-year-old Turkish philosopher and political leader Fethulleh Gulen. Zimmerman said national and international media reports have linked Gulen's global network of followers to more than 100 taxpayer-funded charter schools, including Truebright Science Academy in Philadelphia.”
Nov 19, 2012 Erie Times-News, Erie PA
(proposed) Erie Biosciences Academy , Erie PA
Three charter schools could open in Erie area
In the new modus operandi for Gulen charter school applications, the founders are identified as “a group of…” with no names given. Here, it is “A group of educators, doctors and professionals is behind the effort to open the Erie Biosciences Academy.”
“The school would open with grades six through eight, and organizers hope to eventually have 400 students in grades six through 12. Students at the academy would choose from biomedical and biotechnology career paths. The options would include biomedical engineering, genetic research, nursing or pre-med.”
Nov 14, 2012 Commercial Appeal, Memphis TN
Memphis School of Excellence , Memphis TN
Memphis No. 9 in nation for charter school growth
“In Memphis, three schools, Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering, Memphis School of Excellence and New Consortium of Business & Law are among the lowest performing schools in the state. Under state charter school law, the local school board has authority to close them down.”
Nov 12, 2012 Commercial Appeal, Memphis TN
Memphis School of Excellence , Memphis TN
Three Memphis charter schools in jeopardy for poor grades
“Three Memphis charter schools could be closed based on poor test scores,… The decision is up to the unified Memphis and Shelby County school board, but because the schools are performing in the bottom 5 percent, they have come to the attention of Chris Barbic, superintendent of the Achievement School District.”
“Memphis School of Excellence made double digit gains in math and reading but is still on the priority list for its three-year averages.”
Nov 9, 2012 Huffington Post
(proposed) Utica Academy of Science Charter School , Utica NY
New York State Board Of Regents Approves Utica Academy Of Science, State's 4th Gulen Movement-Affiliated Charter School
“The New York State Board of Regents this week approved the application for the Utica Academy of Science Charter School, making it the fourth Gulen Movement-affiliated charter school in the state. The controversial network of charters — the largest in the country — is run by followers of Fethullah Gulen, a prominent Turkish preacher who has inspired a worldwide religious, social and nationalistic movement. The Observer-Dispatch reports that the new charter school is slated to open next fall and will serve 176 sixth through ninth graders. … the school expects to reach 462 pupils by 2018.”
Nov 8, 2012 YNN, Central NY
(proposed) Utica Academy of Science Charter School , Utica NY
Science charter school to open in Utica
“The Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School will have a partner program in Utica. The State Board of Regents approved a charter for the Utica Academy of Science this week.”
Nov 4, 2012 Utica Observer-Dispatch, Utica NY
(proposed) Utica Academy of Science Charter School , Utica NY
Utica fears cost of charter schools
“For this budget year, the district filled a $6 million gap between its revenues and expenses by cutting 157 positions, most of them teachers. Once the charter schools are at full enrollment – in 2018 – Albanese and her office expect to owe the charter schools $8.4 million. That big chunk out of the district’s budget means 170 fewer teachers. At full enrollment, the two charter schools would pull away 912 students and would mean closing two of the district’s 10 recently renovated elementary schools.”
Nov 4, 2012 Sunday News, Lancaster PA
(proposed) Academy of Business & Entrepreneurship Charter School , Utica NY
Academy of Business & Entrepreneurship Charter School has eye on Lancaster city
“The mailer — and a website for the school — announced that the academy had begun accepting pre-enrollment for kindergarten through grade four.”
“One of the founders listed for the proposed Academy of Business & Entrepreneurship Charter School, Sait Onal, was also a member of the founding coalition for the rejected Lancaster Science Academy.”
(Note: Another would-be co-founder, Indrit Hoxha, has been previously associated with the Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians, a Gulenist organization in Texas that is also a member of the Turkic American Alliance, a Gulenist umbrella organization.)
“Oksuz, according to his profile on LinkedIn, is a consultant living in Hatboro. Previously, according to articles in a number of Arizona newspapers, he served as superintendent of a charter school in Tucson, the Sonoran Science Academy. That school has been the focus of several articles in the Arizona Daily Star newspaper, which noted … its apparent link to a network of charter schools in the United States affiliated with a reclusive Turkish Muslim cleric named Fethullah Gulen.”
