Highlander Charter School

What makes Highlander a charter school?
Charter schools are elementary or secondary schools that receive public money and provide an alternative to other public schools. Highlander is part of the public education system and is not allowed to charge tuition and because space is limited, admission is decided by lottery. Highlander Charter School uses innovative methods and experiments with best practices to ensure quality education.

What district does Highlander Charter School belong to?
Highlander is an independent charter school and does not belong to any district. It is considered its own district and because of this is listed as an LEA (Local Education Agency) by the RI Department of Education. Highlander has its own Board similar to the towns’ and cities’ school boards.

Do the teachers belong to a teacher’s union?
No. Highlander’s teachers are not union members.

Does Highlander follow the same regulations as other public schools?
Highlander is required as an LEA to follow all of the regulations that the Department of Education requires of public schools. Highlander’s teachers are all state certified, the students take the state NECAP and ACCESS assessment, and all financial, special education, and attendance reporting is also required.

How many students are in a class at Highlander?
There are 18 students in each 1st through 8th grade classroom. Kindergarten classes have 16 students. Kindergarten is full day and there is one teacher and one full-time teaching assistant in each classroom.

What are the school hours?

7:00 am - Tutoring

8:00 am - Breakfast

8:30 am - Classes Begin

2:45 pm - Bus Dismissal

3:00 pm - Walkers/Pick-up Dismissal

3:00 pm - Academic Support

4:00 pm - After School Activies

5:00-5:30 pm - Pick-Up

Do the students have to wear uniforms?   
Yes, all students are expected to meet the Highlander Charter School Dress Code. Information on how to obtain the uniforms and financial aid applications are sent to parents during the summer.

Is there transportation available for students?
We report to all school districts about students attending our school, but eligibility for transportation depends on district policy. If your child is eligible for transportation, a bus pass should be received from your city’s school district by mid-August. If you have questions, concerns, and/or a special request for transportation, please contact Ada Rojas at 401-277-2600, extension 101.

Does the school provide lunches?
Lunches are provided by the Sodexo Food Services and served by their staff.  Applications for eligibility for free or reduced-cost lunch is sent to all families by mid-August. The cost for lunch if you did not qualify for free lunch is $1.15 each day and .40 cents for reduced. (Costs are subject to change). A light breakfast is provided free of charge to students between 8:00 a.m. and 8:25 a.m.