About Our Organization
We are a Charter School
As a charter secondary school authorized by the Bay County (FL) Public School District, Chautauqua Learn & Serve Charter School receives tax dollars from the State of Florida based on its enrollment. At the same time, Chautauqua is free of many of the rules and requirements applied to other schools while being held accountable for producing results outlined in its charter. The flexibility afforded to Chautauqua by the charter school approach is essential, given the diversity of students served by the school and its emphasis on community-based activities. As part of the public school system, Chautauqua charges no tuition.
Our Mission
The Chautauqua Learn & Serve Charter School is dedicated to preparing disabled students to meet the demands of the world they are about to enter. We strive to enlighten the world about the needs of the disabled. Both aims are critical to our efforts to see to it that students enjoy all the independence of which they are capable.
Our Curriculum
The Chautauqua Learn & Serve Charter School supplies students with life-centered career education (LCCE). We use this curriculum to transition students to independent living. The curriculum comprises three key components.
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Daily Living Skills: We teach the students to manage personal finances; prepare food and support a household; see to their personal needs and family responsibilities; enjoy leisure activities; and serve their community as responsible citizens.
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Occupational Guidance and Preparation: We familiarize students with the world of work and employment possibilities. They learn proper work habits; how to find and keep a job; and master manual skills and other employment-related requirements.
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Personal Social Skills: Students develop self-awareness, self-confidence, socially responsible behavior, and good interpersonal and communication skills. They learn how to make responsible decisions and live on their own.
Our Methodology
Our service-learning approach imparts knowledge to students and brings about a better, more inclusive, more understanding community. Students begin to take their places in the world by performing meaningful work in the community. The entire student -- mind, body, and soul -- is engaged by these experiences.
Chautauqua predicates service learning upon the belief that everyone can learn and grow. Through service learning, students acquire the knowledge, skills, behavior, mores needed for life as independent adults. The process is one of both self-discovery and self-actualization.
School Grading
Florida law provides that alternative schools and exceptional student education (ESE) center schools may choose whether to receive a school grade or school improvement rating. Chautauqua Learn & Serve Charter School is a non-graded school.
Chautauqua Adult Program (22 Years+)
The Chautauqua Services Adult Program, also known as Possibilities R Unlimited, enables adults with disabilities on the waiting list for the Agencies for Person's with Disabilities Wavier Program to have opportunities to take part with peers in the community. It is a non-funded program designed specifically to aid adults and their families that are awaiting funding and support. Prior to Chautauqua being established, while these adults with disabilities waited for their number to come up on the list, they spent their days away from their peers and the community. Today they spend their days in the community interacting with peers. They are increasing their skills and independence by participating in Service Learning activities and projects. Chautauqua runs the program with only volunteers and donations. Chautauqua Services Adult Program follows the Service Learning methodology. It is based on the belief that learning is a lifelong experience that should be afforded to all people no matter their abilities or disabilities.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Chautauqua Charter School admits students of any race, color, national origin, ethnic origin; to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin and ethnic origin in the administration of the educational policy addition, scholarship, prolong programs and any other school administered program.