Wilmington mayor marks Charter Schools Week with school visit

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki visited one of Wilmington's 11 charter schools to see how students are connected to the city. You may have seen the kindergartners heading to dance class at the Grand on Market Street or maybe you've seen older students heading to the Wilmington Library, the New Castle County Courthouse or the Playhouse Theater. Students from the First State Montessori Academy in Wilmington have made more than 100 field trips to locations in downtown Wilmington so far this school year. "They go to the Playhouse, they go to the Queen, we've been up to Rodney Square to plant flowers in the fall," said Courtney Fox, head of school at First State. "Twice a week our kids head up to the Wilmington Library, we utilize that resource a ton." The school is growing by leaps and bounds. This year, there are 428 students in grades kindergarten through 6th. Over the next two years, attendance is expected to increase to 663 as the school adds 7th and 8th grade classes. Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki visited the school Tuesday to commemorate National Charter Schools Week. He said the school represents the diverse educational options in the city.