Topic #1: Update on School Location | Topic #2: Public Charter Schools in GA
Topic #1: UPDATE ON SCHOOL LOCATION
Where will the school be located?
The renovations to our building space are in progress. Our permanent facilities will provide our scholars the best environment for academic achievement and a comfortable place to enrich their school experience. The school facilities will be safe and appealing. After all, the girls will spend most of their productive time at IPA.
Our school's address is 3705 Engineering Drive, Norcross, GA 30092. We will announce our moving date as construction progresses. We appreciate your patience!
Topic #2: PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS IN GA
What is a charter school in Georgia?
A charter school is a public school that operates according to the terms of a charter, or contract, that has been approved by a local board of education and/or 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.
What is a start-up charter school?
A start-up charter school is a school started by private individuals, private organizations, or state and local public entities that operate the school according to the terms of a charter contract between the charter petitioner, local board of education, and the State Board of Education. The school did not exist prior to the petition.
What is a State Chartered Special School?
A State Chartered Special School is a public school that operates according to the terms of a charter, or contract, that has been approved by the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education may approve a State Chartered Special School if a charter has been denied by a local board of education, mediation has not been successful, and the charter petition meets the requirements of a State Chartered Special School described in the Charter Schools Act of 1998 and the State Board of Education Charter Schools Rule 160-4-9-.04.
What is the difference between a charter school and a traditional public school?
A traditional public school is organized according to federal laws, state school laws, State Board of Education rules, and local board of education policies. A charter school is organized according to federal laws, applicable state school laws and SBOE rules that cannot be waived, and the terms of the charter contract.
What is the difference between a charter school and a magnet or theme school?
The charter school concept is an organization model. The focus is on how the school is organized, governed, and managed. Instructional strategies will vary from one charter school to the next. A charter school cannot have admission criteria.
The magnet or theme school is an instructional model. The focus is on the instructional strategy implemented at the school, for example, a focus on technology or performing arts. Some magnet schools have admission criteria.
What is the difference between a charter school and a private school?
A charter school is a public school that is organized and operated according to the terms of the charter, or contract. A charter school cannot have admissions criteria or charge tuition.
A private school is not subject to state school laws, local board of education policies, or State Board of Education rules. Private schools may have admissions criteria and charge tuition.
Who may start a charter school in Georgia?
The Charter Schools Act of 1998 provides that existing local schools, private individuals, private organizations, and state and local public entities may organize a charter public school subject to a performance-based contract approved by both the state and local boards of education.
What is the approval process for granting a charter?
After a charter petition has been approved by a local board of education, the petition may be submitted for approval to the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education grants the charter. If a local board of education denies a charter petition, the State Board of Education may grant a charter for a state chartered special school.
Who can attend a charter school?
Any student who resides in the school district in which the charter school is located and who submits a timely application may attend a charter school. If the number of applications exceeds the capacity of the school, all applicants will have an equal chance of being admitted through a random selection process or lottery. Enrollment preference may be given to students who reside in the school's attendance zone, which is defined in the charter contract. A sibling of a resident student currently enrolled in the charter school may also be given enrollment preference. A charter school cannot have admission criteria.
How can a student enroll in a Georgia charter school?
If the charter school is located in the school district where the student resides, call the charter school or the local school system to inquire about registration procedures. If the charter school is located in a school district where the student does not live, call the charter school or the local school system to inquire about registration procedures for accepting students out of district