Manara Academy

Manara Academy is a Free Public Charter School with campuses in Arlington and Irving, Texas. We serve a diverse student population in a Title 1 School District with many English Language Learners.

Fifteen years ago, we saw a need for a school that would address gaps and failings we observed in several public schools. Here we stress ethics that help guide student behavior and decision-making, service learning in an environment that provides a hands-on learning experience for students. Over the years, classes have revolved around "projects," and students travel off campus for "field studies" rather than field trips. From challenging teachers to find ways to make math more interesting or introducing interactive robots in classrooms, Manara continually strives to keep students engaged.

One example of hands-on success occurred recently when Manara Academy District students placed first in the nation in the Paper Missions Math Challenge. Paper, the nation's leading Educational Support System, challenged students to complete as many math practice sessions as possible during the months of March and April. Manara's students competed among much larger school districts across the country for the honor.

Volunteering is just one part of the school's culture that centers around the mantra 'Experience the B.L.U.E.,' which stands for Believe, Lead, Unite, and Excel. The overall vision of the school isExperience the B.L.U.E. appears to be a blueprint for success, as Manara Academy District announced earlier this year that its campuses at Irving Elementary, Manara Leadership Academy, and Arlington STEM collectively achieved a Superior "A" rating from Charter FIRST and a District Rating of "B" from the Texas Education Association (TEA). Charter FIRST awarded Manara Academy District an "A" in School Progress, which is due in part to spiking enrollment figures and a diverse, inclusive, and international student population. for children to become lifelong, enthusiastic learners, for teachers to become role models for students, and for parents to become role models for children. Likewise, senior-level students are expected to be positive role models for their younger peers.