FAQs

Charter schools are public, tuition free schools that are open to all students regardless of the district in which they reside. Charter schools are granted a specific amount of autonomy (determined by state law as well as the local charter) to make decisions concerning the structure, curriculum and educational emphasis of the school. This allows the school to make decisions based on the needs of their students and not be bound by one size fits all teaching. In return for this autonomy, charter schools are held accountable for the academic achievement of the students in the charter school. 

Please see the following resources for more information on the importance of having a choice in your child’s education.

https://www.publiccharters.org/

https://www.edchoice.org/parents-and-educators/

Kings Valley Charter School has students grade K-12.

Grade levels

KVCS is a state funded, public school of choice that operates with the Philomath School District. There is no cost to the families who have students attend here. The preschool is not state funded and is a fee based program.

Please see the preschool section for more information.  preschool

Due to our enrollment cap, we are limited on student admissions.  Sometimes we have immediate openings in a grade level, and the wait list is not needed.  If a grade level is full, families can indicate their interest by filling out our wait list form.  See our "Enrolling at KVCS" page. 

Kings Valley Charter School has a maximum allowable student enrollment of 217 students.

Our Kindergarten through 5th grade have no more than 22 students in each class.  There is a limit of 20 students in each grade 6-8.  High school size limits depend on how the courses/grades are blended, but we fill classrooms at 20 students in a course. 

KVCS High School is accredited under the Oregon Department of Education per the following:

A high school diploma, a modified diploma, an extended diploma or an alternative certificate issued by a public charter school grants to the holder the same rights and privileges as a high school diploma, a modified diploma, an extended diploma or an alternative certificate issued by a non-chartered public school.

http://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/338.115

This is a very personal question and can best be answered by coming for a tour.  However, here are some things to keep in mind as your family discusses this decision:

1. Because of our small size, social events and athletics are very limited.  Students do get to know each other well and often feel like they are part of a family and make lifelong friendships.

2.  Students do receive a lot of teacher time.  Because of small class sizes, students have more of a challenge in terms of classroom discussion and lab work, and more help when they are struggling with concepts.  There is personalized advising to help students be accountable for completion of work, as well as career and college planning. 

3. Our courses involve a lot of hands-on work, including extended field trips that involve getting "into" nature.  These trips can be day trips or can last up to a week. Your child will be asked to attend these curriculum-based trips and take part in these "field experiences" with a positive attitude and work ethic.  Students will also be expected to plan and take part in student-directed service projects. 

4.  Presentation is a key piece of our program.  Students will present academic work throughout the year during "Academic Presentation Nights" and will publish work to an online portfolio.  Work may also be taught by or presented to community members who work in various fields.

Special Education services are provided by the Philomath School District and are available on site.

special education information

Because we are a charter school, students from any district may attend although bus transportation is not available in some areas. We currently have students attending from six different school districts.

Kings Valley Charter School offers free bus service to children who are at least 5 years old. We have limited bus stops in the Monmouth/Independence area, Falls City, Dallas and Philomath. We do not post routes for student safety reasons; however, details can be discussed over the phone or during a tour.