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2. DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF THE ENROLLMENT AREA

Sugar Valley Area School (SVAS) served grades K-12 in one building from 1955 until 1996 when the Junior/Senior High School (grades 7-12) section was closed to form a consolidated school in Mill Hall, PA sixteen miles away. As a unified learning center, the SVAS provided unique education and socialization opportunities for students, parents and other community members. Since SVAS's partial closure, only three single-facility K-12 programs still operate in the Commonwealth.

Sugar Valley's public schools have a history of over 150 years of academic excellence built upon a strong core curriculum and extensive extracurricular activities. Prior to its closure, the Sugar Valley Junior/Senior High School provided an exemplary model for other schools by maintaining a 0% dropout rate; consistently exceeding state averages on standardized assessment tests; and producing regional, state and national place winners in band, chorus, sports, 4-H and FHA programs. Other schools in KCSD and surrounding school districts have relied on Sugar Valley's unique rural setting to provide Vo-Tech training in Agricultural Science and Forestry.

A 1995 assessment of the Sugar Valley High School by the Middle States Association Commission on Secondary Schools highlighted the strong relationship between students, teachers and the community which served as a conduit for student success. The assessment states that "The use of the school by the community is supported and encouraged by the school staff and administrator." In the School and Community Report, Sugar Valley school was referred to as the heart of the Sugar Valley community. "The mutual respect and support demonstrated by the school and community was evident throughout the Committee's visit. This strong bond is a key factor in making a K-12 organizational plan work as well as maintaining a family atmosphere which ensures an education environment relatively free of violence and drugs." The report also stated "There is a pleasant and positive attitude combined with a sense of pride permeating the climate of the school. In addition, there is a genuine interest in helping students achieve to the best of their ability. The school atmosphere and structure thrives through mutual respect, flexibility, creativity and a willingness to work above and beyond the call of duty."

Upon the closure of SVAS's Junior/Senior High School section, over 30% of the secondary students chose to participate in alternative education including home schooling, enrollment in private schools or living with relatives in other school districts. Contacts with those students' parents indicate that they would actively participate in and support a charter school in Sugar Valley.

The SVRCS will be the first rural, community oriented charter school in Pennsylvania, offering a comprehensive program with four primary areas of focus: academic preparation, experiential learning, community based education and lifelong learning. All teaching and learning at the SVRCS will be guided by a set of values and principles which reflect American ideals: liberty, equality, individuality and community.

Reference: Commission on Secondary SchoolsMiddle States AssociationReport of the Visiting CommitteeSugar Valley High School - April, 1995 (available upon request)