About
Our School
Baden Academy Charter School is a K-6, public charter school. All children, Kindergarten through sixth grade, are eligible for enrollment in our school, at no cost to the parents/guardians of enrolled students.
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BACS offers an arts-infused academic experience at our bricks-and-mortar campus in Baden, PA.
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In addition to typical English/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, our students receive weekly instruction, from expert educators, in theater, music, and visual arts. We offer violin instruction, beginning in first grade, and host multiple performances throughout each school year that give children an opportunity to put their newly acquired skills on display for family and friends.
Principal’s Welcome
Hello Families,
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Together with our teachers, staff, and administrative team, I want to welcome you to Baden Academy Charter School. Whether you're exploring our school or have already enrolled, we're excited to have you!
The BACS community continues to grow by adding meaningful learning experiences. Our school utilizes The Ron Clark Academy House System, and I am a proud member of team Rêveur. If you are new to our school, this system is a dynamic, exciting, and proven way to create a positive climate and culture for students and staff (learn more here). We have also paired with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. This partnership is allowing us to provide unique opportunities for engaging with the arts.
They say that it takes a village to raise children. I am humbled and honored that you have invited me and our BACS community to be a part of your child’s growth and development. We will always be stronger with the support of our community.
Mission
Baden Academy Charter School aims to inspire and support children as they explore their expanding world. We encourage development in both creative and critical thinking through an interdisciplinary arts-integrated curriculum and an emphasis on scientific inquiry, and we help children develop skills, compassion, and awareness by connecting elements of a classical education with progressive instructional methods.
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Baden Academy is committed to offering our students a variety of experiences to help them explore their abilities and interests and ignite their innate curiosity. Our emphasis on artistic and creative learning, scientific and critical thinking, and supportive collaboration will provide students with the skills and mindset to navigate an exciting and ever-changing world. We will also encourage our students to become positive, contributing members of society by incorporating social emotional learning opportunities into our curricula to help them develop self-awareness and inspire them to make purposeful and compassionate choices.
Title 1
Title I, a part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, provides financial assistance to qualified schools and educational agencies to help ensure all children meet state academic standards. Baden Academy is grateful to receive these federal funds each year, and our schoolwide plan includes using the money for initiatives like professional development for our teachers, parent-family engagement activities throughout the school year, salaries for teaching assistants, reading and math materials, supplies for our school-wide arts programs, and technology for our classrooms.
Our school is required to update information about our Title I program each school year, have our plans approved by our school board, and make information available to our school community.
For more information about Title 1 at Baden Academy, click the button below.
The Baden Academy Pledge
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Be Accountable
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Always Be Safe
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Care For Each Other
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Show Respect
Leadership
Board of Directors
Mrs. Marta Karwoski
President
After earning a BS in education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in education from the University of Pittsburgh, Mrs. Karwoski began her teaching career. She worked primarily in middle and high school settings where she taught literature, creative writing, composition, and journalism, and she retired from teaching after 31 years with the Rochester Area School District. She served as an educational consultant with The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, she was on the board of directors of the Community College of Beaver County and worked with the CCBC Foundation, and she is an advocate for equitable public education. Marta recognizes that Baden Academy fills a vital need for many families in Beaver County and is inspired by the school’s strong sense of community. As the board’s current president, she remains committed to supporting the school’s mission of providing a learning environment that emphasizes creative and critical thinking through arts integration and a strong science foundation.
Mr. Tom Ward
Vice President
Mr. Tom Ward earned undergraduate degrees in both Elementary Education and Special Education from Slippery Rock University, and he currently serves as an Instructional Technology Integrator for the North Allegheny School District. With extensive experience in blending education and technology, he serves on the Technology and Curriculum Committees on the BACS board. Mr. Ward is an avid supporter of STEAM initiatives in schools and is committed to supporting the BACS administration, teachers, and students as they adapt to an ever-changing world. Mr. Ward and his wife are proud parents of three children, all of whom have graduated from or currently attend Baden Academy. When Mr. Ward has free time, he enjoys many outdoor activities.
