The announcement today from the San Francisco-based Knowledge is Power Program makes Washington University the sponsor a cluster of five tuition-free, hard-work public schools, aimed at serving roughly 1,500 St. Louis students over the next 10 years. The first, a middle school, would open in the fall of 2009

According to our story, by education writer David Hunn:

The program, known as KIPP, is the most well-respected charter school network in the country. Now, Washington University is the most prestigious university to sponsor a U.S. charter school. Experts say, together, the two will not only alter local education, but provide a model for other elite colleges across the country.

“Nationally, St. Louis has not been on the map, in terms of charter schools,” said Greg Richmond, president of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers, based in Chicago. “With Washington University getting involved, St. Louis becomes one of those top-tier cities.”

The question du jour: Should St. Louis be “on the map” with charter schools? Are you a proponent of the charter school movement? And, based on the story, do you think this is a promising program?