Aristoi Classical Academy, formerly West Houston Charter School, is a state charter school in Katy, Texas.[1] The school, which serves grades K-8, is limited by the State of Texas to have up to 325 students. The school may accept students residing in the following school districts: Alief, Cypress-Fairbanks, Fort Bend Houston, Lamar Consolidated, and Royal. It does not accept residents of the Sealy Independent School District.[2] At one time the school had a high school program.
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The school was founded in 1996.[1] It opened with almost 100 students. It was one of 20 charter schools approved by the Texas State Board of Education that opened in 1996. Robert and Joy Guercio, the founders, were former Houston Independent School District teachers. Originally they planned to open the school in the Town & Country Mall. They were unable to do so; the school occupied a former day care and the founders received a $65,000 loan, with the house being the collateral. The founders paid the loan.[3] It initially opened as a performing arts charter school. It trained students on how to pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).[1]
Prior to December 2005 the charter school had a high school component. It was closed; the operators said that the school had insufficient funds to keep the high school in operation.[4]
In the 2007-2008 school year the enrollment increased by around 100 students, from 160 to about 270. In 2008 the school renovated its campus in order to prepare for a surge in student enrollment.[5]
The Houston Chronicle said that the school's name changed so its purpose as a classical education school would be made clear. In March 2011 it had 307 students.[1]
Middle schoolers occupy classrooms inside a brick building. A metal building houses the elementary school classrooms and an auditorium.[5]
The school curriculum includes art history, dance, Latin, and music.[1]
Students are required to wear school uniforms.[1]