Charter School Information
Definition of Charter School
(A.R.S. § 15-181)
A Charter School is a public school established by contract with a district Governing Board, the State Board of Education or the State Board for Charter Schools to provide learning that will improve pupil achievement.
Purpose of Charter Schools
- Charter Schools may be established to provide a learning environment that will improve pupil achievement.
- Charter Schools provide additional academic choices for parents and pupils.
- Charter Schools may consist of new schools or all or any portion of an existing school.
- Charter schools are public schools that serve as alternatives to traditional public schools, and charter schools may not be subject to all of the requirements governing other public schools.
- Charter Schools must comply with all provisions of applicable law to receive state funding as prescribed.
The Charter Shall:
- Include a description of the personnel policies.
- Include a description of the personnel qualifications.
- Include a method of school governance.
- Describe the specific role and duties of the sponsor of the Charter School.
- Provide for a Governing Body that is responsible for the policy and operational decisions of the Charter School.
Charter School Requirements
A Charter School shall assure:
- Compliance with federal, state and local rules, regulations and statutes pertaining health, safety, civil rights, insurance and education of children with disabilities.
- Compliance with the same financial requirements as a school district, including Uniform System of Financial Record, Procurement Rules and Audit Requirement.
- That it designs a method to measure pupil progress toward pupil outcomes adopted by the State Board of Education, including participation in the AIMS at the prescribed grade levels, the nationally standardized norm-referenced achievement tests and the completion of an Annual Report Card.
- That it is exempt from all statutes and rules pertaining to schools, governing boards and school districts except the aforementioned.
- That it is nonsectarian in its programs, admission policies, employment practices and all other operations.
- That it provides a comprehensive education program of instruction for at least a kindergarten or any grade(s) between one and twelve, but may emphasize a specific learning philosophy or style or certain subject area.
