Renaissance Charter School at Chickasaw Trail
Helping Students See What’s Possible

When students discover where their strengths lie, larger futures begin to feel possible. Renaissance Charter School at Chickasaw Trail creates those opportunities through two connected strengths: a recognized performing arts culture and structured college- and career-readiness pathways. Together, they help students build confidence and view college as attainable.

Many families balance demanding work schedules. Renaissance treats them as partners, building support around each student rather than leaving families to navigate alone.

“We’re really trying to promote students wanting to go to college and feeling like they have the ability to go to college,” says Dr. Jamie Menchaca, principal.

The school’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program turns that belief into practice. Students develop organizational, critical-thinking, study and collaboration skills. During an elective period, sixth- through eighth-grade AVID students tutor learners in grades three through five. Younger students receive academic support, while older students apply their skills as mentors. The model earned recognition through the Florida Association of School Administrators and the John Gordon Award. Its deeper value lies in helping students see themselves as capable of supporting another student’s progress.

Helping Every Student Own the Journey

Every student maintains a personalized learning plan that covers academic, behavioral and wellness goals. Students update their goals weekly, then lead quarterly conferences to present progress to their parents and identify next steps. The process makes families visible partners while teaching students to own their growth.

Teachers receive similarly individualized support. Weekly Personal Learning Communities, data chats and choice-based professional development address classroom needs. Collaboration across Charter Schools USA allows leaders to exchange curriculum practices, instructional technology ideas and professional-learning approaches with other schools.

Building Trust Before Academic Success

When Dr. Menchaca became principal 18 months ago, the school had experienced repeated leadership transitions. She focused on rebuilding trust among students, families and staff. During Dr. Menchaca’s first months as principal, Renaissance improved by 12 points, moving from a projected D to a high C. The school continued that progress the following year, recording its highest numerical school-grade score since opening in 2013.

“If a student trusts you and the parents trust you, then the academics will naturally fall into place,” she says.

Finding Confidence through the Arts

Performing arts provide another route into confidence and leadership. Through choir, band, musicals, drumline and visual arts, students learn to collaborate, perform and contribute to shared productions. Recognition at Disney festivals, All-State opportunities and competitions across Florida reflects the program’s strength, while athletics and chess help students discover where they belong.

One eighth-grade student from a single-parent household sought stronger mentorship and connection. Academic support, counseling, performing arts and athletics helped her emerge as a student leader, showing how the school coordinates support around one child.

Extending Support Beyond School Hours

Renaissance keeps activity fees modest and offers free tutoring twice weekly to broaden participation. As Florida’s first charter school approved as a community school, it organizes support around collaborative leadership, expanded learning, health and wellness and family engagement. Partnerships with the Orlando Science Center, Orlando City and Orlando Pride, alongside service projects with Second Harvest and Keeping Orlando Beautiful, give students and parents ways to participate.

Renaissance is adding pre-K and ninth grade as it grows toward a full Pre-K-through-Grade-12 campus. Qualified middle school students can earn up to seven high school credits before high school. Beginning in ninth grade, Cambridge offers an advanced option beyond regular honors courses and can lead to a Cambridge diploma after students complete the required sequence. Dr. Menchaca views it as a high-school extension of the habits and aspirations developed through AVID.

As Renaissance expands, it remains focused on helping every student leave with a trusted mentor, a clearer pathway and the belief that larger possibilities are within reach, a commitment recognized through its selection as EducationInsider’s Top Public Charter School 2026.