Charter School Choice
Does the state have charter schools?
Are for-profit charter schools or management companies allowed?
"Any nonprofit corporation seeking to establish a charter school may apply to establish a charter school."
"A charter school shall be operated by a private nonprofit corporation that shall have received federal tax-exempt status no later than 24 months following final approval of the application."
This is coded as "Unclear" because while law says charters shall be operated by a nonprofit, we did not find mention of whether charter schools must be non-profit. Additionally, a North Carolina policy expert stated that for-profit charters are allowed.
Is there a cap on the number of charter schools?
Senate Bill 8 (2011-2012 Session) removed charter school caps.
Senate Bill 8: No Cap on Number of Charter Schools (2011-2012 Session)
Are charters required to provide transportation for any students?
The charter school may provide transportation for students enrolled at the school and shall develop a transportation plan. A North Carolina policy expert stated that charter schools must provide transportation for students whose IEP requires it.
Can charter schools employ uncertified teachers?
At least fifty percent of teachers must hold teacher licenses. All teachers who are teaching in the core subject areas of mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts must be college graduates.
Virtual School Choice
Do state statutes allow for full-time virtual schools?
We did not find mention of full-time virtual schools in North Carolina revised statutes. However, statute states that students can take AP courses through the North Carolina Virtual Public School. Statute does not specify whether students can attend the North Carolina Virtual Public School full-time. A North Carolina policy expert stated that North Carolina has two full-time, virtual charter schools that are currently in pilot status.
Are virtual schools required to track attendance?
We did not find mention of virtual school attendance tracking requirements in North Carolina law. A North Carolina expert stated that a count of school attendance at virtual charter schools must be taken at least once during each semester for funding purposes.
Do virtual schools have to comply with state teacher certification requirements?
We did not find mention of virtual school teacher certification requirements in North Carolina law. A North Carolina expert stated that all teaching staff at virtual charter schools must carry the appropriate state certification to instruct any course.
Private School Choice
Does the state have voucher programs?
North Carolina statutes allow for two voucher programs: Opportunity Scholarships and Special Education Scholarship Grants for Children with Disabilities.
Does the state have educational expense tuition tax credits or deductions?
Can students use vouchers to attend religious schools?
"... it is the public policy of the State in matters of education that 'No human authority shall, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience,' or with religious liberty and that 'religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind . . .the means of education shall forever be encouraged.'"
Is there a cap on the number of students or private schools participating in voucher programs?
Opportunity Scholarships: The Authority shall select and verify six percent (6%) of applications annually.
Special Education Scholarships: Did not find.
Are voucher students in private schools required to take any standardized tests?
Opportunity Scholarships: "A nonpublic school that accepts eligible students receiving scholarship grants shall...Administer, at least once in each school year, a nationally standardized test or other nationally standardized equivalent measurement selected by the chief administrative officer of the nonpublic school to all eligible students whose tuition and fees are paid in whole or in part with a scholarship grant enrolled in grades three and higher."
Special Education Scholarships: Did not find.
Can private schools be removed from voucher programs based on performance?
Opportunity Scholarships: The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee shall review reports and make recommendations to the General Assembly as needed regarding improving administration and accountability for nonpublic schools.
Special Education Scholarships: Did not find.