Final two Guam charter schools open their schools today

After passing final inspections, the doors finally opened to the Maga'lahen Hurao CHamoru Academy and the Business and Technology Academy Charter Schools. Excitement was definitely in the air for the staff and students of Guam's newest charter school.

Not even heavy rains could dampen the spirits of the students, staff, and parents of the Maga'lahen Hurao CHamoru Academy School on their first official day of classes

Founder and teacher Ann Marie Arceo said despite the wet weather, it wasn't that bad. "The team that we have is so synchronized, so culturalized, our organizational culture is so strong. Just the word 'akudi', which means to catch each other, worked very well today, in the situation of the first day," she told KUAM News.

Located in Barrigada at the old San Vicente Catholic School campus, the island's newest charter school, offers pre-K3 through 5th grade, with one class per grade level, and will be instructed fully in CHamoru with transitional dual immersion. Arceo said there are 105 students enrolled with a staff of 18. 

As KUAM reported, in June, Hurao's charter petition received approval from the Guam Academy Charter School Council. What delayed the opening was passing inspection with Public Health.

Despite a lengthy process, Arceo says she was grateful, adding, "It was all for the safety of the kids and we did everything we could so now we have a sparkling clean campus, beautiful classrooms, and I want to give a shoutout to Public Health for keeping us in line, and for helping us open today....for the best safety we can give our kids."

Arceo is excited for what the school year holds, but one things for sure, it would not have been possible with the support from so many. "I just want to say si yu'os ma'ase to all the parents and their support that they have done through and through to bring this campus together. I'd like to thank the Charter School Council. The governor, the Government of Guam who has supported us through this process to get us to where we are today," said Arceo.

She also wants to make a special shoutout to the Business and Technology Academy Charter School endowment, noting, "They have really put together this campus and pulled through for almost four years; this campus hasn't been used. They were able to bring this together for us and for us both to open today."