What is a community school?
A non-tuition public school attended and staffed by those who choose to go
there; operated by a negotiation between the governing authority of the school
and a sponsor.
A school free of most
local and state education regulations based on three education themes:
choice, flexibility and accountability.
A Community
School Offers Choice and Flexibility
It is developed by groups or individuals.
It is created by educators
committed to a particular purpose or philosophy, centered on the arts,
science, technology or a combination of several different areas.
It allows educators
to research, develop and operate their school of choice.
It gives parents a
choice in their students' education without the added cost of a private
school.
It provides opportunity
for educators and students to discover new methods of teaching and learning.
It accepts students
by open enrollment.
A community
school, similar to a traditional public school:
Is academically and financially accountable;
Must follow all local, state and federal health and safety regulations;
Must abide by federal
law regarding special education and special needs;
Is subject to non-renewal
when performance standards are not met;
May not discriminate,
teach religion or charge tuition.
A community
school is funded:
By the state through per-pupil foundation payments;
By additional funds
from grants, government and private services;
By state start-up
grants for developers with preliminary agreements;
By the Public Charter
Schools Grant Program through the U. S. Department of Education (competitive
grant program).
School Year
Total Open Community Schools in Ohio
1998-1999 15
1999-2000 48
2000-2001 68
2001-2002 93
2002-2003 133
2003-2004 177