Oct 30, 2012 The Gainesville Sun, Gainesville FL
Sweetwater Branch Academy , Gainesville FL
Board of Education to decide fate of charter school
“The fate of an Alachua County charter school that has received F’s in its two years of existence lies in the hands of the State Board of Education as it meets Tuesday. The State Board will decide whether to close Sweetwater Branch Academy Elementary School, which opened in 2010 to feed Sweetwater’s middle school, which opened in 2008. A new state law mandates the closure of any charter school that receives two F’s in a row unless the State Board grants a waiver.”
Oct 30, 2012 KCBD, Lubbock TX
Harmony Science Academy , Lubbock TX
KCBD INVESTIGATES: Did charter school administrator cheat students?
“A local charter school is under investigation after allegations surfaced that a school administrator unlawfully changed grades. ”
“`Pretty much when I started volunteering there right off the bat, I started seeing all kinds of things like teachers mistreating the students, screaming at them,’ said Ramirez.”
Oct 24, 2012 Loudoun Times, Loudoun VA
(proposed) Loudoun Math & IT Academy , Utica NY
Deputy Superintendent: charter school application “not complete,” 2013 opening unrealistic
“Deputy Superintendent Ned Waterhouse spent more than an hour at Tuesday night’s School Board meeting describing the ways in which the Loudoun Math and IT Academy’s charter school application was `not complete.’… He said the school would be unlikely to open next fall, and that a September 2014 opening was more likely.”
Oct 24, 2012 City Journal, New York NY Autumn 2012, Vol. 22 No. 4
Nationwide network of Gulen charter schools
Who Is Fethullah Gülen? Controversial Muslim preacher, feared Turkish intriguer—and “inspirer” of the largest charter school network in America, by Claire Berlinski
“Gulen is a powerful business figure in Turkey and—to put it mildly—a controversial one. He is also an increasingly influential businessman globally. …He is, among other things, a major player in the world of American charter schools—though he claims to have no power over them; they’re just greatly inspired, he says.”
The article gives an excellent overview of the Gulen Movement and its involvement in US charter schools, and raises many points of concern.
Oct 14, 2012 Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Bergen Arts and Science Charter School , Garfield NJ
Education… Education… Education…
“Nihat Guvercin, a charter school administrator at one of the top charter schools in New Jersey, told me that ‘charter schools are absolutely essential for public education.’”
This article from the flagship Gulenist propaganda “newspaper” Today’s Zaman has the dual aims of promoting charter schools (to help open up market share for the Gulen Movement) and advertising for Gulen charter schools. Kaya-Uranli neglects to mention that she herself is a board member of Bergen Arts and Science Charter School, which she claims is “one of the top charter schools in New Jersey.”
Obviously it is highly unusual for foreign newspapers to cover American K-12 schools; each time Today’s Zaman (based in Turkey) writes about the Gulen charter schools it is providing additional proof of their connection to the Gulen Movement.
Sep 6, 2012 Peoria Journal-Star, Peoria IL
Quest Charter Academy , Peoria IL
Zoning commission gives OK to Quest: Charter school's demolition of section of Loucks building is endorsed
The article states: “A zoning permit recognizing Quest Charter Academy as a private school …” The designation of Quest as a “private school” is puzzling. Charter schools are supposed to be public schools; they are publicly funded.
Sep 5, 2012 Bloomberg BusinessWeek, New York NY
Fulton Science Academy , Alpharetta GA
Charter Schools Increase New Bonds Most Since 2007: Muni Credit
“In May, six months after Atlanta-area schools run by followers of a Turkish imam borrowed $19 million to build a new campus, the organization defaulted.”… “In October, the Fulton Science Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia, borrowed $18.9 million to build a new campus. Leaders of the academy have ties to a Turkish imam, Fethullah Gulen, whose followers run 120 charter schools in the U.S., according to the New York Times.”… “In a May 15 notice, Wells Fargo, the bond trustee, said Fulton Science Academy omitted material information in the official statement for the issue about the county district’s reservations about renewing the charter.”… “A June audit by the Fulton County school district found the academy approved $70,000 in no-bid contracts with a nonprofit organization even though school officials sat on its board.”
