Pataula

Along with drawing from the majority black schools in the region, Pataula is attracting students from two private academies, which are virtually all-white.

Schools Matter 2010

Pataula has held lotteries for slots, and encouraged all families to apply.

Schools Matter 2010

Some districts now want the state Board of Education to stop Pataula.

Schools Matter Jim Horn 2010

The interest of private-school parents has sparked worries that Pataula is a seg academy posing as a public charter school.

Schools Matter Jim Horn 2010

Along with drawing from the majority black schools in the region, Pataula is attracting students from two private academies, which are virtually all-white.

Schools Matter Jim Horn 2010

"Initially, you will see more urgency on the side of private-school parents who are tired of paying tuition," said Ben Dismukes, a Pataula founder and himself the parent of two private-school students.

Schools Matter Jim Horn 2010

Pataula has held lotteries for slots, and encouraged all families to apply.

Schools Matter Jim Horn 2010

Although the school systems contend that Pataula will increase segregation, many nearby schools are far from integrated.

Schools Matter Jim Horn 2010

One of seven charter schools - public schools that operate with greater autonomy in exchange for greater accountability - approved by a new state commission, Pataula plans to open in the fall as a regional public k-8 school.

Schools Matter Jim Horn 2010

Now almost 40 years later, we can now see the return of segregation and apartheid, this time taking hold at public expense in the corporate charter schools like Pataula Charter Academy that hoped to be the solution to race mixing.

Schools Matter Jim Horn 2010