Charter School FAQs

Students must be entering grades one through five in the fall, and reside within the boundaries of the Salem-Keizer School District.

Yes. Salem Child Development Center hosts a meaningful program for students utilizing the school facilities. They have a brochure available describing their program and fees.

The Charter School program is innovative and targeted to develop students who are successful in meeting state standards and can apply their knowledge and skills to current and future issues that students in the 21st century will face. Additionally class sizes are held at 26 students per grade level.

The teachers working on this charter school want to provide unique opportunities and experiences for the children at OLE. Federal money is available to Charter Schools to finance creative teaching and innovative programs. At OLE these include additional resources for technology, a school site naturescape and community service/civics experiences.

A lottery drawing will occur to select students to fill open positions up to the maximum for each class and then a wait list will be developed for other applicants.

Parent volunteers are greatly appreciated, and there are many wonderful opportunities for you to help. However, there is no volunteerism requirement.

Yes. However, this charter is designed for all levels of students. For example, we utilize a supplemental math program that can be individualized so each student can progress at his/her own rate to be successful.

The programs developed through the charter will be provided to all Forest Ridge students. However, without charter funding the unique programs would most likely be too expensive for a traditional school to afford.

Charters schools are subject to “real” accountability and can be closed if they do not meet the terms of their charter. Additionally all students are tested annually and the State of Oregon issues a “report card” for charter schools as well as traditional schools.

Once a child in enrolled in the Charter School, they and their siblings may remain enrolled through fifth grade without reapplying.

Students living within the Forest Ridge attendance boundaries are bussed if residing within the bus zone. Students residing outside the Forest Ridge boundaries must provide their own transportation.

As required by Oregon law, the Charter School is a public school and there are no tuition costs.

Yes. District-provided programs such as music, Physical Education (PE), and media are provided to OLE students.

All teachers are certificated teachers licensed by the State of Oregon. They are employees of the Salem-Keizer School District.

Charter schools are public schools, paid for with tax dollars and charge no tuition. They provide for greater local control and allow for more flexibility and innovation, increased educational choices and opportunities, and healthy competition within the educational sector.