K-8 STEM School, Academy of Math & Science to Break Ground, Host Free Community Event Near South Mountain

The Academies of Math and Science (AMS), a K-8 STEM school for under-served communities, are breaking ground in Phoenix’s South Mountain neighborhood on Saturday, Dec. 7. AMS CEO Kim Chayka will be hosting a groundbreaking ceremony celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1445 W. Baseline Rd. at the crossroads of Baseline Road and 15th Avenue. The AMS school in the South Mountain area is a replication school of the Academy of Math and Science Prince, the 2016 Arizona Charter School of the Year.

“We are excited to bring our award-winning school network to the South Mountain area,” Mr. Chayka said. “We have had hundreds of requests from parents for our campus in the area. The vision of our organization is to provide an unparalleled education to communities lacking options, and we hope to deliver just that for the kids, parents, and community in this neighborhood.”

President of the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools Kathy Senseman will be speaking at the ceremony. The new campus, the Academy of Math and Science South Mountain, is expected to enroll 800 students.

The school’s goal will be to transform the neighborhood by providing a college-preparatory Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) focused education supplemented by music, art, and foreign language classes, all taught by expert teachers. In addition to an academically rigorous program, the AMS program includes an extended school day and year, extracurricular enrichment, and parent support via homework help, academic clubs and teams, sports, and affordable care.

“Parents in the area are concerned that their child’s full potential is not being met,” Mr. Chayka explained further. “They worry that they’re not being challenged enough and find that their other options are lacking. We are here to help these students become scholars.”

The groundbreaking event will feature parent information booths, free food, a bounce house, and activities for kids. The event is free and open to the public.

 

For more information, please contact Caylee Migliorini at cmigliorini@amsschools.org.