School Information

1. What is a charter school?

A charter school is an independent public school that is allowed to be innovative in how student achievement is accomplished.  Charter schools are held accountable for the innovative methods they use to educate children, foster family engagement and provide unique experiences to their school community.  To  learn more about charter schools, please visit:  http://publiccharters.org/About-Charter-Schools/What-are-Charter-Schools003F.aspx.

2. Brighter Choice offers school year-round.  What does that mean?

At Brighter Choice, we offer school throughout the year.  Each school year begins in September and continues through the next August.  Project Brighter Choice is a special program that offers project-based learning during the months of July and August.  School hours are shortened, the uniform changes, and girls have Fridays off during this time.  You can read more about Project Brighter Choice in the FAQ section by that title.

3. What are the school hours?

The school doors open at 7:30 a.m.  Girls who enter the building after 8:00 a.m. are considered tardy.  School ends at 3:30 p.m.  All walkers must be picked up by 4:15 p.m..

4. How many students attend Brighter Choice for Girls?  Which grade levels are offered?

Brighter Choice for Girls currently has approximately 275 girls enrolled in grades K through 4.

5. What is the student to teacher ratio?

The student to teacher ratio is 10 to 1.  That means that for each teacher in the building, there are 10 students.

6. What kind of after-school programs do you offer?

Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls partners with the Albany Police Athletic League (PAL) to offer a variety of after-school programs.  Programs include karate, cooking, arts and crafts, basketball, and cheerleading.  In addition to working with PAL, Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls partners with the local colleges and universities, including Albany College of Pharmacy (ACP), Albany Medical College (Project SOAR), and Siena College, to provide academic and mentoring programs for our girls.  Teachers have also developed their own academic and extracurricular initiatives, which are offered after-school.

Academics

1. When are report cards distributed?

Report cards are sent home at the end of each quarter.  They will be distributed in December, February, April, and July.

2. What are the Terra Nova exams?  When are they taken?

The Terra Nova exams are standardized tests that are given throughout the United States at different times in each school year.  The exams test students’ skills in English Language Arts and math.  They are taken in September and again in June of each year by grades 1 through 4.  Kindergarteners take the Terra Nova exams in February and again in June.  These exams are used to show growth among students and allow teachers and administrators to compare results with national norms.

3. When are the New York State exams taken?  What grade levels take them?

The New York State exams are taken in grades 3 and 4, as well as in higher grade levels.  Third grade students take an ELA exam and a math exam in May.  Fourth grade students take an ELA exam and a math exam in May, as well as a Science exam in June.

4. When are parent-teacher conferences?

At Brighter Choice, we offer opportunities for parents to come in and speak about their children’s progress with their child’s teachers.  Parent-teacher conferences are officially held in December and May, but can be requested at any time throughout the year as well.

5. What is the paycheck system and how does it work?

Every week, each student at Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls is given a “paycheck”.  Students can earn deposits and deductions on their paycheck based on their behavior.  The paycheck allows students, parents, and teachers to monitor both positive and negative behaviors on a weekly basis.  The paycheck should be reviewed and signed every Friday and returned to school the following Monday.  Please click here to see the BCCSG Paycheck.

6. How is the lottery conducted?

Each fall, a new group of Kindergarten girls is admitted toBrighter Choice Charter School for Girls .  New students in grades 1 through 4 are enrolled depending on availability.  A lottery is conducted for each grade level to determine new Kindergarten students and establish a waitlist for each grade.  In order to include your daughter’s name in the lottery, applications are due by April 1st.  Applications received after April 1st are placed at the bottom of the waitlist.  Applications are received all year long.  Click here to to apply!

7. How do I enroll my child into your school?

Please see our Student Admission’s page for more information or call Demetra L. Brown, Parent and Family Coordinator, at (518) 694-4103, with any questions regarding enrollment.

Uniforms

1. What is the Brighter Choice uniform?

The following are the uniform requirements for Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls (from September to July):

• navy blue plaid jumper with  Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls logo
• white collared short-sleeve shirt
• white turtleneck (for colder months)
•  white, navy blue or black socks
• navy blue or black tights
• modesty shorts (worn under jumper)
• navy blue or black soft soled shoes, sneakers or boots
• navy blue sweater (optional)

Full school uniforms are mandatory everyday at Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls .   Please be mindful if students continue to arrive to school out of uniform, a deduction will be issued on your child’s paycheck.

2. What do girls wear during Project Brighter Choice?

The following is the uniform requirement for students (from July to August):

• bright yellow t-shirt with Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls logo
• navy blue or khaki Bermuda shorts, capris, or pants
• navy blue, black, or white socks
• navy blue or black soft soled shoes or sneakers

3. Where can I purchase uniforms?

Uniforms can be purchased at B. Lodge & Company, located downtown at 75 North Pearl Street.  If you have questions about uniform availability, please call them at (518) 463-4646.

Project Brighter Choice

1. What is Project Brighter Choice?

Project Brighter Choice is a mandatory program held during the months of July and August.  During this time, students engage in project-based learning.  All classes focus on a specific theme or project  through which they learn ELA, Math, and Science skills, as well as practice liberal and visual arts.  During Project Brighter Choice, students wear a different uniform (see above).

2. What are the school hours and days for Project Brighter Choice?

During Project Brighter Choice, there is no school on Fridays and the school hours change to 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Please see the calendar for more information on the dates for Project Brighter Choice.