Last week, the Center for Education Reform gave Wyoming a “D” for its charter school law, labeling it the fourth weakest in the nation. Incidentally, a Cody man last week announced a plan to start the first charter school in Park County called The McCullough Peaks Charter Academy. A charter school receives public funding, but operates independently of the school district where it's located. This gives charter institutions freedom from some state requirements and the ability to provide students with a variety of choices in curriculum.In order to be funded, however, charter schools in Wyoming must prove they offer education at a level that's at least as good or better than traditional public schools. The developing plan for Cody has stirred both skepticism and support in the region.In a rural area, it doesn't make much sense to fund a charter school when small public schools in the region are closing because they are too expensive. However, for certain students, an alternative route in education helps them excel.What some may not realize is that Powell already offers alternative curriculum for high school students through the Shoshone Learning Center. Under the umbrella of Park County School District No. 1, the alternative high school addresses students' needs through individualized curricula. Around 30 students currently attend the school, and while it appeals to at-risk students, the center also tailors curriculum for advanced students.Last spring, a Shoshone Learning Center student received the prestigious full-ride Starr scholarship to Michigan State University — an academic feat only six Powell High School students have achieved in the past 10 years.Upon moving to Burlington, the student strayed from traditional schools in the region and enrolled at Powell's Shoshone Learning Center because she preferred to take courses at her own speed. The center also allowed her to take courses in Latin, violin and astronomy, which are not available at PHS.Though Wyoming may not have a reputation for fostering alternative institutions, it's encouraging to see that in Powell, school officials have created a fully-accredited high school that meets students' academic needs in a creative way.

Last week, the Center for Education Reform gave Wyoming a “D” for its charter school law, labeling it the fourth weakest in the nation.

Incidentally, a Cody man last week announced a plan to start the first charter school in Park County called The McCullough Peaks Charter Academy.

A charter school receives public funding, but operates independently of the school district where it's located. This gives charter institutions freedom from some state requirements and the ability to provide students with a variety of choices in curriculum.

In order to be funded, however, charter schools in Wyoming must prove they offer education at a level that's at least as good or better than traditional public schools.

The developing plan for Cody has stirred both skepticism and support in the region.

In a rural area, it doesn't make much sense to fund a charter school when small public schools in the region are closing because they are too expensive.

However, for certain students, an alternative route in education helps them excel.

What some may not realize is that Powell already offers alternative curriculum for high school students through the Shoshone Learning Center. Under the umbrella of Park County School District No. 1, the alternative high school addresses students' needs through individualized curricula. Around 30 students currently attend the school, and while it appeals to at-risk students, the center also tailors curriculum for advanced students.

Last spring, a Shoshone Learning Center student received the prestigious full-ride Starr scholarship to Michigan State University — an academic feat only six Powell High School students have achieved in the past 10 years.

Upon moving to Burlington, the student strayed from traditional schools in the region and enrolled at Powell's Shoshone Learning Center because she preferred to take courses at her own speed. The center also allowed her to take courses in Latin, violin and astronomy, which are not available at PHS.

Though Wyoming may not have a reputation for fostering alternative institutions, it's encouraging to see that in Powell, school officials have created a fully-accredited high school that meets students' academic needs in a creative way.