Frequently Asked Questions

For a glossary of Charter School terms (terms used here that you may not have heard or used elsewhere),  see our Odyssey Glossary, "Defining the charter school adventure, one word at a time."
 

What are charter schools?

Charter schools are independent public schools sponsored by the Utah State Office of Education. They operate on three basic principles:

• Accountability: Charter schools are judged on 1) how well they meet the student achievement goals established by their charter and 2) how well they manage the fiscal and operational responsibilities entrusted to them. If they fail to deliver, they are closed.
• Choice: Through increased involvement by parents, smaller school size, and a board governed by parents and educators, charter schools often better meet the needs of students.
• Autonomy: Charter schools are free from some traditional regulations that divert a school's energy and resources. This allows educators to focus more on setting and reaching high academic standards for their students.

Are charter schools subject to the same laws and regulations as other public schools?

As a general rule, yes. Laws regarding religion in schools, school fees and tuition, health and safety, civil rights, annual reports, and most other matters are the same. Charter schools may only employ educators who hold valid teaching certificates and who meet State Board requirements.

Do charter schools take money from public schools?

Charter schools are public schools. If a child leaves a traditional public school for a charter school, the money follows that child.

How are charter schools financed?

As a public school, charter schools receive revenue per pupil according to state guidelines. A charter school may not charge tuition or require students or parents to make donations and is subject to the same rules regarding school fees as other public schools.

How do charter schools offer enhanced academic programs with the same (or fewer) resources than traditional public schools?

Through the combined efforts, creativity, and hard work of dedicated parents, teachers, and administrators.

May a charter school limit its enrollment to certain students?

No. A charter school is part of the public education system and is open to all students, without discrimination, on the same basis as other public schools. If the number of applicants exceeds the available capacity of the grade levels within the school, students will be selected at random by lottery. Enrollment preferences are extended for children of founders and siblings of enrolled students.

If one of my children is drawn in the lottery, will all my children be accepted?

The sibling preference assures that siblings will be given priority in the applicant pool. Due to varying demand among grade levels, it is possible there will be times that not all children of a family will be concurrently enrolled.

What are my commitments as a parent if my child is attending Odyssey Charter School?

• 40 hrs each year of volunteer work per two-parent family, 20 hours for single-parent families. OCS sincerely hopes that parents will see the correlation between their involvement and their student's success.
• Transportation will not be provided by the school. Parents will be responsible for the daily arrival and departure of their children.
• Students will bring a sack lunch to school each day. School lunch will not be available at this time.

How long is the school day? Which calendar will OCS follow?

School hours will be 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Odyssey Charter School will follow a traditional school year and will generally align its calendar with the Alpine School District.  A copy of our school calendar is located here.

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