General Questions
What are charter schools?
How does Bullis Charter School fit into the area?
How does a charter school respond to students' needs?
Who provides the educational leadership of Bullis Charter School?
What are the backgrounds of the teaching staff?
What are the class sizes?

Curriculum/Program Questions
What makes Bullis Charter School different from other public schools?
What are co-curricular programs?
What are the hours of the school?
What extended day extra-curricular activities are offered?
What after-school theatre arts activities are offered?

Middle School Questions
Why is Bullis Charter School expanding to middle school?
When will enrollment begin for 7th and 8th grade students?
What is unique about the BCS middle school program?
What are blocks? What are intersessions?
Is there planned interaction between children in middle school and those in lower grades?
What type of electives will there be?
Will there be a choice of foreign languages?
Will the BCS middle school program offer sports?
Will there be separate classes for advanced and less advanced students?
How are you addressing the social/emotional needs that middle school students have?
How do we get into the BCS middle school program?

Other Questions
Is there tuition?
Who can attend and how do I reserve a spot for my child at the school?
How can I get more information about BCS?
Is there a mailing list?

Charter schools are public schools open to all California residents. They are accountable for clear, successful, measurable student outcomes and must comply with all state and federal mandates - including California's Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program, state API levels, and the federal "No Child Left Behind" program.

California's charter schools were created in 1992 to provide expanded choices in the types of educational opportunities that are available within the public school system. Their purpose is to:

• Improve student learning
• Encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods
• Create new professional opportunities for teachers
• Provide vigorous competition within the public school system to stimulate continual improvements in all public schools

There are over 800 charter schools serving over 340,000 charter school students in California. For more information, please see the California Charter Schools Association website.

Bullis Charter School (BCS), as a small, independent public school, is able to bring a choice in public education to families in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, and surrounding communities. State education authorities have stated that choice in public schools creates healthy competition, which stimulates continual improvements in all public schools.

At Bullis Charter School, every child is embraced as a multi-talented individual with unique learning styles and needs. BCS guides students in the process of learning, developing creative thinkers and problem solvers with a life-long love of learning. Because BCS is a charter school, there is freedom to innovate beyond the rules required of public school districts, yet there is strict accountability to meet or exceed state standards. For instance, the school's small size gives it the flexibility to develop and use the most effective teaching practices available, including a longer school day to allow time for enhanced programs.

Wanny Hersey, the Superintendent/Principal of Bullis Charter School, has an extensive background in K-12 administration. She came to BCS from a seven and a half-year tenure as principal of Bel Aire Elementary School in Tiburon, where she became known for both mentoring teachers and establishing innovative programs for students.

During her tenure, Bel Aire was named a California Distinguished School, a National Blue Ribbon School, and a National Blue Ribbon Technology School, an honor received by only 12 schools in the country.

Ms. Hersey holds a B.A. in education from the University of British Columbia and a M.S. in administration from Pepperdine University. Her California education credentials include Multiple Subject, Single Subject in English, Administrative, and a Bilingual Certificate of Competency. She also has a Professional Teaching Certification from British Columbia. In addition, she holds and ARCT and Performance diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada, where she is a nationally certified piano and music theory teacher and performer; and an elementary certification from Canada's Royal Academy of Ballet.

While at BCS, Mrs. Hersey has received the Charter School Principal of the Month award and helped the school gain WASC accreditation and a 2008 California Distinguished School Award.

Bullis Charter School has hired outstanding, multi-credentialed, award-winning teachers who share our passion for individualized learning and hands-on instruction for our students. Every classroom teacher is certificated.

BCS is proud to have several Nationally Board Certified teachers as well as teachers who are credentialed in Gifted & Talented Education, Cross Cultural Language & Academic Development, Technology, and Environmental Education.

To support the teachers, the school offers time and learning opportunities for collaboration and continued teaching improvement. In addition, BCS teachers have been trained in the Schools Attuned methodology of teaching to maximize individual potential.

Every class also has the support of a credentialed associate teacher.

Classes in kindergarten through 3rd grade average less than 20 students; classes in 4th through 6th grade average 23 students. We are committed to maintaining a small school because research shows that "smaller learning environments create happier, safer, higher achieving students." (Oxley 2001)

• BCS is smaller than most public schools, fostering a strong sense of community.
• BCS has a lower student-teacher ratio, including a 9:1 ratio in Kindergarten.
• Individualized learning is emphasized so that every child works to his/her own set of goals.
• All classrooms have certificated grade-level teachers and credentialed associate teachers
• BCS averages over 10% more instructional minutes, allowing time for the following subjects to be taught by credentialed specialists:

  Foreign Language

  Art

  Music

  Drama & Dance

  Science and Technology

  P.E.

