LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas State Board of Education unanimously approved the district conversion charter application for the DRIVEN School of Opportunity on Jan. 8, 2026.
The DRIVEN program has operated as part of Joe T. Robinson High School since its creation in 2019.
The charter establishes DRIVEN as a standalone School of Opportunity, allowing the program to pursue Local Education Agency (LEA) status. This change will streamline operations and, in the coming years, allow the school to earn its own state letter grade, creating clearer accountability and recognition for student performance.
The transition is designed to be seamless as the program continues its current instructional model with shorter 25‑minute class periods, academic choice time, one-on-one support, acceleration options and weekly mentor check-ins.
DRIVEN Program Lead Todd Eskola celebrated following the vote, calling DRIVEN “a new era of quality education.” Eskola also serves as Joe T. Robinson’s athletic director, head coach, and AP calculus teacher.
“Such an exciting time for PCSSD and the DRIVEN School of Opportunity to be able to establish a unique educational choice that we believe will help redefine education in Arkansas! DRIVEN will be a unique, innovative, student-centered, and data-driven educational choice for families and will lead our state into a new era of quality education that is focused on future leaders and preparing our students for whatever their future may hold; built on positive relationships and trust,” Eskola said.
Electives and extracurricular opportunities will continue to be offered through a partnership with Robinson High.
DRIVEN originally launched in 2019 with 100 ninth-grade students. It has since grown to 473 9-12 students, and it is expected to increase to 515 students for the 2026-2027 school year.