Charter School Information
Charter schools extend the privilege of choice to all families. They provide options for parents and students in pursuing their ideal educational experience. Charter schools are open to all children free of charge who are eligible to attend traditional public schools in the state of Michigan. Charter schools are governed by a local Board of Directors and are required to meet and often exceed the standards of its Authorizer and the State Board of Education
Charter schools are governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the School’s Authorizer. Bylaws of the Board of Directors outline its role and responsibilities. Some charter schools employ an education service provider/management company to provide executive leadership and management services. Other charter schools choose to go it alone with the Board and School Director.
Children attending charter schools benefit from small class sizes, high academic standards, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Charter schools are organized by a founding group that is passionate about the basic tenets of the curriculum. Enthusiasm for the school is contagious. Board members, staff members, parents, students, and community members are attracted to the charter school because their interests coincide with the charter school’s educational program and special themes.
The fundamental belief of Choice Schools Associates is that every child will be empowered with the academic knowledge and skills, work habits, and character traits to gain access to the American Dream. All children are capable of accelerated learning and achieving excellence in their academic endeavors and are prepared for active citizenship in their communities. Each state certified, highly qualified instructor that CSA employs receives intensive training on the links of differentiated instruction and the importance of holding oneself accountable for the academic success of all students. The goal of achieving and maintaining parental satisfaction requires each employee to take the education and safety of each child personally and continually seek parental input regarding academic needs and successes.
The Benton Harbor Charter School Academy Board stands firm for safe, secure schools and make the tough decisions to ensure that every child receives a first class education free of disruption, threat, and fear. The Board is focused on student achievement, parent satisfaction, and safe, secure location for learning.
Enrollment Information
Parents or legal guardians are invited to submit an application for student enrollment at the school. All forms must be submitted in person. Students will be accepted and assigned to classes on a first-come, first-served basis. If a particular grade is full, students will participate in a lottery process at the end of the official enrollment period or will be placed on a waiting list in the order enrollment applications are received.
Any student eligible to attend public schools in Michigan is eligible to enroll at the school. To enroll in Kindergarten, your child must be at least five years of age on September 1st of the school year of enrollment with parent exception for birthdays before December 1st of that school year. Choice Schools Associates does not discriminate against any student on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, gender, or disability. Charter schools are public schools and all children are encouraged to attend one of our Academies.
Required: Applicants are required to supply the school with the following:
- Proof of date of birth such as the following:
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- Original Birth Certificate (Preferred)
- Affidavit of Parentage
- Baptism or Church Certificate
- Hospital Certificate
- Immigration Documents
- Passport
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- Proof of Residency – may be one of the following:
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- Parent/Guardian Driver’s License
- State ID Card
- Passport
- Utility Bill
- Lease/Rental Agreement
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- Immunization record or waiver certificate from your county health department.
ADDITIONAL PAPERWORK (if applicable)
- Request for Record to send to prior school. Required for K-6th grade applicants
- Home Language Survey
- Special Education Information Sheet (if applicable)
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- Copy of Individual Education Plan (if applicable)
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- McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistant Act Student Residency Form (if applicable)
ADDITIONAL PAPERWORK FOR KINDERGARTEN APPLICANTS ONLY (required for enrollment)
- Proof of vision screening (must be within the last 3 years).
- Health Appraisal*
- *Health Appraisal – we are aware that health insurance companies only allow one health appraisal per year. If your child’s health appraisal will expire before the month of September and you need to schedule such an appointment with your doctor please let the office know. This is the only document that can be delayed until the first day of school.
- Kindergarten Waiver (if not 5 years old by December 1, 2024)
No. We do not attempt to categorize students at such a young age. Teachers meet students where they are and create individual student learning plans so each student can excel individually and as a whole. BHCSA Kindergarten is an academic kindergarten, which requires students to demonstrate proficiency in academic skills to be promoted to first grade.
Employment Information
Thank you for your interest in working at Benton Harbor Charter Academy. All job postings are listed under our careers tab on the website, found here.
Choice Schools is our management company that works alongside our school board to provide the best in class benefits and resources to our team. We are committed to investing in our people. We offer a competitive benefits package for all qualifying roles to ensure your needs are cared for. From health insurance to employee assistance programs, working at Benton Harbor Charter with Choice Schools comes with a multitude of benefits that support you!
OUR TEACHERS AND STAFF ENJOY:
- A collaborative and professional environment.
We are a community committed to providing a culturally responsive, joyful work environment. - Work-life purpose and fulfillment.
Having workplace purpose and fulfillment is important to us. We have positions that allow you to make an impact on students’ lives. - Competitive compensation.
We offer competitive compensation packages, with opportunities for growth and bonuses, based on the school or area you are in. - Health, dental, and vision insurance as well as Teladoc and flex-spending accounts.
Our benefits start on your first day! Our full-time employees have the option to choose from robust plans through MI Blue Cross Blue Shield. - 401(K) retirement plan options with up to a 5% match.
Save for your future with a 401(K) retirement plan. - 529 educational savings plan.
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future education costs. - Employee Assistance Program.
We are proud to provide a confidential program dedicated to supporting the emotional health and well-being of our employees and their families. The employee assistance program (EAP) is provided at NO COST to you through Pine Rest. We offer five free sessions (per situation) to utilize through our Choice EAP. - Paid time off in addition to regularly scheduled holidays.
Teachers get the summers off and employees are eligible for paid time off throughout the year.
Yes, we would most definitely encourage you to apply. We are a tight-knit community and love when parents work at our school.