NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Charter School was recently ranked the second best charter elementary school in Texas by U.S. News & World Report. The high ranking also marks the school’s first appearance on the media company’s gold standard list.

“It is with great pride that we receive this wonderful news regarding our ranking,” said Lysa Hagan, CEO and principal of the school. “This recognition belongs first to our dedicated, hard-working students who truly want to learn. Secondly, our success rests on the shoulders of our parents, who get them to school each day and support reading at home. Lastly, we have an exceptional group of teachers who support learning in the classrooms through rigor, urgency and a constructivist learning environment.”

The K-5 school is also listed as the fourth best in the state by educational rating agency Niche.

Located in the Janice A. Pattillo Early Childhood Research Center, the SFA Charter School opened in August 2008 with a focus on the twin goals of improving public education and enhancing the preparation of future educators and school psychologists.

The school has 255 students, 87% of which scored above the proficient level in both math and reading. Its minority student enrollment is 31%. The school enrolls 9% economically disadvantaged students.

To learn more, visit sfasu.edu/charterschool.