What is a Charter School?
A charter school is a public school which is founded by a group of parents, teachers or business people. This is why it is a "school of choice." The founders of a charter school sign a contract with an authorizer (either a school district or a state authorizer) and receive funds to operate in the same as other schools. The philosophy and operation of the charter school reflect the beliefs of the founders and are independent of the school district or state authorizing agency. The educational program is non-religious and non-sectarian.
Who can attend?
Charter schools are public schools. In Colorado, charter schools are open to students who wish to enroll regardless of the district in which they reside. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥ has six schools on four separate campuses. The schools have students who live in over a dozen school districts. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥ does not discriminate against any student on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or need for special education services.
Do you have to pay tuition?
Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥ is a tuition-free, public charter school. There is an annual student fee for all grades.
Who governs the charter school?
James Irwin Charter School is governed by parents whose children attend the school as well as community members.
Why do people form charter schools?
The Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥ founders believe that public education must focus on academic excellence and character development. Each child must be challenged to produce the best work of which he or she is able. The curriculum emphasizes the basic disciplines of reading, writing, arithmetic, history, geography, science, and the fine arts. The founders reject Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) and all attempts to invade the privacy of students, engage in social engineering, indoctrinate, or undermine their moral foundation. James Irwin Charter School parents can be assured that the values they teach their children at home will not be compromised by the curriculum of the school.