Ms. Megan Burgess
With over 20 years of experience in operations management, Megan is an accomplished professional dedicated to driving growth and success for small businesses. Throughout her career, she has excelled in overseeing diverse functions, including administration, client service, marketing, advertising, risk management, technology, and human resources.
Known for exceptional leadership and communication skills, Megan fosters a collaborative environment that empowers teams, and continually seeks strategies to enhance performance for maximum impact. She is a mentor committed to sharing her skills and experience to equip others to make informed decisions and achieve their goals.
She is the Chief Inspiration Officer at Summit View Wealth Management. This boutique wealth management firm concentrates on financial and retirement planning and also offers various financial wellness courses at area colleges and universities.
Megan is the proud parent of a Baden Academy student, a Penn State Nittany Lion and the current president of the Baden Academy Parent-Teacher-Partnership where she generously volunteers her time to deliver creative, fun and enriching academic programs to the Baden Academy Charter School student body alongside a team of amazing BACS parents and guardians.
Ms. Connie Mabin
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Mrs. Mabin holds the position of Director of New Media and Next Gen at the United Steelworkers International Union, where she creates new curriculum to foster continuous learning for thousands of members each year. She also leads the union’s program honoring and promoting community service called USW Cares, as well as the USW’s partnership with Multiplying Good, the nation’s most prestigious organization dedicated to public service. Mrs. Mabin is a member of the Economy Borough Recreation Board, an active member of Lifeway Christian Fellowship Church in Beaver Falls, a Girl Scout troop co-leader, and a volunteer at the Ambridge Center for Hope. A Beaver County native, Mrs. Mabin is a graduate of Rochester High School and Point Park University, and she is the proud mother of two daughters who attend Baden Academy. She believes strongly in educational choice and is an active and passionate member of the board.
Mr. Roylin Petties
Mr. Petties is a proud member of the Baden Academy Charter School Board of Directors.
He is an accomplished educator and administrator with significant experience in both online and in-person learning.
Mr. Petties is a lifelong resident of Midland, PA and is currently the principal at Washington High School in Washington, PA
Mr. Doug Sharp
After graduating from California University of Pennsylvania, Doug Sharp embarked on a dynamic career journey, leading him to become a dedicated board member of Baden Academy Charter School. Beginning as a high school English teacher at Laurel Highlands High School, Doug's commitment to education quickly became evident. Transitioning to the National Network of Digital Schools as a Teacher Facilitator, he honed his leadership skills and innovative approaches to education.
With 18 years of diverse professional experiences, Doug brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to our charter school community. Currently serving as a Category Marketing Manager for E&I Cooperative Services, Doug continues to demonstrate his strategic thinking and effective communication skills.
As a board member of Baden Academy Charter School, Doug is deeply engaged in shaping the educational experiences of our students. His dedication to continuous improvement and his ability to navigate complex challenges make him an invaluable asset to our school community.
In his leisure time, Doug enjoys pursuing his interests, including automotive restoration and dreaming of new horizons.
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The Rev. John Silbert
Rev. Silbert is an adjunct faculty member at Robert Morris, where he teaches courses in humanities, ethics, world religions, and public speaking. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies from Gordon College and a Master of Divinity degree in Practical Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, and he has completed all coursework in the Ph.D. program in Rhetoric and Communication at the University of Pittsburgh. His extensive teaching experience and deep background in arts education and performance, combined with more than 30 years of pastoral service in Western Pennsylvania, allow him to consider decisions with both his head and heart. He is inspired by Baden Academy’s classical approach to education and its enriching arts curriculum, and he recognizes the amazing potential of its students. John is a history buff, loves fly fishing, and lives with his wife in Zelienople. John is also the proud father of two adult daughters who both work in the arts and humanities field.