Frequently Asked Questions Ascending Roots has many people that asks various questions about the history and function of a charter school. I hope this information sheds some light for you. What is a charter school? What is the difference between a charter school and other public schools? Do charter schools have admissions policies? How are charter schools funded? Why are the school called "charters"? Why a charter school? How are charter schools governed? What is a charter school? Charter schools are K-12 public schools started by parents, teachers, and/or community members who apply to the Arizona Department of Education for a "charter," which defines the school's specific mission and goals, and how these goals will be measured. Charter schools are accountable to their sponsors, parents and families, the state, and the public for achieving measurable results in student achievement and for implementing fiscally sound management. Sponsors of charter schools vary widely but are often charitable or service organizations, local school districts, or post-secondary institutions. Charter schools are extremely diverse in their focuses. From project-based high schools to arts-intensive schools to online learning and technology-focused schools, the missions of charter schools in Arizona vary widely. Since charter schools are public schools, they are open to anyone, free of charge. Back to Top What is the difference between a charter school and other public schools? Charter schools are site-based managed, meaning that parents, teachers, and local community members choose the people who govern the operation of the school. Charter schools elect their own school boards to oversee all aspects of the school's mission, goals, and operations. The autonomy charter schools enjoy creates an environment where creativity and innovation in teaching and learning flourish. In addition, charter schools often have a particular approach to education or focus for their programs that differentiates them from other schools. For example, some charter schools focus on experiential learning, or Core Knowledge, or project-based learning, or technology. Often, charter schools are smaller than neighboring schools offering smaller class sizes and lower student to teacher ratios. Back to Top Do charter schools have admissions policies? Charter schools are public schools and are, therefore, bound by public law that defines public school admission policies as nonsectarian, nondiscriminatory, and tuition free. Charter schools are open to all students free of charge. Back to Top How are charter schools funded? Charter schools are funded by the State of Minnesota on a per-pupil rate. In addition, charter schools receive state support for their facilities expenses because they cannot issue bonds or raise taxes through levies like other school districts. Charter schools are funded their first three years of operation by federal charter school start-up funding. In addition, many charter schools qualify for federal title funding. Back to Top Why are the school called "charters"? Charter school operators set forth their goals and operating procedures in a contract that is reached with the local school district, county board of education or the state. This contract is called a “charter.’’ Back to Top Why a charter school? Public charter schools offer an important and timely public school option to address the challenges facing our traditional education system. Charter schools are an exciting and high-potential alternative for the following reasons: Most efforts to reform high-need public schools in Arizona have failed. Charter schools provide parents the opportunity to offer real input in their child’s education. Charter schools give educators freedom to try new strategies to inspire student achievement. Charters schools, less encumbered by the bureaucratic barriers that face other public schools, have the potential to spark system-wide change. Back to Top How are charter schools governed? Charter schools have their own boards of education and operate independently of local school districts. Local school districts and county boards of education, however, have an oversight responsibility over charter schools and review the progress of charter schools. Local school districts, county boards of education and the state can revoke charters. A charter school is generally exempt from most laws governing school districts, except where specifically noted in the law. Back to Top |Academics/Sports| |Contact Us| |Directions| |Download| |Flashsplash| |Welcome| |Internet Links| |Services| |Survey| |FAQ| |Catalog| |Home| |Slideshow Flash|