Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Charter School?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from local public school systems and therefore have greater flexibility in implementing state-of-the-art educational philosophies and curricula. By law, charter schools in the state of Georgia must be not-for-profit organizations and cannot be of a religious nature.

Why a Charter School?

A charter school empowers the community to provide innovative educational opportunities to its children. It promotes parent involvement in the most straightforward way: by giving parents and guardians direct say in the substantive issues affecting their child's education.

How is the Neighborhood Charter School unique?

NCS was conceived and planned by a group of concerned parents, community members, and educators that believe in public education and are confident that a well-designed and well-managed charter school will allow children from diverse communities such as ours to flourish. NCS will be unique in that we will:

• Base our curricula on a "constructivist" educational philosophy. Constructivism honors children by acknowledging that they learn best by interacting with materials and people rather than through the passive transfer of information from books or teachers.
• Involve the entire community in the education of our children. More than just parents matter; our school is the responsibility of all community members and all interested members will be welcome participants in the education process.
• Have partnerships with appropriste community organizations such as Cochran Mills Nature Center, Zoo Atlanta, and others, to complement and extend curriculum.

What is "constructivism" and how is it different from traditional educational practices?

Constructivism is based on the premise that students learn by doing and that activities should be relevant, varied, and encourage active participation. Educational research has made it very clear that traditional didactic teaching is not the most effective method. In a Constructivist classroom, there should be:

Click here to read more about constructivism.

Who does NCS serve?

NCS is merging with the Atlanta Charter Middle School.  Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, the resulting school will be a K-8 public elementary school with two campuses.  There is no tuition and no entrance criteria, other than the student living within the ANCS attendance zones.  The primary attendance zone for the lower grade campus encompasses the neighborhoods of Grant Park, Ormewood Park, and North Ormewood Park.  If space is available, students living elsewhere within the NPU-W (e.g., Woodland Hills, East Atlanta, Boulevard Heights, Benteen, and McDonough/Guice) will be eligible to attend NCS.  These in-town neighborhoods reflect diversity in ethnic and racial backgrounds, economic status, and family structure.

For additional information the primary attendance zone and registration for the upper grade campus of ANCS, please go to:  www.atlantachartermiddle.com.

Who teaches at NCS?

The instructional staff are certified teachers.  All classroom teachers will be Georgia certified or certifiable in the State of Georgia. All other professional staff will either be certified or will have expertise in the area in which they are teaching.

Who runs NCS?

NCS is run by a Governing Board that consists of parents, teachers, community members, and the principal of NCS. The Governing Board will hire the Principal, and the Principal, in turn, will take the lead on making all decisions regarding NCS, in consultation with the Governing Board.

How do I register my children at NCS?

Click here for more information.

Where is NCS located?

NCS is located in the historic Slaton Elementary School building on Grant Street in the neighborhood of Grant Park, near downtown Atlanta. Built in 1906, this beautiful building is one of the oldest in the Atlanta Public Schools' system.

How can I get involved?

• Attend meetings.
• Join a committee. Governing Board Committees are: Finance, Personnel, and Fund Development. School-Wide Subcommittees include: Student Learning, Diversity Awareness and Initiatives, Building and Grounds, Related Arts, and Technology. PTCA Committees consist of: Childcare, Child Safety, Courier, Enrichment, Sustainability, Hospitality, New Family Partners, Room Parents, and Volunteering. School Events: There are also opportunities to help with a certain event during the school year. Examples would include the following: Yard Sale, Fall Fling, Holiday Sampler, Grandparents & Special Friends Day, Bingo Night, Book Fair, Festival de Colores, and Field Day.
• Support NCS. Contributions to NCS are tax deductible. There are also many fun fund-raising events planned over the school year.

How can I get more information on NCS?

Contact Jill Kaechele, Principal and Executive Director, at 404.624.6226