August 30, 2012 Commercial Appeal, Memphis TN
Memphis School of Excellence , Memphis TN
10 Memphis charter schools outperform neighborhood schools, study finds
Memphis School of Excellence is one of 8 charter schools in the city with performance lower than traditional neighborhood schools, according to a Stanford University study.
August 27, 2012 Sandy Springs Patch, Sandy Springs GA
Fulton Science Academy High School , Alpharetta GA
ACT Scores at All-Time High for Fulton, Mixed for Sandy Springs
Fulton Science Academy High School saw the largest drop in ACT scores of any high school in Fulton County, from 23.2 in 2011 to 20.2 in 2012. (ACT is a test widely used in college admissions.)
Aug 18, 2012 CBS, Miami FL
(proposed) Broward Math & Science Schools , Broward County FL
Four Broward Charter Schools Not Opening
Broward Math & Science Schools will not be opening in fall 2012, because it does not have a contract, due to a failure to submit required documents on time.
Aug 10, 2012 WRVO Public Media, New York State
(proposed) Utica Academy of Science Charter School Utica NY; Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School Syracuse NY
New charter school proposed for Utica
“The Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School wants to open a sister school in Utica. School director, Tolga Hayali, says the school can help improve Utica's 64 percent graduation rate.”
Note: Syracuse Academy of Science’s class of 2011 started with 68 students in 9th grade in the 2007-08 school year and ended with 46 twelfth-graders in the 2010-11 school year. That suggests a graduation rate of only 68% - or perhaps even lower, considering that the school’s total enrollment grew from 347 to 467 during that time period.
July 27, 2012 Knoxville News Sentinel, Knoxville TN
(proposed) Knoxville Charter Academy Knoxville TN
State denies Knoxville Charter Academy appeal
July 26, 2012 Washington Post, Washington DC
(proposed) Loudoun Math and IT Academy Loudoun County VA
Va. board approves charter school application
“The Virginia Board of Education on Thursday unanimously endorsed an application for a math- and science-focused charter school in Loudoun County, a move that means the proposal will now go to the local school board for final approval. … It is patterned on a charter school in Anne Arundel County that has some of the highest test scores in Maryland but struggled to keep its doors open this year after allegations of management problems, including consistently negative cash flow….”
July 25, 2012 The Gainesville Sun, Gainesville FL
Sweetwater Branch Academy , Gainesville FL
Sweetwater Elementary could close after two consecutive F's
“Charter school Sweetwater Branch Academy Elementary could be forced to close its doors after receiving an F grade for the second year in a row. Under a new state law that went into effect July 1, a charter school that receives two consecutive F grades must be closed ….”
July 17, 2012 YNN, Rochester NY
Rochester Academy Charter School
School Administrator Arraigned
"An administrator for the Rochester Academy Charter School was arraigned in Penfield Town Court Tuesday. The Monroe County Sheriff's Department says 41-year old Kevin Markman was arrested June 29th and charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment."
July 17, 2012 Democrat & Chronicle, Rochester NY
Rochester Academy Charter School
Rochester Academy employee accused of abuse, harassment
July 17, 2012 South Brunswick Patch, South Brunswick NJ
(proposed) Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School, Somerset NJ
PIACS Denied Another Planning Year by DOE
"Another 9 charter schools were approved by the DOE to open in September, including the Thomas Edison EnergySmart Charter School (TEESCS), which was granted a planning year in July, 2011 after failing to open for the 2011-12 school year. TEESCS, which is set to open in September at a location in Somerset, is a K-8 school teaching students with a theme of green and renewable energy education, according to the TEESCS web site."
July 13, 2012 Madison Park News,C & G News, Hazel Park MI
Michigan Math and Science Academy Hazel Park MI
Michigan Math and Science Academy leaves Hazel Park: Charter school moves to Center Line to expand
“Here MMSA will expand, adding kindergarten through fourth-grade and 11th-grade during the 2012-13 school year, and 12th-grade during the 2013-14 school year….”
Note: According to the city-data.com website, in 2009 the median per capita income in Center Line was $21,399, while it was $16,686 in Hazel Park.
July 8, 2012 Washington Post, Washington DC
(proposed) Loudoun Math & IT Academy, Loudoun County VA
Math-science charter proposed in Loudoun, modeled on school with Turkish connection
" 'It just seems like problem after problem after problem, and they weren’t minor,' Winsome E. Sears, a member of the Virginia Board of Education, said of the Anne Arundel school at a June 28 meeting on the Loudoun plan. ...... Applicants hope to open the school in 2013. It would serve almost 700 students in grades six through 12."
