Dear Parents,

    

Did You Know?

 

Did you know that Colorado is considered a very friendly charter school state? Currently, there are 43 states that have charter school legislation that permits the creation of a charter school. States are ranked based on charter school laws, covering 20 components. I am pleased to say that Colorado ranks as the sixth best regarding charter school legislation. But what exactly does that mean and why should anyone care? It means that we live in a state that embraces a choice in education. Parents are not tied to a school based on where they live. Parents are empowered to say they want something better for their kids and, in Colorado, have many options to choose something better. You should care that Colorado had such strong charter school legislation because it means school choice will not go away. It means that your tax dollars will follow your child to their charter school.

 

Charter Schools are Public Schools

• Charter schools in Colorado are funded in the Public School Finance Act, along with all other public schools.
• Charter schools receive Per Pupil Revenue (PPR) on the same basis as other public school students enrolled in the district that granted its charter except that districts may retain up to 5 percent of charter school students' PPR for actual administrative costs. Douglas County School District (DCSD) does not retain this 5 percent.
• Charter schools are subject to all state and federal provisions prohibiting discrimination and must enroll students in a non-discriminatory manner.
• Although charter schools are public schools, they do not have the independent mill levy override and bonding authority that school districts use to finance their capital facilities. To the extent state funds are not available to support this cost, operating revenues are used to pay for these costs.

Charter Schools are Open to All Students

They are:

• Free.
• Public, nonsectarian, nonreligious, non-home-based schools.
• Non-selective in enrollment. There are no admission tests or admissions requirements.
• Often designed to serve under-served populations.
• Appealing to students whose needs are not being met by traditional schools.
• Frequently over-enrolled; that is, more students apply than the school can accommodate. In that event, a lottery is held to determine admission.

Charter Schools are Pioneers and Innovators

• Charter schools allow creative parents, teachers and educational leaders to design schools that better serve particular populations.
• Charter schools can limit class and school size. Charter designers often heed to the research that states that small schools are generally safer and better able to nurture a community of learners than are large schools.
• Charter schools select their own curriculum design. They can establish achievement-oriented cultures and choose staff to best support these structures from day one.
• Charter schools are mission-driven schools created by educators who envision a school committed to a particular purpose and philosophy.
• The tenor of relationships between charter schools and their districts vary widely. Ultimately accountable implementation of a charter school's mission is what best serves students; however, accountability need not be sacrificed for the very spirit of educational innovation and flexibility that the Charter Schools Act was intended to foster.

So, what does this mean to you? It means that you made a conscience choice to provide your child with a better education by enrolling them in Ben Franklin Academy. It means you want to be involved in your child's education. It means you want to be involved in a school that has such an amazing culture of acceptance and caring. It means you want the best teachers and staff who are committed to being the best they can be. Finally, it means you are confident that your child will be well prepared for every step in their academic journey. Primary grade students (K-2) are well prepared to become successful intermediate grade students (3-5). Intermediate students are well prepared to become successful middle school students (6-8). Finally, BFA middle school students are extremely well prepared to become successful leaders and scholars in high school. We have set the groundwork for your child in becoming a lifelong learner. We provide the knowledge and support necessary for you child to continue on as outstanding high school students. This is our responsibility, and we do not take this lightly.  

 

Thank you for entrusting us with your child(ren). As s/he journeys on to high school - which will be here in seven months for some of you and a longer way off for others (though it will be here before you can imagine) - you will be amazed with the results and just what a great job Ben Franklin Academy is doing/done with your child.