In 2007 Crater High School was reorganized through a program called the Small School Initiative. With assistance from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Meyer Memorial Trust, four smaller, independent high schools were created: Crater Renaissance Academy, Crater Academy of Health and Public Services, Crater School of Business Innovation and Science, and the Crater Academy of Natural Sciences. While CANS was disbanded due to declining enrollment in 2012, the three remaining high schools, each with individual academic emphasis and culture, continue to serve the communities of Central Point, Gold Hill and Sams Valley. Crater Renaissance Academy was acknowledged by US News and World Report as among the Best High Schools in the United States in 2014, 2015, and 2016. In 2016, Crater Renaissance was one of eight schools in the nation to receive the gold award from the Schools of Opportunity. This award seeks "to recognize schools that are excellent because they engage in research-based practices that focus on closing gaps in opportunity, regardless of the students they serve." Also in 2016, Crater Renaissance was one of four schools in Oregon selected by the Quality Education Commission to serve as a model site in its College Readiness Case Study Project. Bob King served as principal from the school's inception in 2007 through the 2015-2016 school year.
Academics
Crater Renaissance Academy was founded on the principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools, using its ten principles to guide its decisions.
Mission Statement
"To serve as a beacon school that graduates well-rounded students, with strong foundational skills, who connect subjects, ideas, people, problems and solutions; who create unique, significant work that contributes to the community and/or world; and who can change themselves, their peers and the world. Connect — Create — Change!"
Campus and facilities
Crater Renaissance Academy shares Crater Campus with two other small schools: Crater Academy of Health and Public Service, and Crater School of Business, Innovation, and Science. The campus includes a gym, football field and stadium, greenhouse facilities, Performing Arts Center, and an off-site environmental classroom.
Athletics and activities
Crater Renaissance Academy and its sister schools compete together in Oregon School Activities Association events as the "Crater Comets." This includes the football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, wrestling, basketball, swim, track, and cheer teams, and the Marching Band and Color Guard.