July 2, 2012 The Record, Bergen County NJ
Paterson Charter School for Science & Technology, Paterson NJ
Schools get a fraction of anti-bullying money asked for
"The entire Englewood school district got less than $200, for example, while a single charter school in Paterson was given more than $9,000. ... The head of the Paterson charter, A. Riza Gurcanli, said the money would be used to pay for an anti-bullying coordinator at his school, where 27 bullying incidents were investigated last year."
June 28, 2012 Leesburg Today, Leesburg VA
(proposed) Loudoun Math & IT Academy, Loudoun County VA
Board Of Ed Challenges Charter School’s Finances
The proposed school would be modeled on Chesapeake Science Point charter school in Maryland. "State board members’ concerns centered around a poor review of the Chesapeake Science Point by the Anne Arundel Public County Schools Superintendent Kevin Maxwell. His assessment recognized the school’s academic success—with student assessments 26 points above the state’s average—but questioned the quality of its teachers, the transparency of the enrollment lottery process and its financial feasibility."
June 28, 2012 The Post-Standard, Syracuse NY
Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School, Syracuse NY
Six Central New York high school students win awards at GENIUS Olympiad
Three projects, presented by 4 students from Syracuse Academy of Science, won awards at the "GENIUS" environmental competition science fair in Oswego. [Note: "GENIUS," like Syracuse Academy of Science, is run by the Gulen Movement, creating a conflict of interest.]
June 26, 2012 San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio TX
Harmony School of Innovation, San Antonio TX
Charter school group sues state
"Plantiff Sarah Christensen's son recently finished sixth grade at the Harmony School of Innovation on the city's North East side. She said she was unaware that charter schools were funded differently from other public schools, but when her son began playing basketball, the school's small gym wasn't adequate for hosting games." [Note that the chain of Harmony Public Schools is run by the Cosmos Foundation, which has received more than 200 million dollars in bond money since 2007.]
June 21, 2012 Boston Globe, Boston MA
Pioneer Charter School of Science, Everett MA
Pioneer graduating its first class
This article contains a misleading line: "About half of the 315 students, who come from Everett, Chelsea, and Revere, live below the poverty level, speak a different language at home, and come from single-parent families." The mention of speaking a different language at home suggests in the reader's mind that the students have limited English skills and are therefore difficult to educate. The reality, according to Pioneer's 2011 report card, is that the school has 3.7% of its student body with limited English proficiency, significantly less than the Massachusetts average of 7.1%. The report card also shows that 26.9% of the students had a first language other than English in 2010-11, substantially lower than the "about half" reported in the article for 2011-12, raising the question of whether the school's demographics really changed that much in one school year. Furthermore, while this article presents the graduation of the 34 students as a great accomplishment, it fails to note, as pointed out by the EduShyster blogger, that the class of 2012 started out with 58 students, implying that only 59% graduated. This blogger also notes that the nearby district school, Everett High, managed to graduate 77% of the students in the class of 2012, while having a higher fraction of low-income students and limited English proficiency students. (All data were obtained from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.)
June 15, 2012 Utica Observer-Dispatch, Utica NY
(proposed) Utica Academy of Science Charter School, Utica NY
2 proposed charter schools try again for 2013 opening
The proposed Utica Academy of Science has resubmitted its application, which was rejected on the previous cycle because it was incomplete.
June 15, 2012 Toledo Blade, Toledo OH
Horizon Science Academy Toledo Downtown, Toledo OH
Toledo area charter schools make plans to expand, grow
"And Horizon Science Academy, which has sites in downtown Toledo and in Springfield, plans to add a third site in the area. A company associated with Concept Schools, which manages the academies, bough the former Seaway Food Town store in DeVeaux Village. Company officials said in November the school will eventually have 30 classrooms, a gymnasium, a football field, a career center, cafeteria, and laboratories, and would be retrofitted for 630 high school students. Documents presented to the Toledo City Plan Commission Thursday described the school as including grades kindergarten through eight."
