The Golden Charter Academy

The Golden Charter Academy is the first TK-8th Environmental Zoo school in the nation. With our partnership with the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Golden Charter Academy is primed to provide an innovative approach to school. The vision for The Golden Charter Academy is to provide an unequaled educational experience for children in the City of Fresno. We will prepare them to be successful in high school and beyond for the university and for the workplace. Our program uses carefully planned and implemented curriculum that meets or exceeds California academic standards.

The Golden Charter Academy intends to serve all students, including those who have struggled academically, have been historically underserved, and socioeconomically disadvantaged. Students struggling with chronic absenteeism, behavioral issues that lead to suspension/expulsion, students with disabilities, as well as homeless and foster youth would benefit especially from an instructional approach that combines informed best practices with individualized attention through a schoolwide mentoring program.

 Golden Charter Academy is committed to the three core values of Stewardship, Equity, and Access. These values represent GCA’s most ardent beliefs and underpin all educational efforts. Stewardship refers to the deep understanding of the interconnection of all life and the importance of conserving and managing the earth’s natural resources as well as the care for community and place. Equity focuses on the Golden Charter Academy’s purposeful commitment to elevating the cultural and societal contributions of all people, especially historically underrepresented and underserved communities. Finally, Access is the Golden Charter Academy’s commitment to creating pathways to success for all learners, through innovative lesson design and instructional practices that develop their expertise. Curiosity, exploration, and discovery are the hallmarks of our educational program and the tools we use to Inspire powerful young minds, our central mission.