Students return to charter schools

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) - More than 1,600 students were back in their desks this morning to officially kick-off the school year in the city of Buffalo.

At the Charter School for Applied Technologies in Buffalo, there was lots of excitement for both the kids and teachers to start the year.

"We've got a brand new classroom, a new group of students. We're gonna have a great year, but it's always nerve wracking the first day and when everyone's getting together for the first time," said Laurie Damstetter, a 5th grade teacher.

For some of the parents, many of them were glad to have their kids in these charter schools as opposed to the traditional public schools that have seen a continued decline in state testing.

"I've heard good things about it, so I thought I'd give it a try, heard really good things," said Jennifer Church, whose child is in kindergarten.

Laurie Damstetter continued, "When we first opened, everyone in the neighborhood was kind of hesitant and now we're strong, we've been around for awhile, we have a huge waiting list. Whenever I tell people about where I work, they're dying to say, 'How do I get my kids in there?'"

Another charter school that started today and is also increasing it's demand is Buffalo United Charter School on the city's west side.

"Once test scores come out, it shows that we have something better to offer their children than the traditional public school," said Tammy Messmer, Buffalo United Charter School Principal.

Parents are always trying to get their kids into the best schools and charter schools like Buffalo United are always in demand. And right now, this school has a waiting list of almost 50 students.

"In our school the waiting list are pretty significant in the 3rd to 8th grade. I think parents start to change their mind about a break from the traditional public school after the 3rd grade and then out waiting list gets longer," explained Messmer.

The public schools in Buffalo start their school year after Labor Day.