Many people might assume that charter schools are not beneficial for students due to small enrollments and other limitations. However, my experience at Zenith Academy has made me a well-rounded individual as well as a successful citizen of my society. Furthermore, it has provided me with countless opportunities to build a strong network that will truly contribute to my future.
The small class sizes at Zenith Academy make it most desirable. I can say with confidence that the smaller class sizes provide endless possibilities for a person to be challenged in learning. Small classes allow me to have that one-on-one interaction with my peers and teachers, enabling me to build an essential personal trust that will prove to be fundamental later in life. At Zenith Academy, I have had classes with all of the same students for the past three years as opposed to public school systems, where you have different classmates in every class. I can honestly say that my classmates and teachers have become my family due to the strong bond we have formed over the years. This strong bond goes beyond our senior class and that is where networking comes into play. These close relationships allow us to make connections to further our success. My teachers have always encouraged me to pursue my education beyond high school. With their support, I have applied and been admitted to six different universities in Ohio. Another point about Zenith is knowing almost everyone at your school goes a long way. I personally have strong relationships with the entire high school as well as the middle school. Unlike public schools, Zenith’s high school students share a building with the middle school students. While it may seem odd at first glance, we are comfortable with it because at Zenith we are taught that no matter what grade you are in, we are all a team. At Zenith we are given the opportunity to include our middle school buddies in all of our activities. For example, this year we included our middle school students in our student council so we could all improve our school. My preference has always been to attend a small school where I know almost everyone, rather than go to a school where I feel awkward because I only know a few people. When it comes to plays, presentations, and speeches at Zenith, I am 100 percent comfortable because I know that even if I mess up, my peers will support and encourage me. The past three years at a charter school instead of a traditional public school have transformed my life, in the sense that I have created memories that will stay with me for as long as I live and I have been well prepared for the next steps in my education. At Zenith Academy, I have had unforgettable experiences that have left me with a sense of belonging, and a feeling of wholehearted appreciation, compassion, and respect for my charter school and the incredible people behind it. Hajira Dahir is a senior at Zenith Academy in Columbus, Ohio. She is the winner of the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools (OAPCS) National Charter Schools Week 2016 Essay Contest and her essay was originally published on the OAPCS website.
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