Utah Charter School Conversations Utah Association of Public Charter Schools

We're all on a long road trip together...it helps to stay positive, focus on the same goals, and have mutual respect. Join this conversation with Simon Raubenheimer, Principal, Endeavor Hall, to learn how a South African native, runs a school with nearly a third English language learners. One of the Simon's tools is his positive outlook on life and the ability to build a family-like community around the school.


The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.

Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

This discussion covers all things UCAS (Utah County Academy of Sciences) including its partnership with Utah Valley University, close-knit student group, and leadership in communication that brings together students and staff for great student success. The great majority of UCAS graduates have completed an Associate degree which covers a significant portion of their general college education. Additionally, the senior year experience at UCAS is held primarily on-campus at Utah Valley University giving students college experience and excellent learning opportunities. 

Ms. Derbidge has been with UCAS since its 2005 beginning. Her enthusiasm for the program and love of continued learning is evident in our conversation. She shares professional development lessons that have helped the school grow in student success (UCAS is always among the top-ranked high schools in Utah) and positive culture (teacher retention is high). 
The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.

Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

Join today's conversation with Angela Fanjul, Director of Dual Immersion Academy in Salt Lake City, UT. We discuss how a variety of Hispanic cultures (teachers and students from many different Spanish-speaking countries) come together to work toward the common goal of excellent education and proficiency in two languages. We talk about their immersion model (different from many district school programs) and supports they offer to help all students and families (97% of the staff is bilingual). 

You will want to join the Feria de las Culturas (Cultural Fair) in October or visit Espanolandia in the spring! Or start watching telenovelas from Spain. Listen in to be in the know!
The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.

Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

Enjoy the delightful Sheena Alaiasa and Kaniela Kamala with Pacific Heritage Academy as we discuss using cultural heritage to help students understand themselves, value others, and as an approach to learning. For ten years, Pacific Heritage Academy has been serving students in the Rose Park neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Sheena and Kaniela discuss the demographic changes of their students, challenges of covid to learning, and helping teachers avoid burnout.

We mention Hamish Brewer, guest of the 2023 UAPCS Conference and a study about the benefits of adolescents knowing their family history.  In 2014, Sheena was named the MetLife/National Association of Secondary Principals Middle School Principal of the Year.  We are fortunate to see how she has applied her expertise at Pacific Heritage Academy...and how her "hobby" is reading curriculum materials!
The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.

Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

The Winter Sports School in Park City, UT has a unique mission and school schedule (they attend school April-November). Learn about how very serious student athletes (Olympians even!) can get a world-class education while pursuing world records. Our discussion includes how teachers and students work together to create flexibility with academic rigor. We also learn about how WSS is addressing the demand on student's attention through thoughtful education and conversations around electronic device usage. (They use Project Reboot.) WSS Executive Director, Tess Miner-Farra, is uniquely qualified to lead a school through her academic background and familiarity with Olympic athletes (her husband, John Farra, was a 1992 Olympian).



The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.

Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

The Vista School in Ivins, UT hosts Vex Robotics competitions. Join us at the December 2022 competition and learn all about Vex! Many thanks to the students, parents, and teams from across the region that spoke to me:
Vista School Middle School Division Champions and World CompetitorsSuccess Academy, Utah TechMoapa ValleyDoral Academy, Las VegasBear River Vex Robotics is a curriculum, and extra-curricular activity. Vista School incorporates it from kindergarten on to emphasize STEM education that keeps students engaged. Visit the Utah Charters podcast page for photos and videos from the competition. Watch one competition match on YouTube.



The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.

Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.