What is a charter school? Charter schools are free, public schools organized by parents, teachers or community organizations. They receive approval for state funding based on the charter, a document describing the school's teaching methodology and other practices, and presented for approval to a charter authorizer such as the school district, the county or the state.
Do you have to meet the same standards as other schools? Yes. As a charter school we receive funds from the state of California, and are required to meet State Standards.
Why is it okay to immerse English speakers in a language, but not Spanish speakers? The English speaker is not at risk of losing the English language. English is spoken at home, in the community, and in the media. Dual immersion programs are not replacing English with another language, but provide the students the opportunity to acquire a second language. Dual-immersion programs are additive programs in that a second language is acquired while maintaining the first language of the students.
Why should I choose this school for my child? Up to 15 years of research has shown that students in high quality Dual Immersion programs develop high academic achievement in reading, writing and oral proficiency in two languages. It also allows students to see their first language in a comparative perspective, which helps them analyze and refine their language use. Furthermore, students develop and demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors. What's more, bilingual individuals have an intellectual advantage when pursuing higher education and an economic advanatge when they enter the work force!
What are the parent involvement opportunities? We strongly believe that parent involvement is key to student's success. However, no parent involvement plan shall require mandatory services from parents, and under no circumstances shall any student suffer any adverse consequences based upon a parent's level of service or contribution to the school.
We recognize that every parent is able to be involved at different levels due to individual specific family, work, cultural reasons and even health issues. The definition of parent involvement that Voices values above all else is parental concern, and home support of the schools' efforts to educate the student through love, nurturing and good parenting. Therefore, two levels of parent involvement are available to parents:
Required:
- Commitment and willingness to fulfill the Parent Agreeement;
- Commitment and willingness to adhere and support all policies as outlined in the Parent Handbook;
- Two way communication between the school and home regarding the education and well-being of the student.
Encouraged:
- Tutoring
- Homework volunteer
- Parenting classes
- Parent information workshops
- Governing Council Representative
- Eighth grade Exit Interview Teams
- Parent Committees
Do you have a dress code? Yes. We believe that students should focus their energy and attention upon their academic development and not on style or the clothes of their peers. Furthermore, the dress code is important to our school culture.