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What is a charter school and how is it different from a public school?
Where will the school be located?
When was the charter approved?
How do I enroll my child?
How will VCS be funded?
What is constructivism and project-based learning?
What will the average class size be at VCS?
Will VCS offer a competitive salary to its teachers?
Does VCS's curriculum prepare students for standardized tests?
Are parents required to volunteer?
Are parents required to give money to the school?

What is a charter school and how is it different from a public school?
A charter school is a public school that is independently operated, but publicly funded. Charter schools hire their own staffs, are governed by a Board of Directors, and offer innovative curriculum choices that are different from traditional public schools. In exchange for this freedom, charter schools are held accountable and must academically outperform local public schools or risk losing their charters. A charter school is a tuition free school!

Where will the school be located?
We have narrowed down our search for a site to a handful of promising locations in Van Nuys and North Hollywood. We understand the importance of location for every parent when choosing a school, and hope to make an announcement about our site in the coming weeks.

When was the charter approved?
On June 15th, 2010, the governing board of the Los Angeles Unified School District unanimously approved the charters for Valley Charter Elementary School and Valley Charter Middle School.

How do I enroll my child?
By law, enrollment is open to all students who live in the state of California, and is determined by a random public lottery. To participate in our lottery, complete an enrollment form for each child (K-2) who wishes to attend our school. Download our enrollment form from our website, fill it out, and mail it in. Or you can pick up an enrollment form at one of our events, and then hand it in to a Valley Charter School representative. The deadline to submit an application for inclusion in our 2010 lottery is Wednesday, June 25th at 5pm.

How will VCS be funded?
Valley Charter School will receive public funds from the state of California. To supplement these funds, we will seek support from foundations, the federal government, and our local community. We are a non-profit corporation and able to accept all charitable donations.

What is constructivism and project-based learning?
Constructivism is an educational philosophy and approach based on the belief that all children, when appropriately supported, develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. This also translates into a deeper sense of themselves as learners, as well how to work well with others. Children and their teachers construct this understanding together. Learning occurs when teachers present students with opportunities to actively engage in project-based work that builds a student's understanding in, for example, math, literacy, and science.

Project-based learning is a teaching approach in which students plan, problem-solve, make decisions, and investigate their ideas about an area of study. They work alone or in small groups over extended periods of time. Teachers are mentors and guides, rather than directors and lecturers.

What will the average class size be at VCS?
Our class size will have a 20:1 student/teacher ratio. LAUSD's class size for the primary grades is 24:1.

Will VCS offer a competitive salary to its teachers?
Yes, our school's salaries and benefits will be competitive to those of local districts. Our staff will also participate in STRS (State Teachers' Retirement System); but they will not be required to have membership in the Teacher's Union.

Does VCS's curriculum prepare students for standardized tests?
Valley Charter School's curriculum will meet and exceed California State Standards. Our students will participate in practice exams as appropriate. Standardized testing is one way that we, and the state, will know if what we're doing is working for all of our children.

Are parents required to volunteer?
We strongly encourage VCS families to volunteer, but we understand that jobs and other family commitments can limit parent involvement. However, we are a community that is reliant on the talents, skills, and generosity of all of its members. We hope that every parent will participate to the extent that they can in creating and improving our school, and sharing in the success of every VCS child.

Are parents required to give money to the school?
No. We are a FREE public school, and parents are not required to give money to us. However, like most public and private schools, we will diligently fundraise in order to provide a curriculum that supports the mission of the school. As a non-profit corporation, we will accept cash donations from our community members who are able to contribute. All donations to Valley Charter School are tax deductible.