Watch CBS News

Charter Schools Seek Approval For 10 New Sites

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Three charter school operators are applying for fast-track approval to operate 10 campuses serving thousands of Washington students.

The Washington Post reports two operators are applying to open schools in fall 2014.

The applications come as the city's traditional public school system prepares to close 20 schools that are under-enrolled. The closures are likely to give the fast-growing charter schools the opportunity to continue expanding.

Nexus Academy wants to enroll 600 students. It currently partners with Connections Education to run schools in Michigan and Ohio.

Virginia-based K12 Inc. is applying to open a 550-student school in Washington.

The third applicant is California-based Rocketship Education and could eventually serve more than 5,000 students. Charter school board spokeswoman Audrey Williams says Rocketship hopes to open eight campuses between 2015 and 2020.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.