Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Charter School?
- According to the Texas Education Code, the purposes of charter schools are to (1) improve student learning; (2) increase the choice of learning opportunities within the public school system; (3) create professional opportunities that will attract new teachers to the public school system; (4) establish a new form of accountability for public schools; and (5) encourage different and innovative learning methods.
- Is there a tuition fee at any of the GCCLR charter campuses?
- No, there is no tuition fees to attend any GCCLR campus. GCCLR and all of its campuses are TEA supported Public Charter Schools.
- Who may attend school at GCCLR?
- Any student between the ages of 3-20 years old may attend one of our campuses if a space is available. Open registration usually takes place during the month prior to start of the new school year. Check the home page of our web site for current information. Our campuses include PreK and Kindergarten and grades 6-12.
- What must I bring for registration?
- Is there a dress code?
- Yes, there is a dress code. White t-shirt or polo shirt, blue jeans, and tennis shoes. (No house shoes). For more information about the dress code see the Student Handbook.
- If I graduate from your school, will my diploma be honored by colleges and universities?
- Yes, the Dr. ML Garza Gonzalez Charter campuses are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is sanctioned as a public charter school by the Texas Education Agency. Furthermore, if you graduate in the top 10 percent you may qualify for a scholarship to attend a college or university.
- May I attend any of the campuses at GCCLR if I have been expelled or suspended from another local school.
- Yes, students are accepted for enrollment even if they have been expelled or suspended from other local campuses. Some conditions may be required to be fulfilled before a student with an expulsion or a suspension record can enroll at the main campus.
- Is transportation provided to and from school?
- Yes and No, GCCLR does not have its own bus transportation but, provides students with bus tokens for RTA service. Students may also opt for their own private transportation. PreK and Kindergarten students must be transported by a parent or guardian to and from school.
- Must I take and pass the state mandated TAKS test?
- Yes, all students at GCCLR from grades 6-12 must take and pass the TAKS test just like any other school. All GCCLR campuses are rated under the state of Texas Alternate Accountability standards (AEC) but still must comply with the state and NCLB requirements. GCCLR must also meet all AYP requirements (Federal).
- What makes your school different than a regular public school?
- GCCLR's campuses are different because we offer a strong learning environment with small class sizes and teacher to student ratios. We also have two 4 hour periods in which students may attend (7:50 - 12:00 & 12:00 - 4:10). Also if students have enough credits, have passed the TAKS test or have demonstrated the ability to pass, they may enter into our Credit Recovery program.
- In the past, GCCLR has specialized in working with at-risk students which means that students that attended were labeled at risk of failing or were eligible for free or reduced lunch and our teachers receive training in dealing with this population of students, but all students that apply are eligible to attend depending on available openings. To find out how to register see registration.
- I live in ____________, but would like to attend GCCLR because of the location or the hours required, may I attend also?
- Absolutely yes, (call for geographical boundries) GCCLR would like to encourage any and all students in the area to attend our campuses. We have a Credit Recovery Program that allows students to graduate in less than a few days (depending on the circumstances).
- Are all of the teachers at GCCLR certified to teach their subject area?
- All teachers at GCCLR have Texas certificates to teach. Some teachers that have bachelor's degrees have not attended a teaching program, but TEA allows charter schools to allow teachers to test in their areas of expertise and then are certified by TEA in that subject only.
- Teacher's aides must have at least 60 hours to become a teacher's aide and must demonstrate competency to assist a teacher in his or her classroom.
- For more information about our school, campuses or any of these questions, please call (361)881-9988.
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