June 15, 2012 Commercial Appeal, Memphis TN
Memphis School of Excellence, Memphis TN
Memphis School of Excellence charter keeps on amid questions
"In 30,000 square feet in a former IRS building on Mendenhall, Ali Gumus and Muhammet Turkay run a charter school that likely has more Turkish employees than any school in the city. The Memphis School of Excellence is connected to the Cosmos Foundation, a charter management organization that County Commissioner Terry Roland charges not only has ties to a U.S. Islamic network but also figures in former mayor Willie Herenton's plans to open charter schools here..... For the year that just ended, MSE paid roughly $44,000 to Cosmos."
June 13, 2012 Atlanta Journal -Constitution, Atlanta GA
Fulton Science Academy Middle School, Alpharetta GA
Some lawmakers took strong stand for charter school
"An embattled charter school in Fulton County got some high-powered help in its unsuccessful quest to have its charter renewed by Fulton County Public Schools....Several people connected to Fulton Science Academy Middle School donated thousands of dollars to two state legislators, according to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis. The primary recipient was state Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, who received at least $4,000 from FSA leaders in 2011 and 2012. .... 'What you have is legislators with an ideological ax to grind demanding that a duly elected school board do their bidding. And that’s not a good thing,' said state Sen. Vincent Fort, D-Atlanta."
[Note: This article touches on a point of concern for many Gulen charter schools. Gulenists running these schools make extensive campaign contributions. It has happened that the recipient officials later have some role in promoting the schools or defending them against criticisms - for example, John Albers was one of Fulton Science Academy's strongest defenders. This creates a serious ethics concern.]
June 12, 2012 Journal Star, Peoria IL
Quest Charter Academy, Peoria IL
Quest academy juggles budget
"Quest Charter Academy's board of education staved off money problems Tuesday night by approving a $300,000 loan from board President Glen Barton, along with a new $3.6 million budget with enough cuts to cover $200,000 in unexpected losses in general state aid. .... Also, Quest's first freshman class, which starts in the fall in the old Loucks building, will grow from 75 to 90 students. Board members voted to increase the class size to offset attrition that occurs in student numbers, typically when students move away, and to hold onto student funding." [Note: High student attrition is very typical of Gulen charter schools.]
June 11, 2012 Appen Newspapers, Fulton County GA
Fulton Science Academy, Alpharetta GA
Management problems at FSA go back 10 years. Fulton School System officials stepped in to try to solve 'serious problems'
"The management issues cited at the Fulton Science Academy in a recent audit have apparently been in place since the school opened, and may have laid the groundwork for its eventual demise as a publicly funded charter school. ... According to a news article published in March 2003 in Appen Newspapers, 'a serious rift has developed on the [FSA] board of directors over who is in control, essentially splitting the seven-member board into two factions with each side accusing the other of illegal activities.'
Parent members of the school's governing board sought to remove the principal, Selim Ozdemir, but maintained they were stymied by the founding trustees who essentially took over as the majority on the governing board."
June 6, 2012 Washington Post, Washington DC
Chesapeake Science Point, Hanover MD
Should Chesapeake Science Point have its charter extended?
June 6, 2012 Eurasianet
Fulton Science Academy Middle School, Alpharetta GA & nationwide Gulen charter school chain
More Scrutiny for Gulen Schools in the US
"Over the years, the movement -- founded by the charismatic Islamic theologian Fetullah Gulen, who currently resides in Pennsylvania -- has been able to build what is thought to be the largest public charter school program in the United States, with more than 120 schools across the country that receive hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer money."
June 5, 2012 New York Times, NY NY
Fulton Science Academy Middle School, Fulton Science Academy High School, Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary School, Alpharetta GA
Audits for 3 Georgia Schools Tied to Turkish Movement
"A group of three publicly financed charter schools in Georgia run by followers of Fethullah Gulen, a prominent Turkish imam, have come under scrutiny after they defaulted on bonds and an audit found that the schools improperly granted hundreds of thousands of dollars in contracts to businesses and groups, many of them with ties to the Gulen movement."
June 5, 2012 Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta GA
Fulton Science Academy Middle School, Alpharetta GA
Audit reveals ‘egregious' conduct by charter school
"An Alpharetta charter school has spent taxpayer money to hire workers from overseas, run international field trips without proper supervision and give business to a related non-profit, an audit released Tuesday shows.... The audit, ordered by Fulton County Public Schools, questions management and financial decisions by leaders of the academically acclaimed Fulton Science Academy Middle School, one of about 130 charter schools with ties to Turkish imam and educational leader M. Fetullah Gulen..... Auditors also reported finding “numerous inter-relations between the school, its vendors and other interested parties.”
