HERE A SOME QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE.......

Charter schools are new, innovative public schools that are accountable for student
results.  They are designed to deliver programs tailored to educational excellence and
the needs of the communities they serve.

1.  Why should I care about a Charter School in Mt. Jewett?
  • EVERYONE in this community should care!  The closing of the Mt. Jewett
    Elementary School affects each and every person in Mt. Jewett!!
  • If you have an elementary school-age child, we are sure you are already aware
    of how this will affect your family. Long bus rides, larger class sizes, etc.....
  • If you do not have any children, it still affects you.  With the closing of our
    school, your property value will decrease as much as 25%!!  And, due to the
    renovations that the Kane Area School District plans to begin, our taxes may
    rise. So, our property will be worth less, but we could be paying more in taxes.
  • Lastly, the Mt. Jewett School is the HEART of our town.  It is one of the major
    reasons new families move into Mt. Jewett.  Mt. Jewett has always had pride in
    its school!  It is time for us all to stand up and try an innovative new way to keep
    our school!  With your help we can fight back and keep our school open for our
    children and for the welfare of our community!  

2. Can a Charter School still happen in Mt. Jewett?    
    YES!!  But, to make it happen, it must have the support of the community and
    dedicated individuals to see the process through.  You may be surprised how
    you can help.  

3. Do I have to pay to send my child to a charter school?   
    NO!  There is no tuition charge for a resident OR non-resident student
    attending a charter school.

4. How is a Charter School funded?   
    Charter schools receive funding for operating from both the state and local
    level.  Like district public schools, they are funded according to enrollment (also
    called average daily attendance, or ADA), and receive funding from the district
    and the state according to the number of students attending.

5.  Who is responsible for busing the students?   
    The law requires school districts to provide transportation to resident students
    attending a charter school "on such dates and periods that the charter school is
    in regular session."

6.  Who is eligible to attend a Charter School?   
    Any student who lives in Pennsylvania is eligible to attend a charter
    school.  Students who reside in the school district which grants the
    charter are given the first preference for enrollment.  Students who
    live outside of the chartering school district are given the second
    preference.  Capacity issues are settled by using a lottery.  Students
    who live in a school district with a boundary 10 miles or less from the
    charter school are entitled to free transportation from their school
    district.

7.  How do I ensure the quality of education my child will receive?
  • Charters set higher standards and must meet them to stay in business. Most
    other public schools stay in business no matter how poorly they perform. Not so
    with charter schools. They are your ticket to higher-quality schools.
  • Compared to students in the nearest regular public school, charter students are
    4 percent more likely to be proficient in reading and 2 percent more likely to be
    proficient in math, on their state’s exam.  

One More Thought:  
    Charter Schools create safer, stronger communities.
    Charter schools typically engage local businesses and other organizations to
    help provide resources and services to the school and its families. Many charter
    schools create a community hub, by bringing families in rural America together;
    charter schools have a proven effect on the strength and safety of a community.
Mt. Jewett Charter Coalition
"The real purpose of books is to
trap the mind into doing
its own thinking."
-Christopher Morley
A Charter School in Mt. Jewett?
"Our Children, Our School, Our Future"
"The Mt. Jewett Area Charter School for Academic Excellence exists to inspire each
student to academic greatness using both traditional and innovative means and
resources, community involvement and individualized attention to create a unique
and focused educational opportunity that will equip students with analytical thinking
skills, a passion for learning, leadership skills and a solid foundation of knowledge."
Mt. Jewett Area Charter School for Academic Excellence Mission: