Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions about Green Dot

What is Green Dot Public Schools?

Green Dot Public Schools is the largest charter management organization in Los Angeles. Our mission is to transform public education in Los Angeles and beyond so that all young adults receive the education they deserve to be prepared for college, leadership, and life. We currently serve more than 10,000 students across 14 high schools and 4 middle schools in the greater Los Angeles area.

Green Dot operates both start-up charter schools and turnaround charter schools  All of Green Dot's schools are chartered either through local school districts or the California Department of Education.

What is a charter school?

Charter schools are independent public schools that are tuition-free and open to all students. Charter schools are funded primarily through a combination of federal, state and local tax dollars.

While closely regulated by the local school district, charter schools are able to exercise increased autonomy but are held strictly accountable for both academic growth and fiscal practices in return.

What is a start-up charter school?

Start-up charter schools are independent public schools that, essentially, Green Dot started from scratch.

What is a turnaround charter school?

Turnaround charter schools are schools in which Green Dot has assumed control of a persistently, low-performing district school in order to dramatically improve student experience and outcomes. These turnaround schools were previously non-charter public schools that have been converted to independent public charters.

What does Ànimo mean?

“Ànimo” is a Spanish word that means “vigor, mind, spirit, valor and the courage to overcome odds”.

In a broken education system where outcomes are most unequal for low-income and minority youth, Green Dot is founded on the premise that tomorrow’s youth must possess "Ànimo", and we are willing to do what it takes to ensure all students are prepared for college, leadership and life.

Questions about Enrolling at Green Dot

Are there admissions requirements at Green Dot schools?

No, Green Dot schools are open to all students, space permitting. Green Dot admits students entering the sixth or nine grades through a public random drawing. All other grade levels are accepted from each school’s respective waitlist. Depending on the campus, priority in the sixth and ninth grade lotteries may be given to siblings, founding families and/or to families living within the attendance area.

How can I enroll my child at a Green Dot school?

Please visit the Enroll section of our website for more information on how to enroll in Green Dot schools.

Does Green Dot serve all students, including those with special needs?

Yes, Green Dot schools are committed to serving all students, including those with special needs. Our educational programs are tailored to a student's individual needs, and we partner with the district to provide any additional services that may be required under a student's individualized education plan (IEP).

Are parents required to volunteer?

Upon enrolling their child in a Green Dot school, Green Dot asks all parents to dedicate 35 hours of service to their child’s school per year, support Green Dot in achieving a 95% or greater student attendance rate and stay actively involved in their children’s education at home, including creating a quiet study environment and participating in school meetings and events.

Questions about Teaching at Green Dot

What makes teaching at Green Dot unique?

If your mission is to ensure that every student, regardless of race, income, neighorhood or special needs, receives a great education, then Green Dot is the place to achieve it. We believe in finding educators who are fiercely dedicated to this mission.

We also believe in building a system of support, collaboration and professional growth opportunities, with school leaders you can respect, so you can see your efforts pay off.

What professional development is available to Green Dot teachers?

Green Dot believes in coaching, collaboration and career ladder opportunities. We are one of only a few charter management organizations nationwide, funded by the Gates Foundation, to build a data-driven, job-embedded, individualized system to accelerate teacher growth.  This system includes:

• School leaders who spend the majority of their time on instruction, observation and coaching
• Demonstration classroom teachers and mentor teachers
• Individual qualitative and quantitative online data for each teacher to customize their professional learning
• Research-based framework for effective teaching

What are the requirements for teaching at a Green Dot school?

All Green Dot teachers must be credentialed.

Does Green Dot have a teachers union?

Yes, Green Dot is one of few non-district public school operators in California that has unionized teachers and unionized classified staff. Green Dot’s California teachers have organized as the Asociación de Maestros Unidos (AMU), a CTA/NEA affiliate. Key reforms embodied in the AMU contract include:

• Teachers have explicit say in school policy and curriculum
• No tenure or seniority preference
• A professional work day rather than defined minutes
• Flexibility to adjust the contract in critical areas over time

How can I apply to teach at a Green Dot school?

Please visit the Careers section of our website for more information on how to apply to be a Green Dot teacher.