"We do feel very fortunate to be considered one of the top schools in the state in our first year," said Merlin Holmes, executive director of Skyview Academy.
Skyview is a kindergarten through 12th grade charter school which opened in September 2010. After the 2010-11 school year, Skyview was recently told it received the John Irwin Schools of Excellence Award based on academic achievement on standardized tests and student growth.
"I'm not surprised," said Brittany Skufca, a 3rd grade teacher. "I feel like we have a really good teacher base here."
Skufca says she and the other teachers try to make learning exciting. So far, she says it's working.
"The kids and parent involvement are wonderful. You know you have the support from home," said Skufca. "The kids are just eager to learn."
Holmes says hiring the right staff is key.
"We expect our teachers to be engaged with the students," said Holmes. "We expect them to really be interactive in their teaching style."
Rayma Nilsson is principal of the elementary grades at Skyview. She says the charter school is committed to creating life-long learners and honorable leaders.
"We feel responsible for helping them along with their parents to develop their character," said Nilsson.
"We're not a fan of mediocrity."
But, going to straight to the top right away may create some pressure, Skufca says.
"So, I think it's just now keeping that up and there's always that pressure that always comes along with it," said Skufca.
Holmes says administrators and teachers worked hard to replicate other models that have worked successfully around the country. What Skufca calls pressure, Holmes says, can turn into something else.
"If we can maintain that for a year or two, then it just becomes a tradition of excellence," said Holmes.
(KUSA-TV © 2012 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)