FAQ

Personalized Learning is a process where education options are tailored to the learning style and needs of individual learners. This approach is the foundation of Dallas Community School. We reject the idea of a “one size fits all” education and believe that modern, successful learners require a personalized approach. Dallas Community School students and their parents work with an Educational Guide (a licensed teacher) to develop a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) that reflects their individual learning style. Once the PLP is developed, Dallas Community School then connects the student to resources that are aligned to the Personalized Learning Plan.

No. Dallas Community School is a public charter school. This means that families pay no tuition because the school is funded by public funds, but is operated independently of the local public schools. The funds are funneled from the state of Oregon to Dallas School District and then to Dallas Community School.

As a charter school, we are free to develop a new approach to education, which allows us to offer a program that meets the needs of nontraditional learners. Students who enroll at DCS are part of a public school. They cannot be dual-enrolled in another public school and are not registered as homeschoolers with their local Education Service District, even though students are home learners (with support from DCS).

No. Your assigned Education Guide will work with you to identify a curriculum, tools, and methods that best suit the needs and abilities of your child.

Each student is given access to a Learning Allotment Fund that is used to pay for curriculum, experiences, enrichment, and supplies. Your Education Guide will work with you and your child to develop a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP). Items in the PLP are paid for using the student’s Learning Fund allotment. These can include books, lessons or classes, educational games and materials, and other items. All items purchased using Learning Fund allotments must be paid for by Dallas Community School. Purchases are made through reimbursement or by filling out a Materials Request form, and then the School carries out the order purchasing and fulfillment.

No. Because we are a public charter school all materials purchased with school allotment funds must be secular (free of religious instruction) and meet learning standards but families can use other types of curricula in their home learning. However, parents have the choice to use their own funds to purchase and use religious curriculum.

No. We can only pay for services that are part of your PLP. These are taxpayer dollars and so if it cannot be directly connected to their learning goals, then we cannot reimburse you for it.

In short, you as the parent or guardian are. By participating in a personalized learning school, you are committing to taking responsibility for facilitating the education of your child. We are here to coach you and provide guidance, resources, and support. Our Education Guides will meet with you and your child to help you along the way. But ultimately, it is up to you and your child to implement the Personalized Learning Plan (PLP). 

No. Transportation to and from the school are the responsibility of the families. Classes are only available for DCS students, but one of the many reasons we love being in the center of our community is that families can utilize the local public library, coffee shops, parks, ect. 

Yes. Special education services are provided by Dallas School District in coordination with DCS. These include IEP meetings, speech therapy, and other services. Students requiring in-person services will receive those services in Dallas as the district is able. Please contact us for more information.

No. Enrollment is open to all students enter grades K-8. and living within the Dallas School District is not a requirement. However, if the number of interested students is greater than the number of spaces available, students will be selected via lottery. Returning students are always guaranteed a space and their siblings are guaranteed first priority. Students living in Dallas School District are given second priority, and students residing outside the district are third on the priority list.

Great question! We are in need of board members, committee members, and other individuals who are interested in shaping the future of our school. Get in touch with us at [email protected]