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RIVERSIDE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Frequently Asked Questions

Are charter schools public or private?

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools of choice. They are authorized by the North Carolina State Board of Education and operated by independent, nonprofit boards of directors. Each charter school functions as its own Local Education Agency (LEA). Riverside Leadership Academy is a public school but is not part of Craven County Schools.

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If charter schools are tuition-free, how are they funded?

Charter schools are funded primarily through state and local tax dollars, along with some federal funding. Per-pupil funding follows the student to the public school they attend, often described as “the money follows the child.”

Charter schools do not receive government funding for capital expenses, such as building construction or major renovations.

 

Who can attend an NC charter school?

NC charter schools have open enrollment and:

  • Cannot discriminate in admissions

  • Cannot be affiliated with any religion or religious organization

  • Must accept any student who lives in North Carolina and is eligible to attend public school, regardless of school district.

 

My child has an IEP; can they attend RLA?

Yes. Charter schools are public schools and must provide special education and related services to eligible students.

At RLA:

  • Students with existing IEPs will receive services in accordance with their current IEP

  • The IEP remains in effect until the RLA IEP team meets to review, revise, or develop a new plan

  • RLA is responsible for identifying, locating, and evaluating students who may need special education services

  • All services follow the North Carolina Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities

RLA will employ licensed and highly qualified EC teachers.

 

How are charter schools held academically accountable?

Charter schools must:

  • Follow the North Carolina Standard Course of Study

  • Participate in the state accountability system

  • Administer required End-of-Grade (EOG) and End-of-Course (EOC) tests

  • Submit data for NC School Report Cards

RLA meets all state academic accountability requirements.

 

Do charter schools provide transportation?

Charter schools may provide transportation but are not required to do so. However, schools must ensure that transportation is not a barrier to enrollment for students living in the local district.

RLA offers a transportation option with strategic community pick-up and drop-off locations.

 

Do charter schools provide free and reduced-price lunch?

Charter schools are not required to provide free and reduced-price meals. However, RLA will offer free and reduced lunch to students who qualify.

 

Why do families choose NC charter schools?

Families often choose charter schools because they offer:

  • Additional public-school options

  • Innovative teaching approaches

  • Smaller learning communities

  • Specialized programs

At RLA, students benefit from:

  • Project-Based Learning

  • A strong Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum

  • Specials, electives, and athletics

  • A focus on leadership and community engagement

 

Why do teachers choose to work at charter schools?

Charter schools offer educators:

  • Opportunities to innovate and design instruction

  • Greater collaboration and professional voice

  • Flexible and creative teaching environments

While charter schools are not required to follow the state salary scale, RLA matches the NC state salary scale and offers a retirement program comparable to the state plan.

 

Are charter school teachers licensed?

North Carolina law requires that at least 50% of charter school teachers be licensed. All teachers must also meet highly qualified requirements.

At RLA:

  • All core general education and EC teachers are licensed and highly qualified

  • EC teachers are licensed in their specific service areas

  • All core subject teachers are college graduates

 

What curriculum does RLA use for English Language Arts (ELA)?

RLA follows the NC ELA Standard Course of Study and uses materials aligned with the Science of Reading.

Instruction includes:

  • Phonemic awareness (Michael Heggerty, K–3)

  • Explicit phonics instruction

  • Handwriting Without Tears (K–3)

  • Informational and literary reading

  • Writing development

RLA also enhances learning through Project-Based Learning and other research-based instructional resources.

 

What curriculum does RLA use for Math?

RLA math instruction:

  • Aligns with the NC Math Standard Course of Study

  • Integrates Project-Based Learning

  • Emphasizes conceptual understanding, fluency, and problem-solving

  • Supports students at all learning levels through accessible, aligned lessons

 

How does RLA ensure alignment across grade levels?

RLA teachers use a common pacing guide that vertically aligns standards from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Instruction is organized into shared thematic units, allowing students across grade levels to explore connected topics.

Many units conclude with family engagement events, where scholars share their learning.

 

What electives are offered at RLA?

Students in grades K–8 participate in rotating exploratory classes, including:

  • Performing Arts (theater, vocal music, dance, public speaking)

  • Music (instrumental)

  • Visual Arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, hands-on projects)

  • Physical Education (health, wellness, and physical activity)

  • Spanish

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