June 5, 2012 Alpharetta Patch, Alpharetta GA
Fulton Science Academy Middle School, Alpharetta GA
Letter to the Editor: Westwood Park Resident Asks Alpharetta for Help with Unsightly Mud Hole
A local resident complains about the unsightly mess left at the abandoned construction site for the proposed new location of Fulton Science Academy.
May 29, 2012 Kansas City Star, Kansas City MO
Gateway Science Academy, St. Louis MO
Year’s end brings more change for students in KC Public Schools
"Even with expanding its enrollment by 400 students, the Frontier School of Innovation charter still has a waiting list of around 200 students, Principal Cetin Demir said. Other schools also report lengthy waiting lists, likely containing many of the same names."
(Note that the waiting list has not been independently verified.)
May 1, 2012 Leesburg Today, Leesburg VA
(proposed) Loudoun Math & IT Academy, Loudoun VA
Loudoun's Leaders Talk Ups, Downs Of Charter Schools
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."
March 27, 2012 Washington Post, Washington D.C.
Gulen charter school network U.S.A.
Largest charter network in U.S.: Schools tied to Turkey
"The largest charter school network in the United States is operated by people in and associated with the Gulen Movement (GM), a secretive and controversial Turkish religious sect.”
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 21, 2012 Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno NV
Coral Academy of Science Reno, Reno NV
Charter schools' numbers decline in Nevada as reviews toughen
"Coral earned the highest ranking among Washoe County schools last year for the Washington Post/Jay Mathews High School Challenge survey....[Yilmaz] Ak credited extracurricular activities for student enrichment."
Note that Jay Mathews' ranking method is questionable in many ways; see New York Times June 3, 2012 article. The contention that extracurricular activities can account for a school's (apparent) higher performance on standardized tests is also questionable, considering that most students do not participate in these activities.
Feb 16, 2012 Wayne Patch, Wayne NJ
Pioneer Academy of Science, Clifton NJ
Council Bans School from Building Dorms
"Pioneer Academy of Science may sue town for changing code." [Gulenists are very litigious.] "The school wants to move out of its 18,000 square-foot facility and into a 160,000 square-foot facility and triple its enrollment from 200 to 600 students. The school recruits children from mostly wealthy families both in the United States and from eastern European countries, including Albania, Poland, Bulgaria, and Greece."
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 a 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
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
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 the start of the 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
(proposed) 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
(proposed) Mokapu STEM School, 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
(proposed) 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
Oct 27, 2009 Tulsa World, Tulsa OK
Dove Science Academy Tulsa , Tulsa OK
Board votes not to renew charter for Dove school
A school board member, citing reasons for termination of the charter, is quoted as saying: "The documentation submitted by Dove regarding its special education services and programs demonstrates substantive compliance problems in the IEPs (individualized education programs) developed. This strongly suggests that Dove is plugging all special-needs students into one system rather than making individualized decisions.”
Dove Science Academy Tulsa , Tulsa OK
Board votes not to renew charter for Dove school
A school board member, citing reasons for termination of the charter, is quoted as saying: "The documentation submitted by Dove regarding its special education services and programs demonstrates substantive compliance problems in the IEPs (individualized education programs) developed. This strongly suggests that Dove is plugging all special-needs students into one system rather than making individualized decisions.”
August 11, 2009 Times Ledger, Queens NY
Brooklyn Amity School, proposed City Academy of Science Charter School, NYC, NY
District 24 charter’s fate unsure
"According to an executive summary provided to CEC 24, City Academy of Science Charter School would open in August 2010 with 198 students in grades seven through 12, expanding to 396 students in grades K-12 by 2015.....Furkan Kosar, principal of the private Brooklyn Amity School, was listed as holding the contact on the executive summary."
This article is significant as it shows that an individual proposing a charter school was simultaneously employed by a known private Gulen school. As of early 2012 Furkan Kosar was president of CTAA, a Gulenist organization and member of the Turkic American Alliance.