• As a charter school, we have more freedom to focus on the "whole child".
• We offer co-curricular and extended day extra-curricular opportunities allowing students to explore a broad range of interests.
• Our character development program is integrated throughout the school in order to strengthen our students' self-esteem, personal responsibility, and decision-making skills, and to develop the moral convictions to withstand undesirable peer pressure.

Bullis Charter School students participate in co-curricular (mixed-grade) electives during the school week, taught by credentialed teachers and specialists. Students are allowed to choose three per semester. Fall 2009 choices include:

Math, Science & Technology	Performing & Fine Arts	Global Citizenship
Math Problem Solving	Google Sketch-Up	Beginning & Continuing Mandarin
Grossology	Drawing	Sustainable Chefs
Science Olympiad	Tap Dance	Intramural Founders
Tech Challenge	Choir	Dear Diary
Edible Math	Broadway Dance	Conflict Managers
Science Demo Team	Stage Combat	Pen Pals
Mythbusters	Performing Shakespeare	Scrap Art
How Tall Can I Build It?	Makers	D.C. Travel Bug
Fast & Furious Math	Mixed Media Sculpture	U.S. Geography
Math Games	Musical Theater Ensemble	Student Council
Simple Machines	Beginning Guitar	Newspaper
Current Science	Advanced Guitar	Global Fashion
Geocaching	Performing Picture Books	Code Blue
Beginning Flash Animation	Dance Team	Get Your Hands Dirty!
Natural Disasters	Fiction Writing	History of Animation
Poisonous Creatures	Instrument Creations	Journalism
Earning Your Marbles	Beginning & Advanced Band	Worldwide Storytelling
Advanced Keyboarding	Math & Art	World Landforms
Floating & Flying Design Challenges	Puppet Construction & Performance	Beginning, Intermediate & Advanced Spanish

• Kindergarten

  M-TH Morning Kindergarten	8:35 AM-12:00 Noon
  M-TH Afternoon Kindergarten	11:45 AM-3:10 PM
  Friday Kindergarten (AM & PM classes)	8:35 AM-12:40 PM

  
  Parents may state a preference for morning or afternooon Kindergarten, however please note there is no guarantee that you will receive your preferred time slot.
  
  
• Grades 1-6

August 19, 2009 - September 25, 2009	M-F 8:35 AM-3:15 PM
September 28, 2009 - January 29, 2010	M, Tu, W 8:35 AM-4:15 PM
	Th, F 8:35 AM-3:15 PM
February 1, 2010 - February 26, 2010	M-F 8:35 AM-3:15 PM
March 1, 2010 - May 28, 2010	M, Tu, W 8:35 AM-4:15 PM
	Th, F 8:35 AM-3:15 PM
June 1, 2010 - June 9, 2010	M-F 8:35 AM-3:15 PM

Taught by the BCS staff, extended day extra-curricular classes provide opportunities for students to connect with role models who share their interests. Fall 2009 choices include:

Violin - Beginning, Intermediate, & Advanced	Mandarin (Beginner or Review & Reinforcement)	Homework Club (offered multiple days )
Relaxation	Scrap-booking	Track & Field
Quidditch	Choir	Green Team
Run Around the World	Junior Lego Robotics	Frisbee Golf
Dodgeball	Lego Robotics	Girls & Technology
Wednesday Walkers	Keyboarding	Basketball
Kickball	Jewelry Making	Math Olympiad
Making Board Games

All students who wish to participate, either on or off stage, are given the opportunity to do so.

• In the fall, primary and upper grades plays have included Annie, The Importance of Being Earnest, and adaptations of Aesop's Fables, in addition to shows written by our Drama Specialist.
• In the spring, primary and upper grade musicals have included Bye Bye Birdie, The Wizard of Oz, The Sound Of Music, Mary Poppins, and Aladdin.
• BCS also offers Dance Team with fall and spring Dance Shows.

Since its inception, BCS has achieved success through an unwavering commitment toward educating the whole child. We will be building upon this award-winning K-6 vision into the middle school years, one of the most important periods for guiding a child's personal growth and future academic success.

Our long term goal is to provide a fully integrated and innovative K-8 public charter school program for the students and families in the community we serve.

BCS plans to enroll a single 7th grade class for Fall 2010, and expand the following school year to include 8th grade.

BCS' middle school program focuses on individualized learning, curriculum, and "intersessions."

