Whitehall-Coplay School District might be one step closer to seeing the Whitehall STEAM Academy Charter School move into the area.

WCSD held a hearing in December 2023, discussing the proposed plan for the 215 Quarry St. building, and another hearing is planned for later this month.

Charter school directors’ plan is for Whitehall STEAM to house kindergarten through eighth-grade students, bringing in an estimated 600 total students.

The school’s application, which was filed by Michael Makhoul, of Whitehall STEAM Academy Charter School, gave community members the opportunity to raise concerns and ask questions about why this structure of schooling is being considered and what makes it different from the rest.

According to its website, the charter school’s goal is to “elevate and inspire through integrated STEAM learning.” The school says the curriculum emphasizes the synergy of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics - STEAM.

Charter school directors feel that placing a heavy focus on these objectives would properly prepare the students for the real world by “cultivating critical thought, fueling creativity and sharpening their problem-solving abilities.”

WCSD will hold a second hearing on this issue 6 p.m. Jan. 30 at Whitehall High School, 3800 Mechanicsville Road, to fine-tune the details about what the 2024-25 STEAM charter school year would look like.

The district website stresses any residents, employees and taxpayers who want to testify or submit testimony will be required to reach out to Lea Unger, executive assistant to the superintendent, by noon Jan. 29. They must also submit written comments or relevant material to the school board members by that same time.

Whitehall-Coplay School Board will vote on a final decision surrounding the charter school 7 p.m. Feb. 26.