The Barney Charter School Initiative is a new project of Hillsdale College devoted to the education of young Americans.  Through this initiative, the College will support the launch of K-12 charter schools.  These schools will be based on a classical liberal arts model and have a strong civics component that will equip students to understand and defend the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Reform of American public education, to be successful and good, must be built on a foundation of classical liberal arts learning—the kind of learning best suited to a free society and most needed for its preservation.  The Barney Charter School Initiative is an important step in that direction.

To advance the founding of classical charter schools, Hillsdale College is continually seeking groups of parents and local citizens who care deeply about education, who plan to apply or are in the process of applying for a charter, and who are interested in an association with Hillsdale.   As groups are identified, Hillsdale will provide assistance to the formation of these schools’ academic programs.  Drawing upon the experience of faculty members who have led classical schools, an education department uniquely devoted to classical liberal arts learning, and the College’s relationship with outstanding charter schools nationwide through its Center for Teacher Excellence, these new schools will promote a liberal and civic education in America’s public schools.

This initiative is made possible by a major grant from the Barney Family Foundation and matching gifts from other friends of Hillsdale College.

For additional information, contact the Director of Charter School Development Programs, Phil Kilgore at pkilgore@hillsdale.edu.