Children talking in a schoolbus

FAQ

Do You Have Questions?

Below you'll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Kids writing on grass
What grades does BPA serve? BPA serves K5-8th grade.
Is BPA a private school or public school? Neither. BPA is a free public charter school.
What is the cost of tuition? There is no tuition for Belton Preparatory Academy. BPA is a free public charter school.
Who can attend? Anyone in the state of South Carolina can attend free. There are no attendance boundaries. Students do not have to reside in Anderson School District #2 to enroll. By law, charter schools can never have selective admissions. If, however, more students apply than there are seats available, a lottery is held to determine who is admitted.
How can I apply? Applications are accepted each year beginning November 1st through February 1st. Any applications received after February 1st will be added to the waiting list (or enrollment list if openings remain) in the order in which they are received. The online application may be accessed at www.beltonprep.us/enrollment/
What are the school hours? School hours are 8:00am - 2:35pm for grades K-5 and 8:00am - 3:05pm for grades 6-8. Students may be dropped off at 7:15 am.
Is there afterschool care? BPA does not offer an afterschool program; however, several local afterschool daycare providers pick up students directly from campus.
Is transportation provided? No. Parents/Guardians must arrange student transportation to and from school.
Is lunch provided? No. Students must bring their own lunch.
Is there a school uniform? Yes, we are an uniform school. Please see Dress Code.
Kids in school
What curriculum is used? BPA uses Core Knowledge Language Arts and Eureka Math.
How much homework should be expected? We believe in maintaining a healthy work–life balance for our students. Homework is required, but expectations are developmentally appropriate and adjusted to each grade level to respect students’ time outside of school.
What type of technology is used in the classrooms? BPA is equipped with quality technological devices including Interactive Smartboards in each classroom and Chromebooks for each student. BPA believes that children learn best from classroom teachers, who at times use technology to support their instruction.
What is a charter school? Charter schools are a part of the South Carolina Department of Education's school choice initiative. The purpose of charter schools is to create new, innovative, and more flexible ways of educating children within the public school system. Because they are public schools, charter schools are open to all children, do not charge tuition, and have no special entrance requirements.
What is BPA's educational focus? BPA’s educational focus is entrepreneurial, which emphasizes the development of leadership qualities and learning behaviors such as taking positive risks, viewing errors as opportunities, working to recover from a mistake, giving and receiving feedback, asking questions, collaborating with peers, setting goals, planning with a purpose, and tracking personal progress.
Are charter schools accountable? Public charter schools are highly regulated by a statewide charter district. BPA is sponsored by the Charter Institute at Erskine. Unlike traditional schools, a local school district's Board of Education, a state-wide charter district's Board of Education, or the SCDE's Board of Education may close a public charter school that is failing students academically or found to be fiscally unsound.
Do charter school students take the same state assessments as traditional public schools? Yes. Charter school students are mandated to take all state assessments. Testing data is used to measure academic success and progress.