Some hallmarks of successful educational programs are results, positive acceptance by students and parents, and the hope of expansion.

Anderson Preparatory Academy seems to be garnering positive acceptance for its programs which are currently limited to sixth through ninth grades.

The academy, 3205 W. 25th St., recently received zoning approval to expand its classrooms to provide for students up to 12th grade at the vacant Westvale Elementary, 2200 W. 22nd St.

The academy expanded to a ninth grade this year and will add one grade level until it has classes in grades 6-12. The school has received state approval for a $3.5 million bond to renovate Westvale.

This is all good news for Anderson, where a vacant school site will again come to life with students. It heralds a positive note for a charter school but let’s remind public school families that the charter approach is not always the best route for a student.

Judging by ISTEP test scores, APA has a long route. For the first time this year, sixth- through eighth-grade students were tested. None of the averages matched or were higher than state averages. However, the same can be said of Anderson public schools, where most of APA’s 235 students formerly attended. Two good signs are APA’s 96 percent attendance rate and a racial mix similar to Anderson schools.

APA’s military structure is arranged so that all students participate in the Cadet Program of the Civil Air Patrol, the civilian volunteer organization sponsored by the U.S. Air Force. That regimen can only work for students who need more structure in their classroom experience. But for now, Anderson Preparatory Academy is holding its own compared to Anderson schools.

We’re encouraged by Anderson Preparatory Academy’s expansion into a second facility. Even more so, we applaud the availability of another educational option for area students. The promise of the academy’s expansion and the still-thriving hopes of the public school community serve to make our community more attractive.