Renaissance West: A slow rebirth

Renaissance West: A slow rebirth

Almost 15 years ago, Charlotte’s civic leaders and neighborhood activists created the Renaissance West Community Initiative with the vision of revitalizing a west Charlotte neighborhood through an education village approach. This initiative is part of a national movement — and represents one of Charlotte's most ambitious efforts to break the cycle of poverty.

Education

After a decade, Charlotte’s vision for an education village inches toward its goals

Ann Doss Helms

Renaissance West, an education village that replaced dilapidated public housing, is one of Charlotte's most ambitious attempts to break the cycle of poverty in one neighborhood. Here's how it began.
Education

Here’s how Charlotte’s Renaissance West project has evolved

Ann Doss Helms

A timeline of Charlotte's Renaissance West project, from public housing to an education village that's designed to revitalize a neighborhood.
Education

Education Newsletter: The long view on a tough challenge; school bond campaign picks strategists; plus, a little esperanza

Ann Doss Helms

The latest in schools news from Charlotte-Mecklenburg and other surrounding communities from WFAE's education reporter Ann Doss Helms: Renaissance West Academy's rebirth, a new Esperanza global academy and CMS' school bond campaign strategy.
Education

In Atlanta, a neighborhood, a golf course and a charter school inspire Charlotte’s work

Ann Doss Helms

Charlotte's Renaissance West education village project was inspired by Atlanta's older and better-funded East Lake revitalization and Charles Drew Charter Academy.
Education

Gains on NC test scores could invigorate Renaissance West’s education village

Ann Doss Helms

Next week's North Carolina test scores could bring an end to Renaissance West STEAM Academy's string of F's and boost long-standing efforts to create an education village in west Charlotte.
Education

The intimate connection between housing and education

Ely Portillo

Almost 15 years ago, Charlotte’s civic leaders and neighborhood activists created the Renaissance West Community Initiative with the vision of revitalizing a west Charlotte neighborhood through an education village approach. Research shows the connection between stable housing and educational success.
Education

For Renaissance West, big gains bring hope as the school moves off the state’s 'F' list

Ann Doss Helms

For the first time in its history, Renaissance West STEAM Academy moves off North Carolina's list of "F" schools. That's important for an education village project.
Education

Principal of the Year honor gives Renaissance West STEAM something new to celebrate

Ann Doss Helms

After leading Renaissance West STEAM Academy to strong growth on test scores, Dwight Thompson is named Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' principal of the year.

ABOUT THIS SERIES

This story was produced by WFAE with support from the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative (CJC). WFAE is a member of part of CJC, which was launched by the Solutions Journalism Network with funding from the Knight Foundation. The CJC strengthens the local news ecosystem and increases opportunities for engagement. It is supported by a combination of local and national grants and sponsorships. For more information, visitcharlottejournalism.org.

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These stories have been produced in English and Spanish. You can find the Spanish-language version, which appears on our partner La Noticia's website, linked in each article as it becomes available.