Across the state, enrollment at public charter schools—public schools that offer students an educational alternative to traditional school districts—is on the rise. In Northwest Houston, where there are five Harmony Public Schools, which are public charter schools specializing in math and science, charter enrollment is soaring. Harmony established all five campuses in the area within the last six years.

“I think more people are hearing about charter schools, and more people want a better quality of education for their children,” said Josie Duckett, vice president for public and government affairs at the Texas Charter Schools Association. “Harmony is clearly getting a response from the community it serves. They create an environment that is very focused on academics.”

In order to cope with the high demand for new students, Harmony has plans to continue growing. Harmony opened a new high school off N. Beltway 8 in August 2010, and it has plans to expand its Discovery Campus to include space for students from grades K–12 within the next year.

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