Barack Obama Green Charter Schools

Our tuition-free, non-profit charter schools provide a nurturing and intellectually  challenging environment to our middle and high school students. Each of our students  leave prepared for success in and after college. At Barack Obama Green Charter Schools,  we set high expectations for everyone — students, parents and staff alike — to foster  the limitless potential of every student.
Let’s develop your child’s life skills, knowledge, and values together!

Students with a confirmed acceptance to our school will need the follow documents ready to forward to the school during the enrollment process.

• Birth CertificateFour (4) proofs of address: Utility bill (electric, water, gas, cable, telephone, tax bill, otherwise affidavit of residence + utility bill. 
• Most recent report card. Students in grade 7, 8, 10-12, please bring a copy of transcripts.
• IEP/504 report if applicable.
• Immunizations record.
• Current physical Exam.

• October 15, 2024: Online application is available online at barackobamagreencharterschool.org
• February 28, 2025: Deadline to submit application                    
• March 3, 2025: Lottery Day
•  March 4 – 5, 2025: Lottery results available on our website
•  March 5 - April 4, 2025: Enrollment paperwork is submitted online
•  April 7, 2025: Invitations begin for students placed on waiting list, provided seat is available
   

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1. What is a Charter School?

Charter schools are independent public schools that provide another education option to parents and students. They were created to give educators and parents the freedom to innovate and develop successful teaching models to increase student achievement. Because a charter school is not managed by the local school district, it is free to design the environment it believes will best serve students' needs.

High-quality charter schools are making a difference. Across the country, charter schools are associated with higher proficiency rates in math and English, as well as higher rates of high school diploma attainment.

Charter schools don’t charge tuition and don’t require any entrance exams or interviews. All children who live within a charter school’s district, including children with special needs, are eligible to attend a charter school on a space-available basis.

2. How do Charter Schools differ from Traditional Schools?

A charter school is, in fact, a public school, but there are many differences between the traditional neighborhood schools to which you may be familiar, and the new charter school you've noticed across the street.

While a charter school is considered a public school, meaning that it gets its funding from the local, state and federal government and tuition may not be charged for students, it is run in a different fashion.

A charter school is not part of a unified school district but is its own entity. Instead of the area’s school board making any decisions regarding the school’s students, textbooks or budget cuts, a governing board, typically made up of parents, lead the school. There is still a superintendent, a principal per high school/middle school and supporting administration on campus, but there are no district officials to whom they answer.

A charter school must follow the state and federal standards, but they may have more flexibility in curriculum and other activities. Although they are actually public schools, they are, as mentioned above, not governed by the local district, and communicate directly with county or state offices of education.

3. Will the Barack Obama Green Charter School accept students with IEPs?

Yes, based on the lottery raffle and upon seat availability

4. What are the requirements for Admission to the Barack Obama Green Charter School?

Families that are interested in enrolling their children simply need to submit an enrollment application.Applications can be found on the school website or you are welcome to come, visit the school and request information.Enrollment preference is given to families that reside in Plainfield and siblings to current students.

5. Do you provide breakfast and lunch?

Yes, we offer breakfast, and lunch, and an application opportunity to all familiesin order to qualify and participate in the Free and Reduced/Lunch Program.

6. Do you charge tuition?

No, The Barack Obama Green Charter School is a public school and as such is free of charge for New Jersey families.

7. If my child is currently on a waitlist, how will I know when admission will be offered?

Based on your child’s waitlist position, parents/guardians will be notified by phone or email if space becomes available.It is extremely important to keep us updated when you move or change your phone number.If a seat opens up and the student is pulled from the waitlist, we would like to contact you immediately without any trouble.If we cannot reach you, we must take the next student on the waitlist.

8. How do I obtain an application?

Applications are available online at barackobamagreencharterschool.org

9. Do I submit my application through mail or personally at the school?

It is highly encouraged that you submit your application online through our website.You may also visit our premises at 35 Watchung Avenue Plainfield NJ 07060 if you need assistance, or if you need to use an electronic device to submit your application.

Applications received after the deadline will be placed at the end of the waitlist.

10. How will students be selected for admission?

Once continuing students are placed, all new students are accepted by a random lottery.Student test scores, grades, or special needs are not used in any way as part of the admissions process or lottery.

11. How will I find out if I got accepted?

Students who participate in the lottery and obtain a seat at our school are notified of their acceptance via our website publication one business day after the lottery. In addition, families are informed via email and post mail with their results from the enrollment process and next steps for enrollment.Students who did not immediately receive an acceptance notification are placed on the waiting list and will be called in order, by date of submission and upon available seats.

12. Do you have Advanced Placement courses at the Barack Obama Green Charter School?

Yes, the Barack Obama Green Charter School offers Honors and AP classes.In addition, students are eligible to take courses at Kean University through the College/High School Dual Enrollment Program.Students are also eligible to take courses at Union College of Union County (UCNJ)

13. How does a student enroll at the Barack Obama Green Charter Middle School and High School?

If a student is accepted during the lottery process, they are notified of their results from the enrollment process and next steps for enrollment, including information about documents needed and deadlines pertaining to their registration.

14. Does the school provide transportation?

No, Transportation services are not provided by the Barack Obama Green Charter School.If a student qualifies under the guidelines of the Plainfield Transportation department, they may be eligible for Aid in lieu of transportation:

High school students who reside in Plainfield and lives 2.5 miles away from the school

Middle School students who reside in Plainfield and lives 2 miles away from the school

For Students who reside in other districts, an application for transportation/ Aid in Lieu is sent to their corresponding department according to the guidelines of their town

15. Can a student who goes to the Barack Obama Green Charter School participate in athletics at Plainfield High School?

Yes, if the Barack Obama Green Charter School does not offer a sport the student athlete will be able to participate at the local public schools, in this case the Plainfield District Schools.

CALL US at 908-251-6467 OR EMAIL US at new.applicants@barackobamagcs.org