School would focus on entrepreneurship.
ENGLEWOOD -- A school that would focus on entrepreneurship has moved forward to the next round of consideration in its charter school application.
Gov. Chris Christie's administration advanced the application of Universal Business Academy in Englewood, along with eight other schools. The state rejected 15 other applications, the Department of Education said Monday.
Universal Business Academy reached the same stage in 2015, but failed to advance further, Isaiah Jefferson, founder of the school, said.
"This time we know exactly what it is that we have to do to continue to proceed forward," Jefferson said.
Universal Business Academy revolves around the idea of "applied education." Students will receive training on how to become entrepreneurs and run their own businesses.
They'll also learn financial literacy, something lacking in traditional schools, Sabrina Davis, head of school for Universal Business Academy, said.
To clear stage two of the four-stage process, the school must submit a 75-page application and undergo an interview with state officials. Jefferson is looking to open with 104 sixth-graders, adding a grade each year.
Jefferson has been organizing lectures at the Englewood school district for 12 years as CEO and co-founder of the nonprofit Circles of Color Community Organization. The group brings business owners to speak at the high school on a regular basis.
The organization also created an after school program on entrepreneurship. The idea for Universal Business Academy grew out of his work on Circles of Color, Jefferson said.
"It's all of our responsibility to make sure these kids are prepared to be productive, respectable citizens in society," Jefferson said.
Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.