1.  Must an open-enrollment charter school be open to all students?
   Yes. In general, an open-enrollment charter school may establish no admissions requirements except that students meet the age, grade level, and residency requirements specified in its charter. An open-enrollment charter school may not deny admission to a student based on sex, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, academic ability, artistic ability (except as permitted by Texas Education Code (TEC) § 12.1171), athletic ability, or based on the school district that the child would otherwise attend. If its charter so provides, an open-enrollment charter school may deny admission to a student who has a documented history of a criminal offense, a juvenile court adjudication, or discipline problems under Chapter 37, Subchapter A of the Texas Education Code (TEC).
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2. Are open-enrollment charter schools required to admit children with special needs?
   Yes. Open-enrollment charter schools must prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, academic ability, artistic ability (except as permitted by TEC § 12.1171), athletic ability, or the district the student would otherwise attend. See TEC § 12.111(a)(6).
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3. How do students enroll in an open-enrollment charter school?
   Each open-enrollment charter school must have an application period. Each applicant must complete and submit an application within the application period that the school establishes. On receipt of more acceptable applications for admissions than available positions, an open-enrollment charter school must, in most cases, fill the available positions by lottery. An open-enrollment charter school that receives fewer applicants than available spaces does not need to conduct a lottery.
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4. 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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5. 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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6. Are charter schools permitted to require students to buy uniforms to be worn to school and to school activities?
   Yes.
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7. Are charter schools permitted to charge tuition and fees?
   An open enrollment charter school may not charge tuition (except for certain pre-kindergarten classes). However, a student may be required to pay the same fees at a charter school that are required at a traditional public school. Allowable fees are listed in TEC § 11.158(a).
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8. Are charter schools required to provide meals to students?
   If 10% of the students qualify for free or reduced breakfast, the school is required by TEC § 33.901 to provide a breakfast program for those students.
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9. Are charter schools required to provide transportation to students?
   A charter school does not have to provide transportation for students unless it is a requirement in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Pursuant to federal law, the school must provide transportation to students eligible for special education and related services as required by their IEPs.
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10. Is there a limit on the number of students that may be assigned to a classroom at an open-enrollment charter school?
    Yes. Although state statute does not establish a student-teacher ratio or class size for open-enrollment charter schools, these schools must adhere to the limitations contained in their charters.
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 *The information in this document is intended to provide nonregulatory guidance relating to charter schools and should not be construed as TEA rules. 

 

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