Charter Schools - Admissions FAQs
This page contains frequently asked questions related to admissions in charter schools.
1. Is there a list of open-enrollment charter schools currently operating?
2. How can I determine whether there is an open-enrollment charter school in my area?
3. Can you recommend a charter school to me?
4. What do I do if my old school doesn't forward my records to my new school?
5. What are the admissions requirements of charter schools?
6. What is the difference between admissions and enrollment?
7. Can a school withdraw a student who is not progressing in the program?
8. How do I get a copy of my records from a charter school that is closed?
- Is there a list of open-enrollment charter schools currently operating?
Yes. The list of open-enrollment charter schools may be found online through the Texas Education Directory (askTED) or on the Reports page maintained by the Division of Charter Schools.
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- How can I determine whether there is an open-enrollment charter school in my area?
An electronic list of the open-enrollment charter school campuses in each city may be found online through the Texas Education Directory (askTED) or on the Reports page maintained by the Division of Charter Schools.
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- Can you recommend a charter school to me?
No, as a governmental agency we may not recommend a charter school to the public. However, we provide a wide range of information that might help you select the school that is appropriate for your child. The Agency provides information on the performance of students in each public school and district in Texas every year through the Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS). For a list of open-enrollment charter schools visit our Reports page. To view a copy of the school's charter, which will give you information about the program the class sizes and much more, please submit a Public Information Request or contact the charter school directly. To further help you in choosing a school appropriate for your family, you may also contact the school directly to inquire about the program and to ask to review the student code of conduct.
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- What are the admissions requirements of charter schools?
The admissions policy is based on what was approved in the charter. However, with few exceptions, all students within the approved geographic boundaries and in the grade levels the charter is approved to serve are eligible for admission. The admissions policy must prohibit discrimination and, in most cases, must describe a lottery process to be used when the school is oversubscribed.
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- What is the difference between admissions and enrollment?
The admissions process encompasses the time during which a student is initially seeking to be admitted to a school. The application must only request basic information regarding a student (e.g., name, age, address, parent information). The enrollment process begins when the student has been offered admissions and is completing registration. Only at this stage may information regarding past academic achievement, medical history, etc. be requested.
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- Can a school withdraw a student who is not progressing in the program?
Unless it is clearly addressed in the student code of conduct adopted under the requirements of TEC § 37.001, a student may not be removed or expelled from a charter school for failure to progress in the program.
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- What do I do if my old school doesn't forward my records to my new school?
A public school (charter schools, as well traditional public schools) cannot deny enrollment based on the lack of records. See 19 TAC § 74.26(a)(1). When a new student tries to register at the school, the new school will contact the old school to request a transfer of records. In the meantime, the new school must register and place the student as appropriately as possible. Any copies that you may have of old report cards or similar records will help the new school with appropriate placements.
Additionally, a public school (charter schools, as well traditional public schools) cannot withhold student records from an adult student or the guardian of a minor student. If you have a legal claim to the records (you are the guardian of a minor student or you are an adult student) you may submit a request in writing to the school. The school is legally required to respond "promptly" to a written request. For more information or to file a complaint, please visit the web site for or contact the Office of the Attorney General.
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- How do I get a copy of my records from a charter school that is closed?
If the charter school you attended is no longer in operation, please visit the Region XIII web page to access the form for requesting a copy of your records. You may also submit a public information request to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to request any information that the school submitted on your behalf regarding course completion. To do so, please visit the Agency's PIR web page for information on submitting your request. If you have any questions about whether or not the charter is still in operation or about obtaining a copy of the records, please contact the Division of Charter Schools at TEA at 512.463.9575.
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Back to Main Charter FAQ Page
*The information in this document is intended to provide nonregulatory guidance relating to charter schools and should not be construed as TEA rules.
If you have any questions about the information on this page, contact the Division of Charter School Administration at (512) 463-9575.
Division of Charter School Administration
1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 463-9575
Page last modified on 12/10/2012.