Brightside: BASSE officially open
GEORGETOWN, Del. – A school in Sussex County over years in the making finally came to fruition. We’re told it’s coined a place to develop the capacity for leadership in the youth in the area with a major social justice figure at the helm at the Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence.
A service-based and personalized learning charter school that strives to give students in the county, a unique educational experience.
“They’re really making a stamp, like they get to have way more say in this school,” says Chantalle Ashford, head of the school. She explains that years ago, Dr. Teresa Berry and Christy Taylor who are prominent figures in education, and music in the first state came up with a plan to open a school based on the principles of Bryan Allen Stevenson. “Bryan Stevenson, a civil rights attorney, founded the equal justice initiative and the legacy museum cites in Alabama but he’s from Milton, Delaware.”
His service work, push for social justice, and quest to educate others to do the same became a building block for what’s now known as BASSE. “We want to make a bigger impact in our community where we are,” says Ashford. “The focus on service and building a culture around giving back to the community, making learning relevant for students, bringing community members in.”
Ashford tells us the roots from which this school grew are what she constantly looks back on now that they’re officially open. “I spent a lot of the last four years building relationships with many of the families who chose to send their children to BASSE this year, and we’re still relying on those connections to help grow the school.” She adds, “I’m an educator, I’m a lifelong educator I am invested in young people and the potential and power that they have.”
We’re told the unique experience for students lies within their overall mission – to provide a rigorous and challenging academic curriculum – while also
giving students the outlet to impact their community positively. “Students are already designing bake sales and they want to do clean-ups outside and they want to have fairs where bring in resources. Ashford explains “We did a day where we talked about Bryan’s legacy and the impact that he’s had, how we want all of our students to go out and make an impact, whatever that means for you.”
Creating well-rounded individuals is another aspect of the learning environment BASSE is creating, and while young, Ashford tells us, seeing years of work to open the school are all coming to fruition seeing the impact it’s making on students. “We are focused on making sure our students get what they need, no matter where they’re coming from, no matter what those needs are.” She goes on to say “I am so excited for these young people to continue to grow with us here and then go out into the world and be the change that they’re seeking.”
While the school year has already kicked off, applications open in November for next year.
For more information or if you’re looking to partner with BASSE, just head to their website.