• Rigorous academic curricula such as Science and Engineering labs modeled upon national standards
• Highly qualified staff with National Board and specially certified teachers
• Block and intersession schedules that support interdisciplinary and project-based learning opportunities
• Music, Drama, Physical Education, Art, and Foreign Language classes as part of the regular program
• Unparalleled enrichment opportunities to promote risk-taking and leadership skills
• Focused Learning Goals and mentors to meet individual needs and nurture special talents
• Small class sizes provide unique learning and leadership opportunities for all students

A "block schedule" improves upon the standard seven-period middle school schedule where academic subjects are taught in discreet segments every day with little or no relevance to each other. The BCS block schedule ensures that learning is integrated across curriculum areas, allows time for project-based learning opportunities, and provides more time for students to engage in deeper, more meaningful learning.

For example, Math and Science classes will be scheduled back-to-back so teachers can work together with students on projects that build upon, apply, and reinforce concepts in both subject areas. Teachers can also elect to use block schedules as longer periods of time to allow for in-depth exploration and extended learning opportunities in single subject areas.

"Intersessions" are weeks when regular scheduling is suspended and students are given the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of a particular subject area. Students will move beyond the classroom and engage in active learning in the real world. Depending on the area of focus, students may engage in field study, job shadowing, interviewing, performing and/or learning from professionals outside the classroom walls.

Absolutely! Engaging with younger students in a structured environment is an excellent way for middle school students to develop confidence, leadership, and responsibility. In addition, younger students benefit from the positive role modeling.

Every student will participate in music, drama, art and foreign language. In addition, a wide range of elective opportunities will be offered in the Intersession weeks in areas such as applied arts (textiles, cooking, woodworking), athletics, music, science/math/technology, and global citizenship.

Students will be able to choose from Spanish and Mandarin.

Seasonal extramural sports will provide opportunities for team play as well as interaction with other schools. Intramural sports will be available during the school day.

Individual differences will be addressed and supported through Focused Learning Goals, individualized learning opportunities, flexible groupings, and small class sizes.

Our goal is to ensure that all students feel physically and emotionally safe so that they are able to concentrate on learning. The counselor will lead Advisory meetings every week to address social and emotional learning, work/study habits, and curricula specific to the needs of middle school students. Our counselor will also be available to provide individual and/or group support.

Each student will also have his/her own faculty mentor, someone to help focus students on achieving their goals, provide academic, emotional, social support, or just another adult to go to for support. These student-mentor relationships will provide every student with additional personal attention, structure, resources, and guidance.

All the details about our application and lottery process can be viewed on our Enrollment page. We encourage you to attend one of our Parent Information Nights to learn more. These include a presentation by our Superintendent/Principal Wanny Hersey. You will also have the opportunity to hear from and meet some of the BCS staff, students, and parents - all of whom will be available for questions.

Since BCS is a public school, there is no tuition. However, BCS receives less public funding than other Los Altos public schools. The Los Altos School District does not currently share with BCS any of the augmented funding it receives from local parcel tax revenues. At the same time, as a small school with a full range of enrichment programs, BCS spends more per student than many public elementary schools.

In order to make its comprehensive program possible, BCS depends on its entire parent community to make generous donations each year. To help cover the funding gap, we ask each family to donate towards the BCS Annual Campaign goal of $1,400,000. Our suggested donation for this year is $4,000 per student.

While we work hard to diversify our funding sources and control spending, we anticipate that the requested donation amount will increase in future years since education costs are rising faster than State funding. All donations to BCS are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

For the 2010-2011 school year, we will be enrolling grades K-7.

California Education Code and our charter with the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) govern the enrollment procedures. Bullis Charter School accepts applications for any student residing in California. If the number of students who wish to attend exceeds the school's capacity, then enrollment is determined by a public random drawing.

If a random drawing is necessary, SCCOE authorized enrollment preferences are applied.

For your convenience, you can download an application and all necessary forms and get more information about the enrollment process on our Enrollment page.

During Open Enrollment, we hold monthly Parent Information Nights that include a presentation by our Superintendent/Principal Wanny Hersey. You will also have the opportunity to hear from and meet some of the BCS staff, students, and parents - all of whom will be available for questions.

All Parent Information Nights are held at Bullis Charter School at 102 West Portola in Los Altos.

To get on our mailing list, please send an email message to info@bullischarterschool.com and include your name, email address, mailing address, phone number, and the age(s) of your child(ren). Once you are on that list, you will begin to receive information on Bullis Charter School events and other school information.