When most schools’ doors are closed for summer vacation, a new charter school in Hillsborough will be welcoming its first student body.
The Expedition School — a recently approved charter school — will welcome about 350 kindergarten through sixth grade students this July.
“We’re just a grassroots operation,” said Patricia Brummitt, a board member for the school.
Brummitt said she plans to teach at the school, which will focus on STEM topics — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — and project-based learning.
The charter school will be independent from Orange County Schools.
“Charter schools are an emerging trend nationwide,” said Michael Gilbert, spokesman for Orange County Schools.
Historically, charter schools have received backlash from people concerned about declining funding for public school systems.
When students leave a public school district, the school system loses funding.
Charter schools also use public funds, but they aren’t subject to the same state regulations as public schools as long as they achieve the goals listed in their charters.