WHAT IS A CHARTER SCHOOL?
- Charter schools are state-funded, independently run schools created through legislation in 1994, to innovate within the public school system and provide options for public school families. (ASA was among the first charter schools in Arizona!) Charter schools are a Public Private Partnership and are authorized and monitored by the State Board for Charter Schools. This unique operation model gives charter schools more control over curricula, staffing, and budgeting than traditional district schools. Charter Schools are required to adhere to academic state standards and are audited yearly for financial accountability, operational performance, and academic achievement.
IS ASA CONSIDERED PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SCHOOL?
- ASA is a public charter school. As such, we are open to all students and must follow state academic standards.
IS ASA PUBLICALLY OR PRIVATELY FUNDED?
- ASA is both publicly and privately funded! The State of Arizona provides approximately $9 million annually, based on actual enrollment for the year. This public funding supports 100% of academic instructional expenses, general and administrative expenses, facility and technology expenses, and ONLY 50% of the instructional expenses for performing arts.
- To sustain the performing arts program, we must privately raise $1 million to bridge the funding gap to support the seven arts disciplines. The school relies on the generosity of parents, families, individual donors, the business community, and foundations to continue offering its performing arts program. Fundraising is a necessity at ASA; it’s not an extra. The Development & Marketing Department oversees fundraising efforts for the performing arts program primarily through the Annual Fund Campaign, Corporation and Foundation Grants, Department Series, Signature Series, and Showcase Sponsorship/Tickets.
- ASA also raises funds to support its extracurricular clubs and character-building programming through the Arizona Public School Tax Credit. This state program allows Arizona taxpayers to contribute to the tax credit fund and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state taxes. Married couples can donate up to $400, and single filers can donate up to $200. Consult your tax professional for more information. NOTE: Tax Credit dollars at ASA support extracurricular clubs and activities and character-building classes. Tax credit funds do NOT support the performing arts program.
IS ASA TUITION-FREE?
- Yes. ASA is a tuition-free public charter school that is donation-dependent. We rely on financial support from our families and community members to maintain our extensive performing arts programming, which is essential to ASA’s dual-focused core curriculum. Arizona School for the Arts is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and contributions are tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor with specific questions.
ARE THERE FEES INVOLVED IN ATTENDING ASA?
Yes. As described in the Community Handbook, an Annual Activity Fee (AAF) is assessed for each student to support programs and activities such as performances (some exclusions apply), supplemental in-school presentations/concerts/assemblies, extra-curricular social and school-wide events and activities, school ID, and a daily student planner. Once your enrollment has been completed and reviewed, you will pay the AAF using SchoolPay. The Annual Activity Fee (AAF) is $350 per new incoming student; Households with more than two students will cap off at $700. The AAF must be fully paid via SchoolPay account by April 15th, before the school year your student is enrolling.
The School often recommends school supplies for students in both academic and arts classes, which may include students’ dance/choral/theatre attire, musical instruments, and supporting equipment. Performance attire must meet the criteria set by the specific department to perform. Students may be assessed a periodic costume fee for various performances. Some costs may be associated with special items (t-shirts, gear, etc.) or opportunities (i.e., travel).
** The Community Handbook includes a fee schedule. The Board recognizes the need for student fees to fund certain school activities that public funds do not fully fund. It also acknowledges that some students may be unable to pay these fees. No student will be denied access to equal education because of non-payment of these supplemental charges due to financial need (i.e. NSLP Indicator 1 or Indicator 2). To obtain a fee waiver based on need, families should email payments@goasa.org.