State charter school officials approved the latest charter school on Tuesday, launching Acadia Academy, a new school in the Lewiston-Auburn area, to open this fall for up to 128 pre-K to 2nd graders.

“Thank you and we look forward to continue this work, and we know a lot of hard work is ahead,” said Chris Brann, the president of the board of trustees for Acadia Academy.

Acadia Academy is the ninth school approved by the commission, and state law allows a maximum of 10 charter schools. Last month, the commission approved another school to open in the fall, Snow Pond Arts Academy, a performing arts high school in Sidney.

Maine already has five brick-and-mortar charter schools and two virtual charter schools. A total of 1,540 students attend charter schools in Maine, which has about 184,000 students in all.

“Today’s a big day for us,” said Acadia Academy board member Kelly Cabral, after the charter had been signed amid a round of applause.

Acadia Academy will be located at 12 Westminster St. in Lewiston, in a facility once used as a bowling alley.

Acadia Academy officials say they will offer a unique student experience because of individual attention, small class size and a blending of traditional classroom learning and hands-on “experiential” learning.

They will use John F. Murphy Homes, which provides programs for special-needs adults and children, as the education service provider. Since there is one more charter school slot available, the commission will go through the annual process of considering applicants this year, beginning June 10. If a school is approved, it would open in fall 2017.

Noel K. Gallagher can be reached at 791-6387 or at:

ngallagher@pressherald.com

Twitter: noelinmaine