July 18, 2008 The Times of Northwest Indiana, Munster IN
(Proposed) Indiana Math and Science Academy Gary , Gary IN
Ball State pulls plug on school Proposed Gary academy, plagued by problems, loses sponsor
“The Ball State University Office of Charter Schools has withdrawn its sponsorship of the Indiana Math and Science Academy at Gary, which was scheduled to open this fall. The school was approved in May 2006, but a recent review showed that it had not established a facility nor hired teachers, according to a statement issued Thursday by the Ball State office…”
September 10, 2007 Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia PA
Truebright Science Academy, Philadelphia PA
As Schools Open, Problems Remain: Bright Side: 6 New Schools, More Pre-K
"In addition, five new publicly funded, independently run charter schools are opening today, pushing the total number of city charters to 61. ... TrueBright Science Academy in North Philadelphia teaches grades nine through 12..."
Sep 23, 2006 Houston Chronicle, Houston TX
Harmony Public Schools , Houston TX
Houston Muslims hope iftars offer insight into Islam
“Julie Norton, a teacher at a northwest Houston charter school, attended an iftar last year with her husband, college-age son and mother-in-law.” The school mentioned is almost certainly one of the Harmony Public Schools. This shows how Gulenists use their access to students and teachers to subtly promote the Gulen Movement (the Institute of Interfaith Dialog, which organized the event Norton attended, is Gulenist) in ways that are presently legal because they do not involve classroom indoctrination.
Norton would go on to become a very loyal administrator of Harmony Public Schools; she was featured on 60 Minutes in May 2012, making claims about the length of the waiting lists.
May 4, 2006 The Westerly Sun, Rhode Island
Pioneer Charter School of Science, Everett MA
Romney celebrates charter schools as he adds three
"[Mitt] Romney spoke after granting charters to three new schools and extending the charters of eight other schools. The new schools are the Fall River Maritime Academy Public Charter School; the Pioneer Charter School of Science, which will serve students in Chelsea, Everett and Revere; and the New Bedford Global Learning Charter School."
August 9, 2005 Houston Chronicle, Houston TX
Harmony Science Academy , Houston TX
Texas urged to support 'promise' of charters
A Texas Education Agency report showed that charter schools were four times more likely to get the lowest rating of “unacceptable” than traditional public schools. In response to this report, Soner Tarim, the founder of Harmony Science Academy, is quoted as saying "It's unfortunate that the ratings for other charter schools are low, but I'm sure it's going to pick up eventually. Just like any other business, people are trying to do their best and it takes many, many years to educate students and teachers." There is a tremendous irony in Tarim’s words, as Harmony Public Schools hires teachers with far less experience than most other schools. Texas state school report cards show that the average number of years of experience of the Harmony teachers is way below the Texas state average.
July 21, 2005 Tulsa World
Dove Science Academy, Tulsa OK
TPS Questions Academy’s Applications
"Tulsa Public Schools will review the enrollment practices at a charter school that has been asking applicants for information about their academic and discipline records."
June 07, 2005 Hartford Courant, Hartford CT
(Proposed) Connecticut Academy of Mathematics and Science , Hartford CT
New Charters Unfunded: Four Schools Unlikely To Open
The State Board of Education approved the school but it is unlikely to open since the state has not agreed to provide funding.
December 9, 2004 Washington Post
Chesapeake Science Point, Hanover MD
Charter Schools Plan To Open Next Fall: Groups Must Get Board's Approval
"Aksakalli said the two-year-old foundation is a 'group of Baltimore folks' interested in raising the level of math, science and technology education in northern Anne Arundel County. "Statistically, north county is kind of underperforming the rest of the county. We would like to change that," Aksakalli said."
Note that starting in 2010, Vural "Al" Aksakalli, one of the self-described "Baltimore folks," was on the faculty of Istanbul Sehir University in Turkey.
March 2, 2001 The Citizen Fayetteville GA
Fulton Science Academy Middle School , Alpharetta GA
Sixteen new courses eyed by school board: Recent actions of the Fulton County Board of Education
“The Cosmos Science Academy agreed to return next month with revisions to its petition for the Fulton Science Academy Middle School.”
October 26, 2000 Appen Newspapers
Fulton Science Academy, Alpharetta GA
BOE reviews second charter petition: North Fulton school plans focus on science curriculum
"The most recent petition was submitted by Bekir Ozcan, representing Cosmos Science Academy, Inc. out of Cartersville, who wants to open the Fulton Science Academy in Alpharetta in fall of 2001."