Youngtown Public Charter School

OPENING OF K-8 CHARTER SCHOOL IN SUN CITY CAUSING AN UPROAR, July 21, 2010, The Arizona Republic

Children, a rare sight in Sun City, could become more common in the northwest Valley community widely known for its active-senior living.

Youngtown Public Charter School expects to open next month with more than 100 elementary-school students.

Residents are furious, but it appears they have no recourse. Because of legislation passed in 2009, county officials say the charter school can legally operate in Sun City…

Despite that, Sun City residents argue that a school violates the intent of the master-planned community, which was designed and zoned 50 years ago specifically for senior citizens. There is no school district in Sun City because no children are allowed to live there. That's the model residents want to keep…

Duran, who is a pastor of New Joy Ministries, says his school's mission is "helping all K-8 students reach their academic potential." Duran's church operates separately from the charter school, but they would share the same space, he said.

Duran noticed a for-lease sign at a commercial space near 107th and Peoria avenues and asked the landlord if there was an issue with setting up a school in that space.

"No problem? No regulations?" Duran said he asked. "No," was the response he said he got…

Charter schools do not need to locate within a larger school district to operate…

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