How do I enroll my child in a charter school?
Most charter schools have an enrollment period when parents can submit applications for the school. If there are more applications submitted than seats available, they will hold a randomized blind lottery.
For more information or questions, please reach out to us.
Yes, before applying to be a charter school, the planning committee must apply to be a nonprofit under the Secretary of State’s office.
Charter schools can be started by any interested party, including parents, community members, and teachers. Charter school planning committees must include one teacher by SC Charter School Law. Once formed and the nonprofit has been secured the committee can then submit the charter school application to the authorizer.
No, charter schools do not have admission requirements or entrance exams. Though many charter schools are in high demand and when that demand exceeds the spaces available in the school, a charter school may hold a randomized, blind lottery to determine which students are admitted or may preference students by need or location. Charter schools that are designated as Alternative Education Campus may have priority enrollment, i.e., a school whose mission is to educate students with dyslexia.
Authorizers are the institutions that decide who can start a new charter school, set expectations, and oversee school performance, and decide which schools should continue to serve students or not. Authorizers are traditional school districts, universities and legislated organizations.
No, charter schools are tuition-free, public schools.
Charter schools typically have a theme/focused mission or are established in reaction to the local traditional schools failing schools. Charter schools have flexibility in curriculum, employment, discipline etc., but not in federal programs such as special education.
Charter schools sponsored by a local district are funded by state, federal, and local monies. Charter schools sponsored by a statewide authorizer are funded by state and federal monies. Statewide authorized schools receive 100% of state base funding as approved annually during the legislative process by the proviso in the state budget. Funds are allocated based on the number of pupils plus the weighting of the student’s categorical classification which includes special education, vocational, and pupils in poverty. Statewide Authorizers maintain a 2% administrative fee.
Yes—the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) acknowledged in a 2015 memo that all charter schools are considered accredited if they are in good standing with their sponsor/authorizer. The SCDE publishes a list of accredited charter schools on its website. When a charter school is accredited, it means that credits earned by students are eligible for transfer to any public school, that diplomas are issued by the State of South Carolina the same way they are for traditional schools and are considered valid by colleges and universities. In addition to state accreditation, schools can choose to go through AdvancEd accreditation, a nationally recognized accreditation process. See the individual school websites for more details.
Fiscal Governance Policies
The fiscal year is coterminous with the scholastic year, beginning on the first day of July of each year and ending on the thirtieth day of June each year.
The LCA Board may at its discretion provide financial assistance for member schools. A school may initiate a request for financial assistance with a resolution from its Board of Directors.
Financial planning for any fiscal year or the remaining part of any fiscal year shall not deviate materially from the board’s Ends Policies/Strategic Plan or place the organization at risk of fiscal jeopardy.
Accordingly, the Superintendent shall not, without notifying the Board of any deviation, allow budgeting that:
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Contains too little information to enable credible projection of revenues and expenses, separation of capital and operation items, cash flow, and disclosure of planning assumptions.
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Plans the expenditure in any fiscal year of more funds than are conservatively projected to be received in that period.
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Provides for less board prerogative during the year than is set forth in the Cost of Governance Policy.
Additionally, the Superintendent shall note any financial deviations from the above guidelines in the monthly financial report to the board.
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Section 59-20-95 applies to state agencies that are also an LEA, as well as to any institution of higher education that registers to become a charter sponsor. The statute includes therequirement to maintain a “general reserve fund of at least one month of general fund operating expenditures of the previous two completed fiscal years or has not made progress in increasing the general reserve fund balance in accordance with department guidelines to meet at least one month of general fund operating expenditures within the previous two completed fiscal years.”
The Association Superintendent shall take and hold in trust for the State any grant or devise of lands and any gift or bequest of money or other personal property made to him/her for educational purposes. (S.C. Code §59-69-40.)
All contractual agreements between the Board and any other agency, organization, or individual, public or private, shall be consistent with the general purpose and intent of current Board policies and state statutes and regulations. Such plans or contractual agreements shall be kept on file in the Office of the Association Superintendent and other State offices as required by law, for public inspection and review.
Association employee travel shall comply with the requirements set forth in the State Travel Regulations. Employees shall submit travel reimbursements monthly for the Superintendent’s approval. Travel reimbursements other than mileage associated with school visits must be preapproved by the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall authorize the Finance Director only to process and pay travel reimbursements approved by the Superintendent and in compliance with State Travel Regulations. Travel reimbursed with federal funds must comply with The Federal Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR, Part 200).
Engaging the services of a consultant to support the specific responsibilities and initiatives of the Association in excess of $20,000 may be authorized only by the Board. If the Superintendent believes retention of a consultant is appropriate, a recommendation should be submitted to the Board.
Engaging the services of a consultant to support specific responsibilities and initiatives of the Association under $20,000.00 may be at the discretion of the Superintendent.
The Association utilizes a variety of consultants on a case-by-case basis. Consultants may submit a written request detailing their rates for specified tasks on a daily rate or fixed price for a given task.
The Board and the Superintendent shall annually, or more often if appropriate, review these policies to ensure that they are consistent with current legislative provisions.
They often offer support services to member schools, such as professional development programs for teachers and administrators, assistance with compliance and reporting requirements, and access to resources like curriculum materials or educational technology.
The association fosters networking and collaboration among charter schools. This can include sharing best practices, collaborating on educational initiatives or projects, and providing a platform for schools to learn from each other.
They may engage in public relations efforts to promote the value and impact of charter schools within their communities and the broader public. This can involve media outreach, community events, and highlighting success stories from member schools.
The association might also be involved in developing and refining policies related to charter school governance, accountability, and performance standards. This can include working with lawmakers and education officials to shape legislation and regulations affecting charter schools.
Ensuring high-quality education is often a goal, so the association may have programs or initiatives focused on quality assurance, such as accreditation processes, performance monitoring, and support for continuous improvement efforts in member schools.