SR1 to Open Mississippi’s First STEM Charter School in Fall 2022

Canton, Mississippi (April 20th, 2022) – The SR1 College Preparatory and STEM Academy (SR1 CPSA) will open for the 2022-2023 school year in Canton, Mississippi. It will be the state’s first and only public STEM Charter School for kindergarten through 5th grade. The first school year will begin with kindergarten and 1st grade classes.

After a nationwide search, SR1 has selected Kymberley Hutchinson to lead the school. Hutchinson is currently in San Antonio, Texas and relocating to Central Mississippi to serve as the SR1 CPSA Provost. Hutchinson has degrees in business administration and masters in education. She has an extensive background in STEM education and school leadership positions.

“I believe the vision for SR1 CPSA reflects my philosophy of education; creating a place where imagination and a rich curriculum promotes a desire for our students to become lifelong learners,” Hutchinson said.

The SR1 CPSA’s mission is to prepare all students for success in college and beyond.

“The United States faces challenges in student achievement compared to other countries on international tests. We must continue to invest in education to strengthen our education system and ensure American students are competitive in the global marketplace for talent,” said Tamu Green, SR1 Founder and CEO.

The CPSA will be a high-performing, innovative public charter school on a creative campus. The school is planned to be located on SR1’s Multidisciplinary Education Campus in rural Madison County, near Canton. “We want to build a multidisciplinary educational campus that is energy efficient and consists of clean air buildings and outdoor learning,” Green said.

However, while the buildings are under construction, classes will meet in local church buildings in the first school year during campus construction.

“We are thankful church members are opening their doors and providing classroom space during the inaugural year for the CPSA. This is a community effort, and we want to thank the community members for embracing us and our vision for creating a STEM school where all students can grow and learn,” said Green.

The goal is for the CPSA to be a National Blue Ribbon School where elementary students of all economic, social, and cultural backgrounds will learn, thrive, and stay on an educational path to attend college.

“My goals are simple in nature, build a community of innovative educators that foster questioning in the classroom that drives students to learn more everyday and provide students with STEM rich experiences that develop their 21st Century skills. In addition, have our school, educators, and students recognized by the community and state,” said Hutchinson.

“Mississippi can build a strong foundation for economic success and shared prosperity by investing in education. Expanding access to high-quality education not only creates opportunity for residents but also strengthens the overall state economy.” added Green.

The SR1 CPSA is a public charter school with no tuition costs. It is free for students. The school is open to all students from the following areas:

· Canton Public School District

· Hinds County School District

· Holmes Consolidated School District

· Jackson Public School District

· Leake County School District

· Yazoo City Municipal School District

· Yazoo County School District

· Student of School District that is “C” of below

Each grade will have 75 students with three teachers and classrooms per grade. If more than 75 students register for any grade level, then CPSA will hold a lottery for entrance to the school. To learn more and apply for the school, visit the website https://www.sr1cpsa.org/admissions.

A board will oversee the school. Board members are currently being selected. Hutchinson and SR1 leaders are hiring teachers and other staff members.

To learn more about the SR1 College Preparatory STEM Academy, visit the website https://www.sr1cpsa.org.

Architecture renderings of the future CPSA campus are available upon request.