Frequently Asked Questions

What is Henderson Collegiate?

Henderson Collegiate is a free, public charter school open to all students. Race, income, and prior academic success are not considered or asked about when enrolling at Henderson Collegiate. The school’s mission is to empower students with the academic skills, social experiences, and love of learning necessary for them to shape their own destinies, attend the college of their choice, and become world-changing problem solvers.

When will Henderson Collegiate open and what grades will it serve?

Henderson Collegiate will open in the fall of 2010 with just a 4th grade and will add a grade level every year thereafter.

What is a charter school?

A charter school is a public school that receives tax dollars for operating costs but has more autonomy in deciding how it serves kids. Because it is public, it is free and open to all students.

How exactly is a charter school funded?

Just like every other public school, charter schools receive public funding per enrolled student for operating costs (staff salaries, classroom supplies, etc). However, unlike other public schools, charter schools do not receive extra local funding for school buildings. This means that there will be no additional cost to the taxpayers of Vance County for Henderson Collegiate’s facilities. It also means that the charter school will work hard at cultivating the support of the community.

Where will the school be located? Will transportation be made available?

Henderson Collegiate is seeking a location that will enable a majority of our students to walk to and from school. Ideally, the school will be located within a ½ to 1 mile radius from the Henderson City Town Square. Henderson Collegiate plans to provide transportation for all students within city limits that live further than 1 ½ miles from the school.

Vance County already has a charter school. Why is another one necessary?

Charter schools have been adopted by states across the country because they breed innovation and enable families to find the school that best meets the needs of their children. The State of North Carolina granted a second charter school to Vance County based on the demonstrated need for greater choice, the degree of local support, and Henderson Collegiate’s potential for innovation and improved academic results.

Who will this school serve? How many students and what grades?

Henderson Collegiate will be open to all of Vance County’s children and seeks to enroll a student body that resembles the larger Vance County population. In 2010-11, the school has a targeted enrollment of 110 rising 4th graders and will add a grade of similar size every year through 2014-15.

How will the larger Vance County benefit?

Most immediately, enrolled students will benefit from an innovative approach and a relentless staff. Students not enrolled should benefit from smaller class sizes and more individual attention at their current schools.

On a larger scale, by helping to create a more educated community, Henderson Collegiate hopes to solve other major challenges by reducing crime, making more efficient use of public resources, generating a more qualified workforce capable of attracting more business growing the local economy, and increasing the value of local real estate.

When does enrollment begin and what is the process?

Henderson Collegiate plans to start accepting applications for new students on March 13th, 2010. If fewer than 110 applications are received, all students who have applied will be admitted. If more than 110 applications are received, a fair and public lottery will be held to determine who is enrolled.

What are the expectations of parents?

Parent should be active participants in their child’s education. Henderson Collegiate expects parents to check their child’s work and sign their planner, letters from the school, and all tests and quizzes. Parents are also expected to meet with teachers at least twice a year and check-up on their child’s progress regularly. Participation in school-related functions and projects is encouraged but is not considered mandatory.

Is there a tuition cost to attend Henderson Collegiate?

There is no tuition; enrolling is completely free. Transportation is provided to students that live further than 1 ½ miles from the school and meals are provided at the same costs as traditional public schools (students that are eligible will receive free and reduced meals).

Parents are asked to purchase basic supplies through the school. For $25, students will receive a pencil case with pencils and a sharpener, binders and dividers for all of their classes, loose leaf paper, and a planner to write down their homework. Uniforms will also be required and items sold at an affordable cost by the school.

Where will the teachers come from and what is the hiring process? Will they be certified?

Henderson Collegiate will utilize numerous local, state, and national resources to recruit teachers with a proven track record of relentlessly pursuing and achieving extraordinary results within their classroom. Interested teachers will be required to send a letter of intent and resume, and candidates for employment will then provide a teaching video and/or be observed in their classroom. All candidates will be interviewed by the founders, Mr. Sanchez and Ms. Cantelupe. No teacher will be employed or continue their employment with Henderson Collegiate if they haven’t demonstrated the potential to educate students.

All teachers will be required to pass the Praxis by the end of the 1st semester and complete the appropriate NC Certification requirements by the end of the school year.

Is there anything I should know about the school’s hours and yearly calendar?

The hours of the school are different from a traditional school:

Mon. – Thurs.: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm

Friday: 7:30 am – 2:00 pm

2-week mandatory summer school in August: 7:30 am – 2:00 pm

Summer athletic and academic camps will also be offered during July for all students. These camps will not be mandatory and will not be a part of the mandatory summer school in August.

Why are the school days so long?

Simple: to achieve our mission. In total, students will benefit from 45 extra school days, or about 312 hours, every year. Over the course of grades four through eight, that translates to 1,560 hours, or an extra 1.25 years!

What will the student to teacher ratio be?

Twenty-five to one. However, there will be time built in for struggling students to work in small groups (typically 5:1) or in some cases, one-on-one with teachers.

What is the school curriculum?

Other than academics, what extracurricular opportunities will be available?

Physical education and community service projects will be available in all grades. Beginning in 6th grade, students will take band. In 7th and 8th grades, Spanish and eligibility for organized sports will begin. Finally, in 8th grade, students will be eligible to produce the school newspaper