Thinking about charter schools? Think about Pinkerton instead!

As schools began to open up again in 2021 and the world slowlyemerged from COVID lockdown, many families started thinking about different options for their kids’ education. Homeschool, online learning, hybrid cohorts, charters, public, private…the options were many. Around this time, there was an uptick in journalism on the topic of charter schools in particular, and their enrollment exploded in many places. Several of the articles published in DFW-area news media focused on the perceived benefits of charter schools and what they offer that differs from public school education.

Although Pinkerton is a public school in Coppell ISD, not a charter, it has some unique features that will appeal to families interested in charter schools. Check out these school features that have been reported as influencing factors behind choosing charter schools, and notice what Pinkerton offers in these areas. You may find that Pinkerton is exactly what you’re looking for!  

Different learning approach.

Many families choose charter school education because these schools often have flexibility to design curriculum and can more freely implement different teaching methods. Pinkerton follows all state of Texas requirements in education (TEKS, STAAR test, etc) but implements the curriculum through the principles of IB education. The focus on child-centered, holistic education with inquiry-based teaching methods offers a different approach than a typical public school. Learners at Pinkerton not only receive robust academic instruction delivered by passionate and highly-trained teachers, they also receive a strong emphasis on character through the IB Learner Profiles. IB is the specialty program that sets Pinkerton apart from other schools in the area. Learn more about Pinkerton’s IB education HERE and HERE.

Small learning environment.

Pinkerton is Coppell’s smallest elementary school, with capacity for around 400 students. Coppell’s other public elementary schools have capacities between 600 – 800 students. Learners at Pinkerton do not get lost in the crowd. Within just a couple weeks of starting at Pinkerton, even their non-homeroom teachers as well as the administration and staff know each learner personally and can be seen greeting them by name in the halls. Pinkerton is an excellent choice for families who want a smaller, non-intimidating, and more personal feel for their child’s formative elementary years.

Campus culture.

Many families choose charter schools because of the potential for greater diversity and cultural awareness. Since families choose to attend a charter school and are not constrained by zoned attendance areas, charters have the potential to attract many different types of families. Since Pinkerton is a school of choice in Coppell, it also attracts families from all areas of our district. The opportunity to learn about other cultures’ traditions is built in to the IB model at Pinkerton, which helps cultivate in our learners the acceptance and open-mindedness necessary to succeed in today’s interconnected world.

Family atmosphere.

Charter schools are filled with families who have thoughtfully and intentionally chosen that particular school for their child. As a result, the sense of community in charter schools is a benefit often cited by families who have chosen that route. As a school of choice in Coppell, Pinkerton enjoys all the same benefits fostered by a strong sense of school family and community. Around 1/3 of our student population comes from families who have chosen Pinkerton via the lottery. Talk to any realtor in town and you will also find stories of families requesting to purchase homes only within the Pinkerton zone to be certain of securing a spot at the school.

The IB program itself creates a strong sense of community of individuals passionate about IB, in not only the students but the teachers and staff.  Additionally, Pinkerton has a highly active parent community with many opportunities for parents to engage with their child’s education and meet other families, including an extremely popular dad-of-the-day program, grandparents club, opportunities to share cultural and family traditions during certain learning units, a cultural feast, and an arts and culture night showcase. Our highly engaged PTO hosts events such as Pinky Paloozafamily fun night, a silent auction fundraiser (which raised over $10,000 for our school this year!), and the Pinky Hustle fun run (coming up March 2nd – join us to experience our family atmosphere for yourself!).

Extracurricular activities.

Some families opting for charter schools cite specialized extracurricular activities tailored to their school’s focus as an attractive feature. On the whole, however, charter schools often offer less variety in extracurricular activities than public schools. Pinkerton offers a great selection ofextracurricular activities to fit a variety of interests, including chess club, gardening club, Coppell’s only elementary UIL competitive academic team, running club,Spanish club, dads club, and others. Pinkerton learners can also take advantage of after-school programs from companies focusing on STEAM workshops and theater.

Does Pinkerton sound like the perfect environment for your child? Start the application process to attend Pinkerton HERE.