The Alabama Public Charter School Commission voted Monday to award federal Charter School Program subgrants to five Alabama public charter schools, including one startup school and four existing schools seeking to expand.
The grants are part of nearly $30 million in federal funding Alabama received to support the development, expansion, replication and sustainability of high-quality charter schools across the state.
Ignite Academy, a Mobile County charter school expected to open in 2027, received a $2 million startup grant. The school plans to serve students in grades six through 12 with a focus on advanced manufacturing, maritime logistics and health care career pathways.
Four operating charter schools each received $1 million expansion grants:
- ACCEL Day and Evening Academy in Mobile
- Covenant Academy of Mobile
- Ivy Classical Academy in Elmore County
- University Charter School in Sumter County
All of the schools are authorized by the state commission except Ivy Classical Academy, which is authorized by Elmore County Schools.
“The Alabama Public Charter School Commission is proud to support schools that are expanding opportunities and delivering innovative educational options for students and families across our state,” Commission Executive Director Logan Searcy said in a statement.
“These subgrants will help schools strengthen their academic programs, build organizational capacity, and continue creating high-quality learning environments that prepare students for long-term success.”
Searcy said eight schools applied in the first round. Five met the required peer-review cut score and were selected for awards.
The next application round opens June 8 and closes July 8. During Monday’s meeting, Searcy encouraged schools that were not awarded grants in the first round to review their feedback and apply again.