About 75 students have already applied for the 112 spots available at the new middle school, which received approval for its charter from the Los Angeles Unified School District only last month.

The school will initially serve only sixth and seventh grades, with more than 28 students in each classroom. It will add two eighth grade classes and expand to 156 students in the fall of 2004.

"We plan to provide both a supportive and nurturing environment as well as a rigorous academic curriculum to prepare students for successful high school and post secondary experiences," said Renee Harvey, the middle school director.

CHIME Charter Middle School and its sister campus, CHIME Charter Elementary School, are independent schools that provide free public education through affiliation with LAUSD. The schools serve as demonstration and teacher training sites for Cal State Northridge's nationally acclaimed Michael D. Eisner College of Education.

The new middle school is temporarily located on property belonging to the Cornerstone Christian Church at the corner of Parthenia Street and Winnetka Avenue in Northridge. The elementary school is located on its own campus in Woodland Hills.

For an application or more information, interested parents should call (818) 346-5100.

The CHIME Institute, which includes the middle and elementary school, is a national leader in developing and implementing programs that support all children to achieve their maximum potential. Located at Cal State Northridge, it provides dynamic research and training environments to disseminate best educational practices.