Chautauqua Charter School Inc

Chautauqua Charter School Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit organization located in Panama City, Florida. It operates as a public charter school within the Bay County School District, focusing primarily on providing educational services to students with disabilities.

Mission and Curriculum

The mission of Chautauqua Charter School is to prepare disabled students for the demands of the world, emphasizing life skills and community engagement. The curriculum includes three main components:

• Daily Living Skills: Students learn to manage personal finances, prepare meals, and support household needs, alongside enjoying leisure activities and participating in community service.
• Occupational Guidance and Preparation: This component introduces students to the world of work, teaching job-finding strategies, basic work habits, and employment-related skills.
• Personal Social Skills: Emphasis is placed on developing self-awareness, self-confidence, socially responsible behaviors, and effective communication skills to facilitate independent living.

Service Learning Approach

The school employs a service-learning methodology based on the belief that everyone can learn and grow. Through community involvement, students engage in meaningful work while acquiring essential life skills, fostering self-discovery and self-actualization.

Adult Program

Chautauqua also offers an adult program for individuals with disabilities aged 22 and above. This program, called Possibilities R Unlimited, provides community-based activities and service learning opportunities to enhance independence and skills, supported solely by volunteers and donations.

Financial Overview

Chautauqua Charter School Inc. operates with an annual expense budget of approximately $1,323,400 and receives revenue of about $1,255,088[4]. As a charter school, it is publicly funded based on enrollment but operates independently of many traditional public school regulations, allowing for flexibility in curriculum and approach.

Student Body

The school serves approximately 46 students in grades 9 through 12, maintaining a low student-to-teacher ratio of about 9 to 1[3]. Despite its small size, Chautauqua prioritizes providing personalized education to meet the diverse needs of its students.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Chautauqua Charter School adheres to a non-discrimination policy, admitting students of all races, colors, national origins, and ethnicities, ensuring equal opportunities in educational programs and activities[1].