Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a charter school?
A charter school is a type of public school. Charter schools provide education through a “charter,” which is a type of contract granted by a chartering entity such as the State Board of Education (SBOE) or the board of trustees of an independent school district. A charter school is supported with public funds but organized and operated privately. Charter schools are a public educational alternative to existing public school systems. Charter schools operate with greater independence from state and local regulations than do public schools. For example, charter schools are able to determine their daily operating policies. We have our own set of standards and rules that all students must follow.
What are the purposes of charter schools?
The purposes of charter schools are to: (1) improve student learning; (2) increase the choice of learning opportunities within the public school system; (3) create professional opportunities that will attract new teachers to the public school system; (4) establish a new form of accountability for public schools; and (5) encourage different and innovative learning methods.
How long have charter schools been in existence?
The Texas Legislature authorized the establishment of charter schools in 1995, and some of the “first generation” charter schools have been in operation since the fall of 1996.
Are Legacy Traditional Schools open to all students?
Yes it is. In general, an open-enrollment charter school may establish no admissions requirements except that students meet the age, grade level, and residency requirements specified in its charter. An open-enrollment charter school may not deny admission to a student based on sex, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, academic ability, artistic ability (except as permitted by Texas Education Code (TEC) § 12.1171), athletic ability, or based on the school district that the child would otherwise attend.
Does Legacy require students to buy uniforms to be worn to school and to school activities?
Yes.
Does Legacy Traditional Schools charge tuition and fees?
Legacy does not charge tuition. Our school is publicly funded through the Texas legislature. A student may be required to pay the same fees at a Legacy school that are required at a traditional public school.
Is bus service provided?
No, Legacy doesn’t offer bussing services at this time. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from school. Legacy has an efficient driveline system and offers before and after care. Please see the Alamo Ranch Campus driveline and Cibolo Campus driveline pages for more information, and check out Legacy Kids Care for more details about before and after school care.
Which grade levels are offered?
We have programs from Pre-k through Grade 8
Are there requirements concerning curriculum imposed on Legacy Traditional Schools?
Yes. Charter schools are subject to some, but not all, of the curriculum requirements that apply to independent school districts. For example, their educational programs must include the curriculum required by Texas Education Code (TEC) section 28.002, implement reading diagnosis and accelerated reading instruction programs as required by TEC section 28.002, adhere to the graduation standards of TEC section 28.025, and adhere to requirements regarding special education and bilingual education and pre-kindergarten. See TEC 12.104
Are open-enrollment charter schools subject to 19 TAC section 74.26(c), which states that credit for courses for high school graduation may be earned only if a student received a grade that is the equivalent of 70 or above on a scale of 100?
Yes. This rule is one of the graduation standards implemented under TEC section 28.025, to which open-enrollment charter schools are subject. Therefore, open-enrollment charter schools may only award credit for courses for high school graduation if a student received a grade that is the equivalent of a 70 or above on a 100-point scale.
Are open-enrollment charter schools required to administer state achievement tests?
Yes. Open-enrollment charter schools are subject to the statewide assessment program to the same extent as other public schools.
Are open-enrollment charter schools required to provide a certain number of days of instruction during a school year?
No. While other public schools must provide at least 180 days of instruction per school year, open-enrollment charter schools have the discretion to determine the length of their school year. However, because open-enrollment charter schools receive funding based on average daily attendance (up to 180 days), many of them provide at least 180 days of instruction per school year in order to receive full funding.
Are students of open-enrollment charter schools required to attend school for a certain number of hours each day?
No. Open-enrollment charter schools are not subject to the seven-hour school day requirement that applies to other public schools. However, a student must receive a minimum of four hours of instruction per day, exclusive of intermissions and recesses, in order for the student to be considered in attendance for a full day for funding purposes.
What are the requirements for student/teacher ratio and class size for charter schools?
Charter schools are not subject to sections TEC sections 25.111 and 25.112 that state such guidelines for districts. Instead, charter schools are held to any student-teacher ratios or class size limitations contained in the charter.
What curriculum does Legacy Traditional Schools use?
We follow the TEKS curriculum. This is the same curriculum that all public schools follow. We are TEA regulated.
Do you currently have space for my child? Do you have any openings?
You must contact the campus registration office for space availability information.
What do I need to do to enroll my child in your school?
Please contact the campus registration office. You will need to provide your child’s birth certificate, social security card, immunization records, current utility bill, parent/guardian picture ID, final report card, TAKS scores, discipline and attendance records and qualifying documentation for Pre-Kindergarten.
What are your school hours?
The school hours for Pre-K are Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. The school hours for Grades K-8 are 8:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. The school hours for Grades 9-12 are 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Our district office hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For registration hours, please see the registration tab for more information.
Where do I go for registration?
Registration is held at the campus where your child will be attending. Enrollment for Kelsey PK is conducted at the District Office on Basse Road by the District Registrar. Please go to the registration tab on our website for more information. Emailed, faxed, or mailed applications will not be accepted.
Are you a private school?
No, we are a charter school.
What is the difference between a charter school and a private school?
The difference is that we do not charge tuition. The only things parents are responsible for are purchasing uniforms and school supplies for their children.
What do students do in after-school care?
Students will have 30-45 minutes to work on homework. After these things are completed, they
will have a snack and rotate stations set up for activities and play.
Do you have an after-school program?
Yes, we do offer an after-school program called Legacy Kids Care. For pricing and to register, visit https://texas.ltcs.co/legacy-kids-care/.
Who monitors the children in after-school care?
The staff of the school (teachers, assistant principals, secretaries, etc.) monitor the program.
What school districts do you serve?
Northside ISD • North East ISD • San Antonio ISD • South San ISD • Harlandale ISD • Judson ISD • Edgewood ISD • Southwest ISD • Somerset ISD • Schertz, Cibolo • Universal City ISD • Southside ISD East Central ISD • Alamo Heights ISD