Dear Parent,

Thank you for your interest in Golden Valley Charter School. As you learn about our school, you will see that we are truly special.

Golden Valley Charter School is a public, non-classroom based program focused on personalized learning for students in grades kindergarten through 12^th grades. What this means is that we strive to allow the maximum flexibility in creating a student’s individualized learning plan, so that the needs of that student can be fully met and his or her potential can be fully realized. To that end, our students receive a rigorous, standards-based education, combined with flexibility in delivery of content, materials and pacing.

The structure of our school is quite different from what many have experienced in education. We have no classrooms, no playgrounds, no auditorium. Our students are all taught in their own communities, primarily in their homes, by their parents. Parents in our school are afforded the privilege and responsibility of facilitating their own student’s education. As a school, we provide accountability, documentation, materials, resources, assessment and support. We provide a credentialed teacher called the Education Specialist, or ES, who develops a close relationship with the student and the parent. This relationship is cultivated over time and is one of utmost professionalism and respect.

The pivotal point of contact between the school and the student is the ES. The parent provides for the day-to-day instruction. The ES meets at least once every twenty school days with each student. During this meeting, the ES reviews the student’s work, assesses the work, interviews the student and parent, collects work samples and may provide assignments, directions and/or assistance in planning for the next learning period. The ES also helps the family complete required paperwork and provides guidance and counsel with regards to instructional strategies, curriculum, materials and other resources. In between meetings, there is frequent communication between the ES and family, through email or telephone conversations. In addition, the ES researches and arranges for curriculum for the student and completes documentation and paperwork for the school.

Our students participate in a variety of activities, both in the home and in the community. The school provides for classes and lessons through approved vendors. Students participate in schoolwide and all state-mandated assessments, including the STAR/CAT6, the California High School Exit Exam and the Physical Fitness testing for students in grades 5, 7 and 9. Students work independently, in small groups and at the community college. Just like any traditional school, on any given day, projects, lectures, quiet reading time, observations, labs, group work, playtime, sports, discussions and quizzes are going on all at once. It’s just that our ‘campus’ is a little bigger than what most are used to seeing.

GVCS was developed in response to parent and teacher request. Our most significant collaboration, by the very nature of our design, is with our parents, who partner with us to be fully involved in their children’s education. GVCS requires that the parents have a strong stake in the education of their child. GVCS offers parents the support and options necessary to teach their children in the ways their children learn best. Credentialed teachers and parents also collaborate extensively to provide enriching community learning experiences using a wide variety of community resources.

GVCS offers parents and students the opportunity to choose standards-based curriculum that reflects a student's learning style, is appropriate to the student's developmental level, and allows flexibility for the student to progress at his/her own pace, while challenging his/her capabilities.

In July 2006, GVCS was awarded the distinction of full accreditation by the Schools Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). WASC accreditation provides a certification to the public that our school is a trustworthy institution of learning, validates the integrity of our school’s program and student transcripts, and assures the greater school community that our school’s purposes are appropriate and being accomplished through a viable educational program. 

What sets GVCS apart from other schools is our commitment to parent choice. Providing optimum parent choice is the cornerstone of all of GVCS’s school programs. Why are we such strong advocates for parent choice? We know that every child is different, with unique interests, abilities and learning needs. We believe that you, the parent, know your child best. For this reason, you are the best suited to make choices about your child’s education.

If you choose to take on this responsibility, our fully-credentialed ESs will be there to help you every step of the way. Our teachers have a wide range of knowledge about curriculum, educational philosophies and teaching methods to meet each student’s individual needs. Our ESs will help you make decisions on how best to teach each subject to your child. And, our program is flexible; the methods you choose change as your child’s needs change.

I wish each and every one of you great success in finding the best learning environment for your child.

Sincerely,

Terri Adams

Director, Golden Valley Charter School