FAQ
Q. What are charter schools?
A. Charter schools extend the privilege
of choice to all families. They provide options for parents and students
in pursuing their ideal educational experience. Charter schools are
open to all children free of charge who are eligible to attend
traditional public schools in the state of Michigan. Charter schools are
governed by a local Board of Directors and are required to meet and
often exceed the standards of its Authorizer and the State Board of
Education
Q. How are charter schools governed?
A. Charter schools are governed by a
Board of Directors appointed by the School's Authorizer. Bylaws of the
Board of Directors outline its role and responsibilities. Some charter
schools employ an education service provider/management company to
provide executive leadership and management services. Other charter
schools choose to go it alone with the Board and School Director.
Q. What are the benefits of sending my child to a charter school?
A. Children attending charter schools
benefit from small class sizes, high academic standards, and innovative
approaches to teaching and learning. Charter schools are organized by a
founding group that is passionate about the basic tenets of the
curriculum. Enthusiasm for the school is contagious. Board members,
staff members, parents, students, and community members are attracted to
the charter school because their interests coincide with the charter
school's educational program and special themes.
Charter schools have to be responsive to parents' concerns because
they operate in a free market. Parents literally make the choice to send
their children to the magnet or theme school. Parents also typically
transport their children to school, which means that parents have a
stronger connection and more active communications with the faculty and
staff.
Q. Why should I send my child to a charter school managed by Choice Schools Associates?
A. The fundamental belief of Choice Schools
Associates is that every child will be empowered with the academic
knowledge and skills, work habits, and character traits to gain access
to the American Dream. All children are capable of accelerated learning
and achieving excellence in their academic endeavors and are prepared
for active citizenship in their communities. Each state certified,
highly qualified instructor that CSA employs receives intensive training
on the links of differentiated instruction and the importance of
holding oneself accountable for the academic success of all students.
The goal of achieving and maintaining parental satisfaction requires
each employee to take the education and safety of each child personally
and continually seek parental input regarding academic needs and
successes.
The Benton Harbor Charter School Board stands firm for safe, secure
schools and make the tough decisions to ensure that every child receives
a first class education free of disruption, threat, and fear. The Board
is focused on student achievement, parent satisfaction, and safe,
secure location for learning.
Q. How do I enroll my child in Benton Harbor Charter School?
A. Parents or legal guardians are invited to submit
an application for student enrollment at the school. All forms must be
submitted in person. Students will be accepted and assigned to classes
on a first come, first served basis. If a particular grade is full,
students will participate in a lottery process at the end of the
official enrollment period or will be placed on a waiting list in the
order enrollment applications are received.
(Click here to download the Benton Harbor Charter School Application )
Q. Who is eligible to enroll at the academy?
A. Any student eligible to attend public
schools in Michigan is eligible to enroll at the school. To enroll in
Kindergarten, your child must be at least five years of age on December
1st of the school year of enrollment. Choice Schools Associates does not
discriminate against any student on the basis of ethnicity, national
origin, gender, or disability. Charter schools are public schools and
all children are encouraged to attend one of our Academies.
Q. Do you test for kindergarten readiness?
A. No. We do not attempt to categorize
students at such a young age. Teachers meet students where they are and
create individual student learning plans so each student can excel
individually and as a whole. BHCS Kindergarten is an academic
kindergarten, which requires students to demonstrate proficiency in
academic skills to be promoted to first grade.
Q. What materials are required for enrollment for the first time?
- Birth certificate: The child’s birth certificate is required for enrollment at all grades.
- Immunizations-Kindergarten: Parents of students entering Kindergarten must present proof that at least one dose of the following immunizations has been received:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
- Polio
- DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus)
- Or TD (Tetanus and Diphtheria)
- Hepatitis B
- Certificate of hearing and vision examination after age 3 and before entrance into Kindergarten
- Religious exemptions may be honored upon completion of the proper state form (Click here to download this state form)
- Immunizations-Transfer Students: All new students must satisfy the same immunization requirements. Parents must present proof that immunizations have been received.
- Record Release Form: A parent is required to sign a record release form at the time of registration. (Click here to download this form)
- Emergency Care Information: An Emergency Care Information Card must be filled out completely and filed in the office for use in emergency situations. Please list emergency contacts in the event a parent is not available. Correct telephone numbers are essential. Parents/guardians are expected to update the card as changes occur. (Click here to download this form)