Charter School FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Rhode Island Public Charter Schools and their impact on students, educators, schools, and communities.
What is a charter school?
Charter schools in Rhode Island are public schools. These schools are free for students to attend, do not teach any specific religion, and accept students through a random lottery. Like all public schools, Charter Schools must select approved high quality curriculum set forth by the Rhode Island Department of Education. Similarly, Charter Schools are also responsible for hiring their own staff, and manage their own budget.
How are charter schools held accountable?
Charter Schools in Rhode Island are held accountable on an annual basis by the Rhode Island Department of Education and the Council of Elementary and Secondary Education. Charter Schools must participate in statewide testing through the RICAS system, and additionally receive a STAR Rating and performance report annually through state accountability systems.
How do lotteries work?
By law, charter public schools must hold a random drawing, called a “blind lottery,” if more students apply than there are spots available. In Rhode Island, this lottery happens every April 1 to decide which students get to attend school the following year. If you think a charter public school would be a great fit for your child, we encourage you to learn more and apply. For details on how to apply, visit https://enrollri.org/charter
What happens if my child doesn’t get in?
We encourage you to re-apply. There are also opportunities to join a waitlist. Please visit enrollri.org/charter to learn more.
If I have a son/daughter that is already enrolled in a charter public school, will my other child/children be able to attend as well?
If your child is already enrolled in a charter public school, it doesn’t automatically mean your other children will be admitted. Some charter schools do have policies to give preference to siblings, but it’s not required by law. Check with the school you’re interested in to see if they have a sibling policy. RISE Prep honors sibling preference within its policies and procedures.
How are charter schools funded in Rhode Island?
Charter schools in Rhode Island, like all public schools, receive state and local funding based on specific formulas. They can also get federal funds, including money from Title programs, IDEA, and Medicaid.
Both traditional public schools and charter schools often look for additional funding to support their academic programs and make operational improvements. Charter schools especially need extra funds to pay for their buildings, as they have to lease or buy their own space, unlike district public schools that use buildings owned by municipalities. For major building projects, charter schools can access some funds through Rhode Island’s Necessity of School Construction process.
The state collects and reports financial performance for all school districts, including charter schools, through the Uniform Chart of Accounts (UCOA) each year.
Does RISE Prep Academies require uniforms?
Scholars wear uniforms daily. RISE Prep Academies believe that uniforms for K-12 show unity and community. Uniform Assistance is available for families in need.
Who authorizes charter schools in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education is the only organization that can approve charter schools. It can grant charters for up to five years, based on the recommendation of the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. Charters can be renewed or taken away by the Council. The Rhode Island Department of Education’s charter school staff reviews new charter school proposals and evaluates existing ones. They help the Commissioner and the Council make decisions and set policies for charter schools.
How do you enroll in a charter school?
Every year, charter schools hold a blind lottery for enrollment. Enrollment begins in November and continues until March. Charter schools now use a common application, which you can find here. The EnrollRI website provides all the details on the application process and how to apply.
Who oversees the lotteries?
The Rhode Island Department of Education manages all lottery applications. Individual charter schools are required to submit lottery procedures and policies for approval, and some schools, RISE Prep included, hire a third party to run the lottery on lottery day to ensure the integrity and validity of the lottery process.
If my child is not chosen during the lottery process, can I re-apply for admission for the following school year?
Waiting lists do not carry over to the next year. Each year, the school will hold a new lottery for all applicants, including those who were on the waiting list before. If you were on the waiting list last year, you need to reapply to be considered for the lottery for the upcoming school year.
Can students with special education and/or multilingual needs attend?
All charter schools in Rhode Island are free public schools open to all students, regardless of their academic achievement, special education needs, and/or multilingual learning needs. Approximately 20% of RISE Prep’s scholars receive special education services, and RISE Prep has one of the highest performing Multilingual Learning Programs in the state.
Does RISE Prep Academies provide before or after school care for students?
Before and after school care is not provided. RISE Prep Academies provides its scholars with approximately two additional hours of instruction per day to support all scholars in meeting and exceeding grade-level expectations as demonstrated on rigorous national assessments.
RISE Prep Academies is grounded in the values of Respect, Integrity, Self-Determination, and Excellence. These principles shape our learning environment, encouraging scholars to respect others, act with integrity, take charge of their growth, and pursue excellence in all they do, preparing them for meaningful futures.