Veritas Prep Charter School in Springfield accepts new class of students, receives $15,000 donation | masslive.com Veritas Prep Charter School in Springfield accepts new class of students, receives $15,000 donation

SPRINGFIELD — Huddled together in a cafeteria where they hoped their children would eat lunch together next year, a group of parents waited in anticipation Tuesday evening.

Veritas Prep Charter School held its annual lottery to accept 80 grade 5 students for the upcoming school year.

The school received twice the number of applications to spots available.

During the enrollment lottery on Tuesday, priority was given to the 16 siblings of students already enrolled at Veritas, leaving 64 spots remaining.

As school officials pulled names of accepted students, parents cheered and clapped upon hearing the names of their children.

The South End charter focuses on providing students a college preparatory education before they enroll in high school. The school year starts earlier for Veritas students – classes began in August this year – and the days are longer.

In addition to a new grade 5 class, students will see another addition to the school next year.

Aaron Mendelson, chair of the Veritas board of trustees, announced the school will receive a $15,000 grant. School founder and executive director Rachel Romano said the school is working to give a computer to each Veritas student.