Delivering Real Results

The Chester Upland School of the Arts is the only school of its kind in the school district.  Because of funding provided by The Chester Fund, CUSA children receive the attention they need in our smaller classes.  They are mastering computers in our Instructional Technology Program and are learning to think more creatively and critically in our Arts program.  Students are spending more time in school through our Extended School-Day Program.   They are learning more and learning better because the teachers and school leaders implement a child-centered and project-based curriculum, which is complemented by an environment of mutual respect, compassionate engagement, and a focus on ensuring that students are prepared to navigate the world they face with the skills to do so.

During the academic year 2009-2010, CUSA kindergarten reading and math scores improved from 40% and 63% at/above grade level to an astounding 91% and 95%.  In 1st grade, scores improved from 35% and 10% at/above grade level to 77% and 80%.

While the April 2010 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) test showed that in CUSA’s 3rd grade, 50% of our students were proficient or advanced in reading, and 66.7% in math, a comparison with scores earlier in the year demonstrated that 58.3% actually improved by one or two levels in reading, and 91.7% had done so in math. These 3rd graders had been at CUSA for only 18 months, the shortest time that any CUSA students will have to prepare for this assessment.  Test scores will improve dramatically as student cohorts spend more years at CUSA.

CUSA was one of three Chester schools to earn Adequate Yearly Progress status (AYP) in 2010.