Frequently Asked Questions
Curriculum and Instruction
Funding
Attendance and Enrollment
Charter Schools
Parent Involvement
Transportation
Hot Lunch
Location, Hours, Miscellaneous
Curriculum and Instruction
How do ANSER parents know that their child is getting the basics of a traditional public education from this nontraditional school?
The State of Idaho has extensive academic guidelines that are the basis for our accreditation as a public school. All students at ANSER take the state required standardized tests. Complete test score data can be obtained through the school office. ANSER is committed to the concepts of expeditionary learning, strong character and leadership development, and genuine community involvement. We fully prepare our students for the academic challenges they’ll face after their ANSER experience.
What are the keys to ANSER’s success?
ANSER has the freedom to find and implement innovative educational programs, the freedom to hand pick extraordinarily qualified and motivated staff, the willingness to accept wide ranging contributions by involved and committed parents, and the administrative leadership to use all of these resources effectively.
I know you have nationally certified teachers, but what does that mean?
Two of ANSER's teachers are nationally certified, as well as our Education Director (principal). The National Board certifies applicants for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Being a nationally certified teacher is one of the highest honors a teacher can achieve. Only 313 teachers are certified in Idaho and less than 1 percent of teachers are certified nationwide. The NBPTS program was launched in 1987 by school reformers seeking a way to identify and reward excellent teachers. Applicants undergo an evaluation that includes written exams, portfolios and teaching videos, and fewer than half applicants succeed on their first try. Pupils of teachers certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards improved an average of 7 percent more on their year-end math and reading tests than pupils whose teachers attempted but failed to gain the certification. Official information can be found at http://www.nbpts.org/iam/parent.cfm
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Funding
Is ANSER fully funded by tax dollars?
The short answer is no. The long answer is that the State of Idaho funds public school operations with a complex funding formula. This formula generates what is essentially a per student dollar amount. ANSER does receive this amount, which is roughly equal to the per student amount received by traditional public schools. The main funding difference is that charter schools in Idaho (by state law) are not allowed to receive money generated by local school bonds. In a typical school-funding model, bond money is used to buy or build new facilities. ANSER had to open its doors with a significant debt because we had to remodel the facility to accommodate our school. ANSER is currently paying for renovation costs and rent from fundraising generated outside of taxpayer sources. Over 90 percent of ANSER’s total operating budget is funded through state tax dollars.
Do ANSER parents pay tuition?
All charter schools in Idaho are non-religious, tuition-free public schools. ANSER parents pay typical costs such as materials costs, and voluntarily participate in the special costs of the Community Based Curriculum program. As at any school, parents generally participate in fundraisers to support the school.
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Attendance and Enrollment
Who can go to ANSER?
ANSER welcomes all students with priority given to those living within the Boise School District. Each fall, ANSER needs Kindergartners to start as students. Siblings of current ANSER students are given a Kindergarten spot, with the remaining spots available filled by our annual lottery drawing. Other classes also may have openings that occur and a list is generated annually to fill these.
How does the lottery work?
Idaho law now requires that all charter schools hold a lottery drawing for waiting lists once a year. Names are randomly drawn to determine students and the waiting list from the lottery names. To learn more, check out our Enrollment Policy.
How do I get my child’s name entered into the Kindergarten lottery?
To be eligible, the child must be 5 years old by August 31 of the year they want to enroll. Applications for ANSER's annual kindergarten lottery are accepted after January 1 of the year the child is eligible for kindergarten. Forms must be received at least 24 hours in advance of the lottery, which is held on the third Thursday of February. All potential students wishing to enroll at ANSER Charter School must complete an enrollment application form. Please use one form for each child. Mail or hand-deliver applications to: ANSER Charter School, 1187 W. River St. Boise, Id 83702, or fax to 208-426-9863. Applications submitted via e-mail will not be accepted.
How do I get my child’s name entered into the elementary (first through sixth grade) or junior high (seventh and eighth grade) school lottery?
The waiting list lottery for all grades is held on the third Thursday of February each year. Applications for the lottery are accepted after January first of each year. Forms must be received at least 24 hours in advance of the lottery. All potential students wishing to enroll at ANSER Charter School must complete an enrollment application form. Please use one form for each child. Mail or hand-deliver applications to: ANSER Charter School, 1187 W. River St. Boise, Id 83702, or fax to 208-426-9863. Applications submitted via e-mail will not be accepted.
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Charter Schools
How are charter schools different from traditional public schools?
Every school is different and that is true with charter schools. ANSER works to develop tomorrow’s community leaders through academic achievement, strong character building, and the cultivation of leadership skills. We utilize the Outward Bound School design or expeditionary learning model. This adventure-based learning style allows hands on exploration and a project-oriented environment. (Learn more at www.elob.org.) Our class sizes are typically smaller than those found at traditional schools, providing more one-on-one attention for students. Our award-winning Community Based Curriculum (CBC) allows students the chance to develop a community service orientation. Opportunity for parental involvement exists on a greater scale than is usually found in more traditional public and private schools.
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Parent Involvement
Is parent involvement a high priority at ANSER?
Parent involvement is generally recognized as perhaps the strongest predictor of an individual student’s educational success. Parental involvement at ANSER is very strong both at the student and school level. This involvement is nurtured as a primary asset of our school.
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Transportation
Does ANSER provide busing?
ANSER currently does not offer busing. Busing becomes much more complex when the attendance area of one school covers such a large area. The ANSER community is well organized with carpools.
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Hot Lunch
Does ANSER provide a hot lunch program?
We offer a hot lunch program provided through the Boys and Girls Club that meets all Federal standards and guidelines. Lunch is $2.75. We also offer free and reduced lunch for those who qualify.
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Location, Hours, Miscellaneous
Where is ANSER located?
ANSER of Idaho Inc.
202 E. 42nd Street
Garden City, ID 83714
208-426-9840 voice
208-426-9863 fax
What are the office operating hours?
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays during the school year.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday in June and August; July unavailable.
When is the first and last day of school?
ANSER generally begins school the day after Labor Day and ends school about June 1st. For exact dates, please see the ANSER calendar.
How can I find out more information regarding Charter Schools in Idaho?
Check out the Idaho Charter School Network.
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