Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
What is Rooted School?
Rooted School is a free, public Washington charter high school, that is part of a national charter system with strong graduation rates [in its school of origin/first graduating class 2021, located in New Orleans], and engaged youth in their own success and future aspirations. We opened on the 2022-23 school year to 9th grade students. We are all in to provide for every student: equitable access to a quality education, a school culture of inclusivity honoring our students and their families’ cultural background, and daily social and emotional support, all provided within a positive learning environment structured in small class sizes. We recognize the value of each child’s experience – educationally, emotionally, and preparedness, and their impact upon our community. We are honored to serve our Vancouver community of families and business leaders by contributing to the educational access landscape, youth that will be able, ready, and willing to serve SW Washington.
What does Industry & Education Partnership look like?
We provide work- and college-ready students to industry partners who are seeking thoughtful, creative and innovative, technical thinkers and doers who can execute projects within a collaborative environment guided by “coaches” (teachers and industry experts). Students engage in real world projects and scenarios with our local experts and community members as they learn soft and technical skills valuable to their college and career aspirations. Each sector – industry partner and educational partner – brings opportunity to shift the financial trajectory of youth towards a career path of benevolence, service, and an actual career “ladder” that will lead each student into and beyond the middle class.
What makes us different than SW Washington’s public high schools?
We offer students a local-focused, learning community that engages businesses to partner with us and more importantly, to become a Green Balloon Fellowship (GBF) partner. 21st Century businesses already know and have the data that supports the value of diverse employees – by gender, by income, by race, by philosophy, and by achievement – on their bottom line. Truly, “diversity” is key to success for everyone in our community:
“We all want something to offer. This is how we belong. It's how we feel included. So, if we want to include everyone, we have to help everyone develop their talents and use their gifts for the good of the community. That's what inclusion means - everyone is a [contributor].”
~ Melinda Gates
What is Rooted School Vancouver’s (RSV) Grading System?
We will use a competency-based grading system.
· Students will receive a grade based on how well they demonstrate a particular skill or content standard.
· Students are evaluated on a 4-point scale; developing, emerging, proficient, and finally, mastery. Although RSV does not use traditional letter grades, our grading system will still translate to a traditional GPA for student transcripts and applications to college.
Does Rooted School Vancouver (RSV) credits transfer to colleges?
Yes! As a public school in SW Washington, RSV is authorized by the state. Therefore, students’ transcripts have the same standing as any other public high school. At RSV, students earn a minimum of 24 credits in order to graduate, and our transcript is recognized for acceptance into colleges and universities. Additionally, our students have the unique opportunity to earn industry credentials, as well as college credits, that help build their resume while still in high school!
Where will Rooted School Vancouver (RSV) be located?
We are excited to call the Orchards community our new home and provide the following benefits to our students:
· An easily accessible learning center for students coming from the broader Vancouver region, and the county
· A semi-isolated, business park and tree-populated campus, with increased connectedness to our broader community
· Close proximity to our partnership organizations: Port of Ridgefield, where many regional and successful business coagulate, ZoomInfo, local medical facilities, High Tech Council of SW Washington, and drone industries (from manufacturing to sales in our region) who will benefit from the Rooted School Vancouver “pipeline” of ready and able future employees in a beyond-living wage career pathway. SW Washington has the greatest number of drone tech companies and manufacturers in the USA.
· Close proximity to Clark College for college preparedness activities, community events and dual credit (earning college credit while in high school at our school site!)
Do we offer student transportation?
Yes! All Rooted School Vancouver students will receive free C-Tran passes in order to bus to school. Parking is also available for drop-offs/pick-ups.
How many students will attend RSV?
Rooted School Vancouver (RSV) is currently enrolling 70 - 9th & 10th grade students for the 2024-25 school year, we will grow into a school of 130-140 students in grades 9 through 12 by the year 2025-26. Benefits of a small learning environment include more one-on-one time with teachers and a tight-knit sense of community.
Does Rooted School Vancouver (RSV) offer Special Education?
Yes! RSV provides all Special Education services identified in a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and is committed to providing these services in the most inclusive environment. RSV’s Special Education Lead, will serve as a Case Manager for students who receive services, and we will contract for other related service providers.
What does a school day at RSV look like?
Our school week will be Monday through Thursday 8:30am-4:00pm and Fridays 8:30am-12:35pm, with a unique daily structure that incorporates time for community building, interdisciplinary learning, student designed learning experiences., and homework support. School days begin with the chance for students to check in with themselves, teachers, and other staff members. Time is then dedicated to team taught core classes and deep, investigative learning. This is followed by time devoted to student-directed learning, where students are guided by teachers in designing their own explorations and learning experiences. Longer blocks of time will allow students to investigate content from multiple perspectives, as well as deepen relationships among subjects.
How do students apply?
Students and families may apply by submitting an application found on our website under ‘Apply Today’. Once we receive your application, RSV staff will work with your family and student’s previous school to transfer school records.
Once I apply, am I guaranteed a spot?
RSV will enroll 70 - 9th & 10th grade students for the 2024-2025 school year. If interest exceeds these numbers, a public lottery will be held Spring 2024. Following the lottery, a waitlist will be based on the order in which applications were received. However, if not all 70 spots are filled, students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are charter schools public schools?
YES! Charter schools are a type of public school. Like all public schools, they are open to all students, tuition-free, publicly funded, staffed by certified teachers, and held accountable to state and national standards. In exchange for greater accountability, teachers and principals are given more flexibility to be innovative in their teaching methods and curriculum that improves student learning. Charter schools offer more flexibility with staffing, a typical school day and length of the school year.
Who is attending public charter schools?
Public charter schools are free and open to ALL students and their families. In many communities, traditional public schools are meeting the needs of local students. But not all communities are succeeding equally. In Washington, African American, LatinX and Native American Students are scoring between 15-20 percent lower on state assessments. According to initial state-wide assessment data, students at Washington’s public charter schools are making impressive gains in reading and math.
How are charter schools funded?
Public charter schools are funded based on student enrollment, just like district public schools. If a student transfers from another public school to a charter public school, the costs and funding associated with educating that student follow that student to the charter school. Like any public school, charter public schools depend on a mix of federal and state funding, with some schools having privately fundraised budgets. Unlike local district schools, charter schools do not receive support from local property tax levies.
Who teaches at public charter schools?
Charter public school teachers must be certified, just like teachers at other public schools. Charter public school teachers have the right to unionize and collectively bargain for pay, benefits, and working conditions, just like teachers at other public schools. Teachers at charter public schools earn salaries competitive with traditional public schools and receive state employee benefits.
*We acknowledge the work of Whatcom Intergenerational High School’s FAQ communication page as foundational to Rooted School Vancouver’s FAQ page. Thank you WIHS!