Chris Brewster, superintendent of Santa Fe South public charter schools, has an unwavering passion to see every child in Oklahoma receive a quality education. A former teacher and assistant principal, Brewster founded Santa Fe South in 2001 — beginning with 120 ninth grade students, seven teachers and a church basement. Today, the public charter school serves over 4,700 students across 13 campuses in south Oklahoma City, making it the largest comprehensive brick and mortar charter school in the state.
For Brewster, who has dedicated 34 years to education, success lies within a combination of community support, public investment and a shared goal toward excellence. Despite common misconceptions, Brewster is adamant that charter schools like Santa Fe South are champions of public education, not competitors to it.
“Charter schools are pro-traditional public schools,” he explains. “We believe that public schools have been the backbone of our country for 200 plus years and communities are strengthened when we invest in education.”
Opening Doors through Public Charter Education
Santa Fe South is a tuition-free public charter school with a straightforward mission: provide equal educational opportunity to all students. There are no admission criteria, and if enrollment exceeds capacity, a random lottery determines placement, ensuring every child has an equal chance.
“Santa Fe South exists to serve a population that has not had options,” Brewster explains. “Being able to give students with limited financial means the same opportunity as those who do is a core part of our mission.”…