President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama & Education Secretary Arne Duncan Visit Capital City Public Charter School

President Obama`s Second Visit to an Expeditionary Learning School
WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
In his first visit to a public school since his inauguration, President Barack
Obama, with First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan,
spent this afternoon at Capital City Public Charter School, an Expeditionary
Learning school .

The President and his wife met with some of the school`s fifth graders, who told
him about their latest learning expedition on voting rights. They visited a
second grade class where they read Dianna Hutts Aston`s "The Moon Over Star" to
the children and talked with them about what they wanted to be when they grew
up.

Calling Capital City an "innovative school", the President said it is an
"example of how all our schools should be." His remarks recalled his visit to
Mapleton Expeditionary Learning School for the Arts (MESA) last May where he
visited classes and delivered a major education speech.

"Arne Duncan will work as hard as he can to make sure that we are reforming our
schools and encouraging innovation," he continued. "We are very proud of this
school, and are interested in duplicating its success across the country." He
added that his administration will be rewarding excellent schools.

"We are thrilled that the President and First Lady selected our school today-and
consider it a model for others--as they continue to highlight their interest in
education reform," said Karen Dresden, Capital City`s head of school and
founder.

"President Obama has seen what we see daily at Expeditionary Learning
Schools--students` faces full of excitement and understanding about how and what
they learn. With Secretary Duncan`s leadership we anticipate real progress for
rigorous, innovative schools like ours," noted Deborah Bond-Upson, Expeditionary
Learning Schools President and CEO

About Expeditionary Learning Schools

The Expeditionary Learning School network serves 150 schools in 28 states and
the District of Columbia, supporting 50,000 students and 4,000 teachers.
Expeditionary Learning is supported by schools, school districts and grants from
the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Stuart Foundation, the Barr Foundation
and others. Rigorous and vigorous Expeditionary Learning schools thrive from a
community commitment to each student`s academic and character growth; by active
hands-on, 21st century teaching and learning; a school culture valuing nature,
adventure, and personal challenge; and by an uncommonly extensive and highly
regarded teacher professional development program.

About Capital City Public Charter School

Capital City Public Charter School is an award-winning public school of choice
for children Pre-K through eighth grade. Beginning in fall 2008, Capital City
enrolled 9th graders and continues to add a grade a year through 12th grade. The
school`s mission is to enable a diverse group of children to meet high
expectations; to develop creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving
skills; and to achieve deep understanding of complex subjects, while acquiring a
love of learning and a strong sense of community and character.

Expeditionary Learning Schools
Rebecca Kennedy, 212-239-4455 X 16
917-678 8706 (Mobile)
rkennedy@elschools.org

Copyright Business Wire 2009