FRANKLIN
Representatives from Edison Learning, a for-profit international educational services provider, met with the Franklin City School Board on Wednesday to discuss a possible partnership in creating a Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy in Franklin.

In partnership with famed basketball player Magic Johnson and school districts across the nation, Edison Learning has opened 13 Bridgescape Academies across the United States, including locations in Chicago, Cleveland and Norfolk.

The Academies allow recent high school dropouts to resume their studies. Courses are taught entirely online through two 4-hour long sessions each day to allow flexible scheduling so students may continue to work while enrolled.

Students undertake a course load designed by administrators to fit each student based on the amount of credits needed and placement testing. Students also receive support and resources to prepare for life after graduation, including college, vocational school, military or the workforce.

School districts reportedly benefit from housing a Bridgescape Academy by the resulting improved graduation rates, as well as recapturing the per-pupil funding provided by state and federal governments that are lost when students drop out.

If such a partnership were to come to fruition, Edison Learning would provide administrative staffing for the school and the technology necessary for the online courses.

Franklin City Public Schools would be responsible for the hiring of core content area teachers, guidance counselors and special education instructors, as well as providing a facility in which to hold classes.

The proposed partnership is in very early stages, and it is there is no established timeline for when the Bridgescape Academy would open in Franklin.