Charter schools are public schools that operate independently of the traditional public school system with its own school board. They are established by a charter, which is a performance contract detailing the school’s mission, program, students served, and methods of assessment. Charter schools have greater flexibility in their operations compared to district schools but are held more accountable for achieving specific educational outcomes.

IDB Charter will open August 2025; however, applications for the 2025 school year will be accepted Fall 2024.

IDB Charter will be located on the campus of Stillman College. The school building will be constructed on land near the back entrance of the campus, adjacent to the football stadium. IDB students may also use existing Stillman College classrooms for dual enrollment or other specific type courses.

The HBCU partnership is an effort to expose and create more pathways for students to either attend and graduate from college or be prepared to go directly into the workforce with credentials to obtain high paying/high demand jobs. Please visit our website to learn more about our Partnership with Stillman which includes:

• Creating a Pipeline for Future Educators
• Providing HS schools students with opportunities to earn up to 30 hours of college credit
• Providing students with firsthand experience of college programmings and expectations

IDB Charter will open its first year serving students in Grades 6th-9th and will add a grade level each year. 

IDB Charter begins the instructional day at 8:00 am daily and dismisses at 4:00pm Mon, Tues, Wed and Friday with the last period being an Athletic period for students who participate in sports. Every Thursday, IDB has an early release day, all students are dismissed at 1:00 following lunch.

Charter schools differ from traditional district public schools primarily in their operational autonomy, accountability measures, and focus on innovation. While both types of schools must adhere to certain laws and regulations, charter schools have more freedom to design their curriculum and educational practices. They also face closure if they fail to meet performance goals outlined in their charters, unlike a traditional school.

IDB Charter is unique in its approach to education and flexible use of the school day schedule that focuses on three key areas: 

• Building meaningful relationships with students through daily advisories and a House system
• Ensuring every student is academically successful by tracking individualized data to provide 1:1 support and personalized intervention in a timely manner.
• Teaching and Learning through authentic experiences such as hands-on labs, community projects, virtual reality, exhibitions, and internships.

Yes, charter schools are free public schools that do not charge tuition. They receive funding from state and federal tax dollars based on student enrollment, similar to traditional public schools.

Families can apply to charter schools through several methods:

• Visit the school’s website (www.idreambigcharter.com) to apply online or download a hard copy of the application.
• Contact the school directly for an application or visit in person to pick one up.
• Families should apply during the First Priority Window (September 1-November 1, 2024) to help ensure their enrollment.

I Dream Big Charter will admit students on a first-come, first-served basis during the First Priority Window; however, if applications exceed available seats, we are required by law to conduct a random admissions lottery. This ensures fairness in selecting students when demand exceeds capacity.

For families who apply during the First Enrollment Window, Sept. 1-Nov 1, 2024, notifications will be sent out in December. If more families apply then available seats, a lottery will take place in December and parents will be notified in January 2025. After the Priority Window, if available seats remain, parents can continue to apply as long as seats are available and will be notified within 48 hours of submitting an application. 

Yes, charter schools work to meet the goals outlined in students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Families should inquire about specific services offered by each school, when selecting a school.

No, families have the option to choose I Dream Big Charter School based on what they believe will best suit their child’s educational needs, regardless of where they live. However, preference may be given to students who live within the Community School District where the charter is located or siblings of current students during the admissions lottery process.

IDB Charter emphasizes core subjects like English and math but may also offer specialized programs tailored to student interests and community needs. We focus on specific educational approaches such as project-based learning, hands-on labs, internships, entrepreneurships and dual enrollment programs that help to ensure every student is both college and career ready upon graduating from high school.

IDB Charter will offer sports contingent upon student interests.

IDB Charter will participate in the National Food Program and will offer breakfast and lunch to all students.

Although transportation is provided, it is limited. Families who are unable to carpool or provide transportation are encouraged to specify transportation needs as part of the application process. IDB Charter will work to ensure transportation pick up and drop off locations are provided.

Yes, IDB Charter will provide each student with a tech device for educational purposes.

Yes, IDB will have a designated dress code and uniform policy.

Charter schools receive funding primarily from state and federal tax dollars based on student enrollment; however, they often receive less funding per student compared to traditional district public schools due to not receiving local funding and disparities in administrative costs associated with operating independently.

If a charter school does not meet its performance goals as outlined in its charter agreement or fails financially or operationally, it can be closed by its authorizer (The Alabama Public Charter School COmmission)—a body responsible for overseeing its performance and compliance with regulations.