The Museum School Making Plans to Stay Open This Fall

is seeking a "special charter," after the state and that of other state commissioned charter schools.

At a regularly scheduled parent teachers meeting Tuesday night following a  at the state capitol in downtown Atlanta, The Museum School officials told parents and families of incoming students that they are reapplying to DeKalb County School System for a charter so that they can continue operating this fall. 

In addition, the Museum School board is looking at a second option: a "special charter."

The school is looking into a special charter from the state that would help them with 55 percent funding, though the Museum School would still need to come up with remaining 45 percent. 

"We are looking forward to meeting with DeKalb County School System representatives to discuss our options," said Museum School board chair Sasha Webb in an email. "We are also investigating other options at the state level."

Parent Eddie Cortes, whose daughter Zoey plans to attend The Museum School next fall, attended the meeting and came away with a better sense of the options.

"I'm concerned, but hopeful," Cortes said. "They're a great group of people. Their determination made me feel better."

For the , 135 students will be affected. The Museum School is a free, public charter school that opened last fall. The school has plans to add 4th grade for the 2011-2012 academic year.