Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to frequently asked questions as well as other general information about our school. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, please call us at (763) 754-6577 or utilize our online contact form to send us a message and we’ll answer your questions!
General School Information
Minnesota charter schools are independent public schools started, governed and operated jointly by licensed teachers, parents, community members and an elected board of directors. They are part of the state public school system, but operate independently, as a separate school district. All charter schools in Minneosta are tuition‐free and are open to and welcome all students, no matter ability or need.
Minnesota was the birthplace of the charter movement. In 1991, the Minnesota Legislature passed the first charter school law in the nation. It was the beginning of a unique public school option that has grown steadily over the past two decades. As of August 2015, there are 165 charter schools in operation in the state. While over 60% of charters are located in the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area, there are charters in communities across the state.
Charter schools are non-profit organizations funded by state general education revenues. However, unlike traditional school districts, charter schools cannot initiate tax levies to generate additional funding. Charter schools are open to all students, and do not charge tuition.
Every charter school in Minnesota must be approved by the Minnesota Department of Education and have a sponsoring Authorizer, who is responsible for oversight of all school operations. Both of these entities monitor the charter school’s performance in meeting both academic and non-academic charter contract goals the school has established and they have approved. DaVinci Academy’s Authorizer is Friends of Education.
Charter schools offer a unique educational choice in terms of curriculum, instructional methodology and an overall learning experience focused on results. An effective charter school is designed to increase student achievement above the levels experienced in a traditional public school.
Charter School Basics
- Charter schools are tuition free public schools.
- Charter schools may not require entrance exams or requirements.
- Charter schools may not limit the admission of pupils on the basis of intellectual ability, measures of achievement or aptitude, or athletic ability.
- Charter schools must accept all students up to capacity. If there are more students than slots, the school must conduct a lottery.
- Charter schools are normally smaller in size than traditional public schools and usually have smaller class sizes.
- Charter schools receive less per pupil funding than traditional public schools; they may not levy property taxes, and receive no funding from local property taxes.
- Charter schools are formed and operate as Minnesota non‐profit corporations.
- Charter schools boards enter into a legally binding charter contract with an authorizer.
- Charter school teachers must hold a valid Minnesota teaching license.
Learn more about Minnesota Charter Schools:
Minnesota Department of Education
MN Association of Charter Schools
Please contact your child’s classroom teacher first for specific requests. For additional needs you can contact the administration as follows.
Terry Moffatt
Director of Academics, K-5 Program Coordinator
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(763) 754-6577 ext. 1102
email Terry Moffatt
- Curriculum
- Title IX Coordinator
- Grading
- Assessments
- Academic Counseling
- After School Sports/Gym Schedule
Jack Shields
K-8 Dean of Students and Middle School Program Director
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(763) 754-6577 ext. 1315
email Jack Shields
- Discipline
- PBIS/Student Culture
- Student Safety
Holly Fischer
Director of Operations
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(763) 754-6577 ext. 1103
email Holly Fischer
- Facilities
- Transportation
- Bus Safety
Jenny Kopecky
Human Resource Manager
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(763) 754-6577 ext. 1106
email Jenny Kopecky
- Human Resources
- STAR Coordinator
Nicole Hartfield
Administrative Assistant
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(763) 754-6577 ext. 1107
email Nicole Hartfield
- Enrollment Coordinator
- Enrollment Questions
- MARSS Coordinator
- Student Records
- General Questions
- Newsletter
- Website
Debi Walter
Finance Specialist
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(763)754-6577 ext. 1108
email Debi Walter
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Expense Management
Brenda Gerard
Administrative Assistant
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(763) 754-6577 ext. 1101
email School Office
- Receptionist
- Attendance Coordinator
- Student Fees
- General Questions
Kathy Falkowski
Administrative Assistant
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(763) 754-6577 ext. 1101
email School Office
- Receptionist
- Volunteer Coordinator
- General Questions
Cassandra Anderson
Food Service/Recess Coordinator
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(763) 754-6577 ext. 1143
email Cassy Anderson
- Lunch Accounts Coordinator
- Food Service Coordinator
- Recess Coordinator
Julie Kresh
After School Program Coordinator
View Bio
(763) 754-6577 ext. 1134
email Julie Kresh
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