 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
What is a charter school?
A charter school is a school that operates according to the terms of a charter that has been approved by a local
board of education and the State Board of Education. The charter school may request waivers from provisions of
Title 20 of Georgia state law and any state or local rule, regulation, policy, or procedure relating to schools in the
school district. In exchange for this flexibility, the charter school is bound by contract to be held accountable for
meeting the performance-based objectives specified in the charter (Georgia Department of Education)
www.gadoe.org
How are charter schools funded?
A charter school that is approved by the local Board of Education and the State Board of Education shall be included
in the allotment of funds to the School District. The District and the State Board shall treat the charter school no less
favorably than other District schools with respect to the provisions of funds for instructional and administrative
programs. An approved charter school shall also receive local funds according to the formula set out in the Charter
Schools Act. The charter school shall also be eligible for federal funds on the same basis as other schools in the
District. The charter school shall not charge tuition.
The local Board of Education will provide no "up-front money" of any kind to charter school petitioners. Charter
school petitioners requesting fiscal autonomy will receive their fair share of state and local funds as earned on a
pro-rata basis (elementary, middle, or high). Funds will be prorated to the charter school just as the state prorates
revenues to the District.
There will be an annual audit of the charter school performed by the local School District Internal Audit Department. A
charter may be revoked or not renewed by the Board of Education if the Board determines that the charter school
failed to meet generally accepted standards of fiscal management as described by the local School District Financial
Services Division.
How are charter schools different from traditional public schools?
Charter schools are generally viewed as schools of choice. This means that the local school district will not
automatically assign students to the school. Rather, parents of students have to explicitly apply to a Charter School
to have their child enrolled in the school.
Additionally, charter schools, generally have more flexibility in key areas such as curriculum, fiscal management, and
its overall school operations. In fact, a charter school application will generally have a better chance of approval if it
intends to offer an educational program that is more innovative as compared to traditional public schools.
Are students who attend charter schools required to take the CRCT and the GHSGT?
Yes
Are charter schools subject to Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and other NCLB provisions?
Yes. More details can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/charterguidance03.doc
Who is Imagine Schools Non Profit (ISNP)?
Imagine Schools is a national organization comprised mostly of teachers. Imagine operates elementary and
secondary (K-12) charter and independent schools nationwide. Imagine Schools' purpose is to assist parents and
guardians in educating their children, through a challenging program of study and strong moral development within a
nurturing and orderly learning environment. Imagine Schools has exceptional teachers, excellent thematic curricula,
positive character development programs, vibrant leadership and solid financial strength. For more information on
Imagine Schools visit them at http://www.imagineschools.com.
A charter school is a school that operates according to the terms of a charter that has been approved by a local
board of education and the State Board of Education. The charter school may request waivers from provisions of
Title 20 of Georgia state law and any state or local rule, regulation, policy, or procedure relating to schools in the
school district. In exchange for this flexibility, the charter school is bound by contract to be held accountable for
meeting the performance-based objectives specified in the charter (Georgia Department of Education)
www.gadoe.org
How are charter schools funded?
A charter school that is approved by the local Board of Education and the State Board of Education shall be included
in the allotment of funds to the School District. The District and the State Board shall treat the charter school no less
favorably than other District schools with respect to the provisions of funds for instructional and administrative
programs. An approved charter school shall also receive local funds according to the formula set out in the Charter
Schools Act. The charter school shall also be eligible for federal funds on the same basis as other schools in the
District. The charter school shall not charge tuition.
The local Board of Education will provide no "up-front money" of any kind to charter school petitioners. Charter
school petitioners requesting fiscal autonomy will receive their fair share of state and local funds as earned on a
pro-rata basis (elementary, middle, or high). Funds will be prorated to the charter school just as the state prorates
revenues to the District.
There will be an annual audit of the charter school performed by the local School District Internal Audit Department. A
charter may be revoked or not renewed by the Board of Education if the Board determines that the charter school
failed to meet generally accepted standards of fiscal management as described by the local School District Financial
Services Division.
How are charter schools different from traditional public schools?
Charter schools are generally viewed as schools of choice. This means that the local school district will not
automatically assign students to the school. Rather, parents of students have to explicitly apply to a Charter School
to have their child enrolled in the school.
Additionally, charter schools, generally have more flexibility in key areas such as curriculum, fiscal management, and
its overall school operations. In fact, a charter school application will generally have a better chance of approval if it
intends to offer an educational program that is more innovative as compared to traditional public schools.
Are students who attend charter schools required to take the CRCT and the GHSGT?
Yes
Are charter schools subject to Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and other NCLB provisions?
Yes. More details can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/charterguidance03.doc
Who is Imagine Schools Non Profit (ISNP)?
Imagine Schools is a national organization comprised mostly of teachers. Imagine operates elementary and
secondary (K-12) charter and independent schools nationwide. Imagine Schools' purpose is to assist parents and
guardians in educating their children, through a challenging program of study and strong moral development within a
nurturing and orderly learning environment. Imagine Schools has exceptional teachers, excellent thematic curricula,
positive character development programs, vibrant leadership and solid financial strength. For more information on
Imagine Schools visit them at http://www.imagineschools.com.
FAQ
Copyright Imagine Georgia 2007. All rights reserved.
