How Oregon’s Cap on Virtual Public Charter School Enrollment Limits School Choice
One of Oregon Charter Academy's (ORCA) greatest strengths is our ability to offer the same high-quality education to children regardless of where they live. Students across Oregon benefit from our dynamic virtual learning environment, advanced placement and college credit options plus extensive extracurricular opportunities, including the ability to participate in OSAA-sanctioned activities, like band and sports, within their home district. For many students, transferring to ORCA enables them to find the educational success that had eluded them in traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms.
Oregon’s 3% Enrollment Cap
Unfortunately, the state of Oregon prohibits some students from enrolling at ORCA or other virtual public charter schools, even if the move is in their best interest. According to Oregon law, districts may deny enrollment in a public charter school if that school is virtual and more than 3% of the district's students are enrolled in a virtual public charter school sponsored by another district.
Because this law does not take student needs into account and only bases the ability to transfer to a virtual public charter school on the student's physical address, it introduces more inequity into our public school system. Lawmakers have attempted to repeal this enrollment cap but have so far been unsuccessful.
How Caregivers Can Take Action in Response to the Cap
Caregivers do have the power to take action if they want to enroll their child in a virtual charter school, even if their home district has reached the 3% enrollment threshold. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Start the Enrollment Process
You don't need your district's approval to begin the transfer process. If you want to switch, your first step is to contact the virtual public charter school of your choice and begin the enrollment process. You can begin the process to enroll at ORCA by visiting www.oregoncharter.org/enroll or calling (503) 897-2272.
Your district will have 14 days to respond to your transfer request, and they may approve it even if they're over the 3% cap. However, if you do receive a denial, there are other steps to take.
Step 2: File an Appeal With the State
If the district denies your transfer request, you have 10 days to appeal their decision with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). When the ODE reviews your appeal, it will only confirm that the district met the legal requirement and won't take your child's individual needs into account.
Step 3: Talk with Your Superintendent
Immediately after filing your appeal with the ODE, attempt to schedule an appointment with the superintendent. During this meeting, you should explain why this move is in your child's best interest. Focus on the specific programs and opportunities the virtual public charter school offers that will benefit your child's social, emotional and educational needs.
Step 4: Be Persistent
If both the ODE and superintendent deny your transfer request, your final option is to stay persistent. While you can't file multiple appeals with the state, you can keep your superintendent updated on how their decision has affected your student. They may change their mind in the future if you stay in contact.
Advocate for School Choice
The best way to change Oregon's cap on virtual public charter school enrollment is to share your support for school choice with your local legislator and tell them you want the 3% enrollment cap removed. You can find your local representative by entering your address on oregonlegislature.gov. Once you've identified your legislator, you can use this template to share how Oregon's outdated 3% enrollment rule has negatively affected your family. If enough people share their experiences, legislators may take action.
We’re Here to Help
The 3% enrollment cap on virtual public charter school enrollment is arbitrary and inequitable. Caregivers deserve the right to choose the best school for their children regardless of where they live. If you have questions about how your child could benefit from a virtual education or need help with our enrollment process, please contact us online or attend one of our upcoming virtual info sessions.