As stated by the title of an old pamphlet published by The Center for Education Reform, "Great Schools Are Made, Not Born".
This is definitely true for Thomas Edison Charter Schools due to the vast amount of time, effort, and sacrifice in various places that contributed to the making of this great school.
Thomas Edison Charter Schools have provided a superior, tuition-free public education to thousands of Cache Valley elementary and middle school students for over two decades.
We established the first charter school in Cache Valley—Edison North opened its doors in 2002 and Edison South followed in 2005.
Thousands of students have benefitted from their attendance at Thomas Edison Charter School. We continue to attract education-minded students and maintain high student retention.
Founded in 2002, Thomas Edison Charter Schools were originally established and patterned after the highly successful Benjamin Franklin Elementary Schools in Mesa, Arizona. The first Ben Franklin Elementary School began in 1978 as part of the Mesa Public School District as a "school of choice."
The original Thomas Edison Charter School (Edison North in North Logan) first opened its doors in August of 2002, serving just over 200 elementary students. Over the years the school has grown much, adding grade levels, staff, students, and facilities. Having nearly tripled student enrollment, Edison North's remarkable growth continues to be a testament to its enduring success.
Thomas Edison Charter School South first opened in September of 2005, serving just under 300 students. The Edison South campus started its formation as a result of the Governing Board of Edison North voting to support parents who wished to offer the same choice in quality education at the south end of Cache County. Thereafter the two schools merged to have a single charter and governing board. Now servicing well over 800 K-8 students, Edison South's growth and influence are enjoyed by all south Cache County communities.
The two Thomas Edison sister schools were among the pioneers of the charter movement in the state of Utah. Using time-tested, proven methods of quality instruction, the program's reputation is known throughout both the local community and the charter community at large. Click the link below for a more comprehensive review of the history of Thomas Edison Charter Schools.
Thomas Edison is probably the most influential man of the modern age. Indeed, some argue that Thomas Edison's inventions have shaped modern society more than any other. From electricity and light in our homes, to recorded music and movies, much of the technology we use every day originated with Edison.
Edison epitomized the American Dream of rags to riches. His ingenuity and hard work took him from humble beginnings to fame and affluence. In all, he earned 1,093 U.S. Patents. His greatest achievement was bringing us into the age of electricity.
Not only did he invent the electric light bulb, but he also developed the power systems to deliver electricity to homes and businesses. His phonograph was the first machine to record and play back sound. And although the telephone wasn't his invention, Edison made numerous, practical improvements to it.
His patents also included the mimeograph, motion-picture cameras and projectors, batteries, X-rays, and methods for making cement. The world's first industrial research lab was his and became a model for modern industrial innovation.
He had many successes. He also had failures. Pianos, phonograph cabinets, and houses built out of cement never caught on. His attempts at iron ore extraction didn't work out. Yet, he persisted in inventing. "I have not failed," he said, "I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
That indomitable spirit and love for inventing kept him working into his 80s. At 83, he earned his last patent. And at the time of his death, at 84, he was trying to create a less-expensive rubber made from the goldenrod plant.
A few days after his death, Americans paid tribute by simultaneously turning off their lights for one minute in honor of "one of the greatest benefactors of humanity."
A well-known adage states, "If we know our history, we know who we are, and what our potential can be."
We invite you to peruse and study Thomas Edison Charter Schools' rich history. As you do, you will increase your appreciation of the school, its program, and its educational philosophy.