Frequently Asked Questions

A charter school is an independently operated public school. In Pennsylvania, a brick-and-mortar charter school operates under an agreement with its authorizing school district.

Charter schools offer families additional educational choices, use innovative teaching methods, and remain accountable for academic performance, financial management, health and safety, civil rights, and special education.

Yes. Vision Academy Charter School of Innovation is a proposed tuition-free public charter school. It will operate as a nonprofit organization governed by an independent Board of Trustees.

The school is projected to open in September 2027, subject to charter approval and completion of all required permits, inspections, and preparations.

The proposed location is:

3400 Dennison Avenue
Drexel Hill, PA 19026

The school plans to open with kindergarten through fourth grade and add one grade each year until it becomes a full K–8 public charter school.

If the charter is approved, the Upper Darby School District will serve as the school’s authorizer and provide oversight. The school will also comply with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements and applicable state and federal laws.

No. Charter schools are public schools. Families do not pay tuition.

Students residing in Pennsylvania may apply. Students living in the Upper Darby School District will receive first enrollment preference, as required by Pennsylvania law.

No. Admission will not be based on academic performance, test scores, athletic ability, disability, English-language proficiency, or any other legally protected characteristic.

If there are more qualified applicants than available seats, the school will conduct a random and impartial enrollment lottery. Enrollment preferences permitted by Pennsylvania law may apply.

No. A pre-enrollment form only shows a family’s interest in the proposed school. It does not reserve a seat, serve as a formal enrollment application, or guarantee admission.

A separate interest form should be completed for each child.

Vision Academy Charter School of Innovation will offer:

• A model built upon the successful practices of Vision Academy Charter School.
• The research-based Core Knowledge curriculum.
• Individualized academic support.
• Small classes and personal attention.
• Clear and effective Direct Instruction.
• Additional learning time for mastery.
• Technology-enhanced and blended learning.
• A fully integrated K–8 STEM program.
• Project-based learning.
• World-language instruction beginning in kindergarten.
• A safe and structured school environment.
• Strong family and community partnerships.

Core Knowledge provides a clear, carefully sequenced roadmap of what students should learn from kindergarten through eighth grade. It builds strong foundations in reading, writing, mathematics, science, history, geography, civics, and the arts.

Teachers will regularly assess student progress and use the results to adjust instruction, provide targeted intervention, offer enrichment, and give students additional time to master important skills.

Direct Instruction uses clear explanations, teacher modeling, guided practice, manageable learning steps, and frequent checks for understanding. It helps teachers identify and address learning gaps before students fall behind.

Blended learning combines face-to-face teaching with carefully selected technology and online resources. Technology will support classroom instruction and help students develop digital skills, independence, and ownership of learning.

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade will participate in hands-on STEM and project-based learning. Topics may include:

• Robotics.
• Engineering.
• Computer graphics.
• Scientific analysis.
• Renewable energy.
• Electronics and circuitry.
• Software development.
• Media arts and applied technology.

The program will be designed for students of all interests and ability levels.

Yes. The school plans to begin world-language instruction in kindergarten to strengthen communication, cultural awareness, and global citizenship.

Yes. Planned opportunities include tutoring, intervention, clubs, enrichment activities, academic competitions, STEM challenges, and project-based learning.

Yes. Students will not be denied admission because of a disability or need for special education.

The school will provide eligible students with a Free Appropriate Public Education in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504, and Pennsylvania requirements.

Services will be based on each student’s Individualized Education Program and may include:

• Specialized academic instruction.
• Learning support.
• Speech and language therapy.
• Occupational or physical therapy.
• Counseling and behavioral support.
• Assistive technology.
• Paraprofessional or personal-care support.
• Accommodations and modifications.
• Extended School Year services.
• Specialized transportation accommodations.

Services may be provided by qualified school employees or approved service providers.

The school will obtain and review the student’s current records and IEP. It will implement the existing IEP or promptly convene an IEP team meeting to develop an appropriate new program.

Parents will remain active members of the IEP team.

A parent may submit a written evaluation request to the school. With parental consent, a multidisciplinary evaluation will be completed using multiple sources of information.

The evaluation team, including the parent, will determine whether the student is eligible for special education services.

Section 504 protects students whose physical or mental impairments substantially limit a major life activity. Eligible students may receive accommodations and support through a Section 504 Service Agreement, even if they do not need an IEP.

Yes, to the maximum extent appropriate. Students will learn in general education classrooms with necessary supports whenever their individual needs can be appropriately met there. Placement decisions will be made by the IEP team.

Parents have the right to:

• Participate in evaluation, IEP, and placement decisions.
• Review educational records.
• Receive written notice of important decisions.
• Provide or refuse consent when permitted by law.
• Request mediation or due process.
• Submit a state complaint.
• Receive required procedural safeguards.

Yes. Students will not be denied admission because of English-language proficiency. Eligible students will receive appropriate English-language development instruction and support.

The school will use clear expectations, consistent routines, and positive behavioral supports to create a safe, structured, and welcoming environment.

Families will be welcomed as active partners through:

• Regular communication.
• Parent conferences and workshops.
• Curriculum nights.
• Student exhibitions.
• Family surveys.
• Shared academic goal-setting.
• Volunteer and leadership opportunities.

The school will be accountable through:

• State assessments.
• Measurable charter goals.
• Annual reports.
• Financial audits.
• Public Board meetings.
• Authorizer oversight.
• Charter renewal reviews.
• Family and community feedback.

An independent, unpaid Board of Trustees will oversee curriculum, budgeting, policies, operations, employment matters, and school leadership.

Under Pennsylvania law, a student’s district of residence generally provides transportation when the charter school is located within the district or within 10 miles of the district’s boundary.

Transportation for field trips, extracurricular activities, and extended-day programs may differ from regular school transportation.

Yes. Charter-school students must comply with Pennsylvania’s compulsory-attendance requirements. Regular and punctual attendance will be expected.

Families and community members may:

• Complete a Pre-Enrollment Interest Form for each child.
• Attend informational and public meetings.
• Submit a letter of support.
• Share information with other families.
• Participate in community events.
• Volunteer or offer professional expertise.
• Follow the school’s website and Facebook page for updates.

The Pre-Enrollment Interest Form demonstrates a family’s interest in the proposed school. It does not constitute formal enrollment, reserve a seat, or guarantee admission.