AUGUSTA, Maine - Two of the four groups that hope to open new charter schools in Maine have advanced to the next stage of the review process.
The Portland Press Herald reports that the Maine Charter School Commission voted Tuesday to move forward with Acadia Academy in Lewiston-Auburn and Snow Pond Arts Academy in Sidney. It won't continue talks with Inspire ME Academy and Peridot Montessori Education.
The second phase of the process includes interviews, a public hearing and an in-depth discussion of school plans.
Schools approved by the commission would open in fall 2016.
State law allows a maximum of 10 charter schools. Maine already has five brick-and-mortar charter schools and two virtual charter schools. More than 1,500 students attend charter schools in Maine, which has about 184,000 total students.