FAQs:
When will Emerson Alcott Academy open? Fall 2008
What grades will there be at Emerson Alcott? K-6, the first year. K-8 the second year.
When and how do I enroll my child? Now. The sooner the better. You can enroll online here, or call Arbetta, our enrollment specialist at 823-1950. The next enrollment will close March 31, 2008. It will not be the last enrollment, however the sooner you enroll, the greater your chances of getting in.
Are uniforms required? Yes. Our school has a specific dress code that will need to be followed. For information on this, please see student handbook.
Is there school lunch? No. The first year there will be no cafeteria. Home lunch will be required. It is our goal to provide lunch in the future, however. We hope by the second year.
Are there any fees? There are no required fees, however Emerson Alcott Academy gladly accepts family donations. There may be fees for 7th and 8th grades, in year two.
How can I make a donation? Call our “contact us” information number or click here
Where is the school going to be located? Ballard
Is there transportation (bus) services? No. Parents will be required to bring their children and pick them up before and after school. PTO will be putting together a carpool option for those who are interested.
Is there tuition? No. This is a free public school.
May a charter school limit its enrollment to certain students?
No. A charter school is part of the public education system and must be open to all students, without discrimination, on the same basis as other public schools. If the number of students applying to enroll in a charter school exceeds the capacity of the school or of programs, classes, or grade levels within the school, then those to be admitted are chosen at random from among the applicants, subject to certain preferences:
Mandatory preference. If a public school converts to charter school status, students who would have attended the public school must be given preference in enrollment.
Optional preference. Preference may also be given to the following:
- Students whose parents were actively involved in the development of the charter school, or who have a brother or sister currently attending the charter school.
- Students who reside within the school district where the charter school is located.
Are charter schools subject to the same laws and regulations as other public schools?
As a general rule, yes. Laws and regulations relating to religion in the schools, school fees and tuition, health and safety, civil rights, annual reports, prohibitions against advocacy of unlawful behavior, screening of potential employees or volunteers for competency and fitness, and most other matters are the same for both charter schools and other public schools. The State Board may waive any of its rules for a charter school or other public school, if the school applies for a waiver and the State Board finds that the waiver would not violate applicable law or cause harm to students or the school.
A charter school is exempt from existing negotiated agreements relating to the hiring, employment, and dismissal of employees. A charter school’s governing body may determine the level of compensation and the terms and conditions of employment for its employees. Charter schools may only employ educators who hold valid teaching certificates or who meet State Board requirements for alternative certification or authorization.
How are charter schools held accountable for what they do?
A charter school must make the same annual reports as other public schools, including an annual financial audit and monthly budget report. Additionally, the charter school must participate in the statewide testing programs. Charter schools submit all reports to the Utah State Board of Education.
What must be included in a charter school’s charter?
A charter is a contract between a charter school and the State Board, setting forth the conditions under which the school will operate. The charter should include detailed information about the school, including at a minimum:
- The ages or grade levels to be served
- Projected maximum student enrollment and projected enrollment each of the first 3 years of operation
- The way the school will be governed
- The budget and other financial matters
- Provisions for financial audits and annual reports
- The school’s mission, educational goals, and curriculum
- Methods for student assessment, if any, in addition to participation in the statewide public education assessment program and end-of-level core curriculum assessments
- Admission, suspension, and dismissal procedures
- Procedures for reviewing parents’ complaints about the school
- Opportunities for involving parents
- Insurance for the school, its employees and governing body
- The school calendar, including the length of the school day and school year
- Plans for extracurricular activities, if any
- District in which school will be located and physical facilities' address, if known at time of application
- Educator qualifications
- If a current public school is to be used, plans relating to the accommodation of current students and employees who do not want to participate in the charter school
How are charter schools financed?
Charter schools are funded on the principle that state funds follow the student. A differentiated WPU is applied to Charter School students. In distributing funds under Minimum School Program Act, to charter schools, charter school pupils shall be weighted, where applicable, as follows:
- .55 for kindergarten pupils;
- .9 for pupils in grades 1-6;
The value of the WPU for fy 2004 is $2,150. In addition, the legislature appropriates funds each year to replace some of the local property tax revenues that are not available to charter schools. Charter schools may also apply for state and federal start-up funds and specialized funds if qualifying students are served in approved programs.
A charter school may not charge tuition or require students or parents to make donations and is subject to the same rules regarding school fees as other public schools.
How long is a charter valid?
A charter is valid until revoked or according to the terms set forth in the district issued charter.
What are the federal guidelines affecting the operation of a charter school?
Visit the USCharterschools Federal Guidance on Public Charter Schools Program, Admissions and Lotteries section.
Where can I get additional information about charter schools?
Additional information, can be obtained either through the Charter Schools Home Page on the Utah State Office of Education web site at:
http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/charterschools/
or from Marlies Burns at the Utah State Office of Education. Call John at (801) 538-7817 or write to:
marlies.burns@schools.utah.gov
or
Charter Schools Program
Attn: Marlies Burns
Utah State Office of Education
P O Box 144200
Salt Lake City, Utah
84114-4200
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