Washoe Country School District
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Charter Schools
A Primer On Charter Schools
While most people have heard of charter schools, there is a good deal of confusion about what they are, their legal standing, governance and sources of funding. The Washoe County School District now sponsors eight charter schools. Here's how they operate.
Charter schools are public schools funded with taxpayer dollars. Charters get the same per-pupil allocation from the state as the school district does. They take a count of students in the same way, and they receive their funding directly from the state based on their official enrollment. They are also eligible for Title 1 funds on the same basis as other schools. In addition, they get a proportionate share of special education dollars if they're serving eligible children.
But, what's a "charter" and how are these schools different from regular public schools?
Organizers who wish to start a charter school first contact the Nevada Department of Education and complete an extensive application to ensure that they comply with all state statutes. After the organizers clear that hurdle, they approach the Board of Trustees for a "charter" which is an agreement between the organizers and the Board granting them permission to operate the school.
The school has its own governing body that directs its operations. State law says the sponsoring districts may not interfere in the normal, day-to-day business of charter schools. So, charters are free to chart their own course, free of many, but not all, rules and regulations covering other schools.
For example, charters can use a unique curriculum and different instructional methods. Students, however, are still expected to meet state or district academic standards and they must take all state-mandated tests. The schools cannot be affiliated with nor controlled by any church, may not engage in religious instruction and may not discriminate on who attends.
WCSD Sponsored Charter Schools
Go to WCSD Sponsored Charter Schools
State Sponsored Charter Schools
Go to State Sponsored Charter Schools
