Think of a school where students get a challenging, personalized learning experience that ensures high intellectual growth and increases self-esteem. The Ryder Elementary Charter School, located at 8360 NW 33 Street, is such a place.  At this pristine 30,000 square foot facility, students reap the benefits of a private school education at a public school tuition, free price.

This first charter school-in-the-workplace in the nation opened its doors on August 30th to 270 eager kindergarten through third grade students. It is managed by Charter Schools USA, which is headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale.

The school meets the same curriculum guidelines that all public schools in Miami-Dade County must meet, with an emphasis on technology and foreign language skills. Class size is limited to 20 students per classroom.

Principal Alicia Rodriguez Bower notes, “Our goal is for students to achieve. With our small class size and individual attention we can help students achieve. We teach our students what they need to know for the future. We teach computer technology once a week and students take Spanish three times per week.”

Enter any classroom and you will see engaged and enthusiastic students. They readily greet Ms. Bower with smiles and sometimes even hugs. Walk through the halls and see expressive artwork created by a team of busy first and second graders. Students seem to enjoy learning and being here.

Ms. Bower sums it up this way, “Parents love to come here and the children love to learn here.”

The school serves as a benefit for Ryder employees. Ryder feels that the school, located across the street from its headquarters, will help increase employee performance, satisfaction and retention. Principal Bower observes, “We have parents who come and eat lunch with their children.”

In fact all Ryder parents are obligated to volunteer 20 hours of service to the school during the academic year. And they are eager to oblige.

Although the school is publicly funded, Ryder initially financed the construction and development of the school by providing approximately $5 million.

The school also benefits the growing Doral community at-large. Although admittance preference is given to children of Ryder employees, any vacancies that arise are filled by a lottery system. At present the diverse school population is predominantly children of Ryder, Blue-Cross Blue Shield, Carnival Cruise Lines and U.S. Southern Command employees.

Children from the Doral area also attend, which is a boon for parents whose children would otherwise have to attend another facility. The diverse population excites Ms. Bower, who observes, “Diversity is the strength of this area. This is what America is all about.” The school intends to educate 500 students in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade during the next two years of enrollment.

There is still room for second and third grade students this academic year.

Plans are in the works to develop a soccer and track field near the school. It will be designed for students to have Physical Education classes there.

Alicia Bower’s plans are many. She said, “I have a lot of ideas for the school. If you don’t stop dreaming, you stop living.