FAQ's

Why did you start this school?
To create another public school choice for families in Bell County and the surrounding area who are looking for a school that might be a better fit for the educational and social needs of their child.

Who opened this school?
Nolan Creek School is wholly owned and operated by Orenda Education, a private, not-for-profit organization that was incorporated in 1995 and is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. Orenda Education is the sponsoring entity for Orenda Charter Schools and Nolan Creek School is under the Orenda Charter Schools umbrella.

Is Nolan Creek School affiliated with any religious group or for-profit management company?
No. Nolan Creek School is a public school and Orenda Education is a private non-sectarian organization. Orenda is not associated with any other charter school organization, school district, religious organization or for-profit education management company.

What type of school is Nolan Creek School? 
Nolan Creek is an “open-enrollment” public charter school offering a rigorous college preparatory curriculum.

What is a charter school?
A charter school is a unique public school that was created by the Texas legislature in 1995 to bring new innovations and additional learning opportunities to the public school system.  Charter schools were given permission to be more creative and innovative so some of the rules and regulations that school districts must follow do not apply to charter schools. Charter schools were purposely designed with fewer regulatory and political hurdles so as to quickly implement and replicate effective new teaching strategies and school designs. However, public charter schools are held to an even higher level of accountability for academic achievement and financial management.  Another difference is that public charter schools do not receive as much state and local funding as traditional public schools because they have no taxing authority and receive no local tax revenues.  A charter school is a public school managed by a private non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization.

What does it cost a student family to attend a Nolan Creek School?
Nothing. There is no tuition charge. 

What are some of the regulatory differences between a charter school and a traditional school district?
Governance is a big difference. Local school districts are public entities and have publicly elected school board members while charter schools are operated by private not-for-profit entities with board members that are appointed by the charter school sponsoring entity. Orenda Education is the sponsoring entity for Nolan Creek. Another major difference is that charter schools have no taxing authority to collect revenues to pay for school facilities. Charter schools also have more flexibility to change the instructional school day and methods, and can establish their own human resource policies and practices.

How are you different from a private school?
As a public school, our enrollment is open to all students as long as we have space available. Our students receive the same state-required curriculum as other Texas public school students. Private schools charge tuition and have selective admissions. As a public school, Nolan Creek School cannot promote any religion. 

How are you held accountable for academic results?
Nolan Creek School is under the same academic accountability standards as all other public schools in Texas and is evaluated by the required State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR), the federal mandates, and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation.

Do you offer transportation?
We do not provide bus transportation other than to transport students.

Do you offer food services?
Lunches are to be supplied by the parent/guardian.  You may also provide breakfast for your student if you drop off early.    ALL students must bring a water bottle daily. Bottles can be reused and filled here at school.  

Is Nolan Creek School accredited?
Yes. Gateway is accredited by the Texas Education Agency.

What geographical boundary must you live in to be eligible to enroll at Nolan Creek?
Enrollment is open to all students who reside in our primary and secondary geographic boundaries as defined by our charter.  (Click here to view boundaries.) 

Is it true that charter schools get to select the students they allow to attend their school?
No. Nolan Creek School is an “open-enrollment charter school". It is open to all students as long as seats are available.

What is the difference in an enrollment application and registration? 
An enrollment application tells us you are interested in attending Nolan Creek but a registration is needed to reserve your seat. Every student who is interested in attending Nolan Creek should fill out an Enrollment Application. The enrollment application puts your name in for registration. If there are more enrollment applications received during the "Open Enrollment Period" each February than there are seats available, a lottery will be held to determine who is offered the opportunity to register and reserve their seat. If a lottery is needed, student names will be listed in the order in which they are “pulled” from the lottery. Those who have submitted an enrollment application during the open enrollment period or after the open enrollment period will be sent a Registration Packet or will be notified of their waiting list number. The registration packet must be completed and submitted within two weeks of receipt to register and reserve the enrollment seat for the upcoming school year.

Can you still enroll if you missed the initial enrollment period?
Yes. Following the open enrollment period, students may still enroll in Nolan Creek School until all available seats are filled. After all seats are filled, those who fill out an enrollment application will be placed on waiting list to attend during the school year in the order the enrollment was received. If a seat becomes available, the next student on the waiting list will be contacted to register and reserve the available seat.