Frequently Asked Questions
What are charter schools?
Charter schools are public schools operated independently of the larger school districts where they are located. They are public in every sense by being open to all students, non-selective in enrollment, non-religious, and tuition-free.
How is Kensington Woods High School (KWHS) different from the surrounding traditional public high schools?
- KWHS is absolutely mission-driven in everything we do. Our mission is to provide and engage, challenging and innovative educational programs in a student centered environment. These simple descriptions can be seen in everything we do.
- Charters can harness the often stifled energy of innovative and experienced educators.
- KWHS builds in more time for professional development and planning that is specifically mission driven.
- KWHS provides mentoring and training opportunities for teachers based on initiative and performance.
- Project Term is a 3 – 4 week term at the very end of our year where students enroll in high engagement/high interest elective courses that all have some community based component. Many of these courses involve travel, some even out of state or travel abroad.
- School wide curriculum planning incorporating backward design, alignment to the ACT college readiness standards as well as the Michigan High School Content Expectations
- KWHS uses an innovative approach to instruction including integrated studies, project based learning as well as comprehensive assessment.
- KWHS offers a small and personal environment where high expectations and a safe and orderly school lead to a low stress experience for students.
How are charter schools funded?
Charter schools are funded on a per pupil basis with public dollars, however charters must pay for their own facilities through fundraising and/or their operating dollars as charters are not allowed local bond money for facility expenditures.
Do KWHS students receive a “regular high school diploma”?
Absolutely. As a State of Michigan public high school, KWHS requires all students to master the Michigan Merit Curriculum in addition to our graduation requirements in order to earn their high school diploma.
Do I have to pay tuition?
No, charter schools are public schools. A nominal fee is assessed if you choose to participate in extra-curricular activities such as sports, clubs and some Project Term courses.
Why is there a lottery system for admissions?
Michigan charter law requires that we utilize a lottery in the admissions
process if we receive more applicants than spaces available.
How long is the school day and school year?
Classes begin at 7:35 a.m. and end at 2:50 p.m., except on Fridays when students are dismissed at 12pm. Students attend school on a similar calendar to the rest of the public schools in Livingston County.
What is the discipline code?
Students attending KWHS adhere to a strict code of conduct. Expectations for student conduct, attendance and academic achievement are high. For more information on the school's discipline code, please refer to the student handbook.
My son or daughter is an average student. Will he/she succeed at KWHS?
Yes, if he or she is willing to expend the effort necessary to succeed. High expectations are set for all students at KWHS. Within this environment of high expectations, the faculty of KWHS assume a “whatever it takes” attitude toward supporting students in their academic work.