Welcome to Universal Academy Charter School. You will find Universal Academy to be the "wonderful educational vehicle that leads to tomorrow's success. Universal Academy is a public charter school dedicated to the art and science of teaching and learning." We believe, "All children are gifted and talented."
Students at Universal Academy demonstrate a desire for and dedication to securing a level of learning that insures academic success and leadership development.
The grade levels offered at Universal Academy range from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade.
THE CHARTER SCHOOL SYSTEM
What Purpose is Served? In 1993, President Clinton proposed a public Charter school program. This program was enacted in 1994 as part of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. In cooperation with parents and teachers (as well as a partnership with businesses, universities, museums and others in the community) this program helped to foster the Charter school movement.
What is a Public Charter School? Charter schools, are open to all students and are accountable to the public for academic performance. Charter schools are a promising way to raise academic standards, empower educators, and actively involve parents and communities in public education. A charter school is a public school exempted from many traditional rules and regulations; this feature allows charter schools greater flexibility to try different instructional approaches. In exchange for this flexibility, Charter schools are held accountable for the achievement of the high academic standards described in their charters.
A Charter school that fails to meet these standards risks being closed by its chartering agency. Charter schools are public schools and must therefore meet certain criteria:
- Charter schools must be fair, open and accessible to all students.
- Charter schools may not have admissions requirements or charge tuition.
- A lottery process is used to select students if the number of applicants exceed space available.
- Like all public schools, Charter schools must be non-sectarian.
Charter schools are freed from certain traditional regulations; However, they must comply with Federal regulations regarding civil rights, special education, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act) and other state and federal laws.
