On May 2 Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes; Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown; Sen. Robert Venables, D-Laurel; Rep. Tim Dukes, R-Laurel; Rep. Ron Gray, R-Selbyville; Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton; and Rep. Dave Wilson, R-Bridgeville, sat down with Sussex Academy students, administrators and board members to discuss education and Sussex Academy. "Legislators make decisions about education," said Dr. Patricia Oliphant, director of curriculum and instruction. "Inviting them to visit Sussex Academy allows them to see the results of their role in impacting students."

Following the lunch, legislators met with students from each grade. Members of the sixth-grade class discussed their writing curriculum and the expectations of Sussex Academy.  Seventh-graders provided details about their Believe it or Not Expedition and public policy projects. The eighth-graders talked about their Power of One Expedition.  Ninth-grade students reviewed their first year of high school and discussed the preparations being made to enter the International Baccalaureate program. The meeting format allowed the students to make short presentations followed by a question-and-answer session.

"I was impressed with the delivery of presentation by each student. It is obvious the future is bright because of these fine students," said Dukes.

Sussex Academy is the only charter school in Sussex County. It currently serves grades six to nine and will be adding one high school class each year until it is fully enrolled in 2016. It uses an Expeditionary Learning approach and will add an International Baccalaureate program for grades 11 and 12. The school is a public school, and there is no tuition to attend. Student enrollment for grades nine and 10 is still open. For information contact Gina Derrickson, community and communications manager, at 302-856-3636 or gina.derrickson@saas.k12.de.us.