One charter school system has received another vote of confidence thanks to a $1 million contribution to its nonprofit fundraising efforts.

Rocketship Education, a network of K-5 public charter schools, has been awarded the generous by the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation to expand its "hybrid school" model, combining classroom and online learning.

By 2015, the network hopes to open 30 new hybrid charter schools in cities such as Denver, Chicago, Tulsa, Houston and Phoenix.

"By using a combination of the best and brightest teachers and technology, Rocketship has
literally redefined a traditional classroom," said Eli Broad, founder of the Eli and Edythe Broad
Foundation. "Rocketship has demonstrated that when schools offer every student access to a strong teacher and engaging instruction tailored to their individual needs, they can revolutionize education as we know it."

Currently, Rocketship operates three public charter schools in San Jose, California, with plans to open two more in the fall of 2011. It serves more than 1,300 students, of which nearly 90 percent are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches due to their low-income situations.