options in education, inc.
Martha's Vineyard
OIE was formed by a group of Islanders who are deeply committed to the success of the Vineyard’s youth. Since its launch in 1994, OIE has been working with MVPCS (Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School) to provide an alternative education option to local families, one that offers a self-directed approach to learning and caters to each child’s interests and learning style. The school currently serves 180 students in grades K-12. It has gained a reputation for academic excellence thanks to the dedicated parents, educators, students and community leaders who believe in its mission.
OIE is a 501-C Non-profit organization
The school’s success, in fact its mere existence, hinges on its relationship with OIE. When the state allowed for the creation of charter schools in 1993, the community united to establish one on the Vineyard. OIE purchased the land and built MVPCS in 1995 after securing donations and bank financing. It has leased the property to MVPCS ever since, essentially acting as the school’s landlord.
Our Mission
The purposes of OIE are:
1. To support and promote innovative educational programs on Martha's Vineyard, especially for children.
2. To raise funds for a charter school.
3. To eventually operate a summer program offering educational activities for children, and to create employment opportunities for young people.
The Jordan Science Center Grand Opening
Reprinted with permission of The Martha's Vineyard Times. All rights reserved
The Jordan Science Center Opens
Speakers and the school's science teachers stood together following the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday: From left, Charlotte Costa, Paul Karasik, Vernon Jordan, Isabella Quinones-Morais, Robert Day, science teachers Rebecca Conner and Jane Paquet, and Bob Moore. — Cameron Machell
A crowd of about 50 people attended a cheerful ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday morning for the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School Jordan Science Center, named in honor of the civil rights movement leader, Washington lawyer, and frequent presidential advisor Vernon Jordan.
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Mr. Jordan said that story highlighted the meaning of progress and advocacy. He said it reflected the importance of “sticking to the issues” and “believing in democracy.”
“I’m 81 years old, and I have 80 honorary degrees from some of the best schools in the country,” Mr. Jordan said. “But this Charter School lab named for me, thanks to my friend Robert Day, means as much to me as any one of those honorary degrees, or all of them combined.”