As another school year comes to a close, Concept Schools' network has countless reasons to celebrate. Our schools have demonstrated exceptional commitment to academic excellence, student achievement and community impact that continues to set new standards in education.
This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for our network. Our students, educators and administrators not only rose to every challenge but achieved things that reflect the dedication and innovative spirit that defines the Concept Schools community.
Our graduating seniors were no exception to this and generated over $47 million in scholarship money. They did so by earning admission to some of the nation's most prestigious institutions, including Harvard, Princeton, Northwestern, Yale, and MIT (if you missed our College Week celebration, you should check it out here).
The network itself earned significant recognition as Concept Schools was officially named a COGNIA System of Distinction last fall. This prestigious designation from COGNIA, a nonprofit quality assurance organization, validates our 25-year commitment to educational excellence. Additionally, we launched our new Aspiring Leaders Program as we continue to invest in professional growth opportunities for educators across the network.
Concept network teachers also had plenty to celebrate this year. Horizon Science Academy Southwest teacher Guadalupe Mendoza was named Illinois Network of Charter Schools High School Teacher of the Year, while Indiana Math and Science Academy's Sondra Harris was admitted into the Society for Science Advocate Program. GSA music teachers Ashleigh Moffit-Brunngraber and Catherine Van Winkle also helped save the music program at the school by rallying the community to stop the program from being canceled. Concept is proud of every teacher that made a difference this year.
Our students have flourished beyond the classroom as well. Horizon Science Academy Columbus High's Temidayo Owoyemi captured a state championship in shot put and earned a trip to Nike Nationals. Meanwhile, schools like Michigan Math and Science Academy Dequindre and HSA Columbus High achieved remarkable success at regional and national robotics competitions. Our students continue to inspire us and we look forward to seeing what they are bringing to the table next year.
After completing the first year of our five-year strategic plan, Concept's network is also expanding. HSA McKinley Park overcame years of obstacles to secure a campus for high school programming while HSA Davenport, IMSA Central, HSA Lorain South, HSA New Bedford, and HSA Springfield North will all join the Concept family in 2025-26.
None of these achievements would be possible without the tireless dedication of our students, teachers, school administrators and board members. Their hard work, passion, and commitment to excellence continue to drive our network forward.
Congratulations to everyone on a wonderful year! We can't wait to see what's in store for our schools this fall.
