Charter high school in Pittsburg, serving Antioch, county students adds arts education
Synergy Education Project (SEP) celebrated the July 9, 2015 decision of the California State Board of Education to unanimously approved two material revisions to the school’s charter petition; (1) add an arts education component to the curriculum and (2) use Encore Education Corporation to manage SEP’s specific mission to provide students with college readiness while exploring passion for the arts. The school was presented with Letters of Recognition. (L-R) Erica Rodriguez-Langley representing State Assemblyman Jim Frazier, Cynthia Ruehlig, President, SEP Board of Directors, Denise Griffin Encore/SEP Executive Director, and Maria Henderson, representing State Senator Steve Glazer.
By Cynthia Ruehlig
There is plenty to bark about at Synergy Education Project High School (SEP High School), a tuition-free public school serving grades 6-12 students from Pittsburg / Contra Costa County. On July 9, SEP was unanimously approved by the California State Board of Education to add an arts education component to its project-based learning approach; offering electives in dance, vocal music, theater and visual arts starting this fall.
SEP, which accepts 70% socio-economic disadvantaged students, leads in overall performance for English Language Learners for middle schools within a 15 mile radius from its Pittsburg location. SEP has successfully responded to changing demographics and the challenge to overcome the achievement gap. SEP Board of Directors has chosen Encore Education Corporation to manage the school’s new direction.
Encore Executive Director Denise Griffin will apply the same strategy which earned Encore High School, Hesperia a place of distinction in “Top Schools in America” (US News and World Report); boasting the highest high school ranking by the California Department of Education in Hesperia with API of 793, 98% graduation, 100% passing in the 2013 CAHSEE and approximately two million dollars in college scholarships awarded to graduates.
A new mascot (bulldog), school colors and newly refurbished facility mark the beginning of SEP’s transformation from a good to a great school.
School starts August 13 for all enrolled students grades 6 through 11. For more information call (925) 207-3626 or visit www.sepschool.net.
Ruehlig is President of the Board of Directors for the Synergy Education Project.
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SEP High mascot & logo
SEP photo
