About RPA

What makes RPA different from my neighborhood school? RPA is a public charter school -- meaning we're free to attend, publicly funded, and open to all families in Oregon, but we operate with more flexibility in how we teach. That freedom lets us use research-proven instructional methods, maintain smaller class sizes, and build the kind of close-knit community that makes RPA special. Families choose us because they want something different, and we deliver.

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Is there tuition? Not a penny. RPA is a public school, completely free to attend. 

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Do you serve meals? Yes! Every RPA student receives free breakfast and lunch through our partnership with Reynolds School District Nutrition Services. One less thing to worry about in the morning!

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Is transportation provided? No, transportation is not provided by RPA. Families are responsible for their own drop-off and pick-up. 

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What are your school hours? The school day runs 8:00am - 3:00pm. Morning drop-off begins at 7:30am, and pick-up starts promptly at 3:00pm. 

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How many students attend RPA? RPA enrolls around 400 students -- big enough to offer a rich, vibrant school community. and structured enough that every child is known by name, every family is seen, and no one falls through the cracks. 

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Can I tour the school? We'd love to show you around! Please contact our front office to schedule a time to come in!

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Special Education & Student Support

Does RPA have Special Education services? Yes. We have a full-time Resource teacher and Educational Assistant on staff and serve students with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) and Section 504 Plans. Our students represent a wide range of abilities and backgrounds -- what they share is a family that chose RPA for its personal attention, small community feel, and high expectations for every child. 

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What happens if my child has an IEP and is selected in the lottery? If your child is selected, we'll connect with the district's IEP team right away to determine whether RPA is the right placement. The IEP team makes the final call to ensure your child is set up for success. 

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Enrollment & the Lottery

How do I enroll my child? All pre-registration and enrollment is completed online -- quick and easy! Please visit our enrollment page *HERE* for more information.

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If RPA is a public school, why is there a lottery? The lottery is completely random -- no advantage for anyone, with two exceptions: siblings of current RPA students are given preference, and in-district students are given preference over out-of-district applicants, as required by state law. 

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When are lotteries held? There are three lottery draws each year:​

• March 1st - for applications received in January & February

• April 1st - for applications received in March

• May 1st - for applications received in April. 

Applications received after May 1st are added to class openings or wait-list in the order they're received. 

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How will I find out if my child got in? You'll hear from us by phone or email right after each lottery. We'll either welcome you to the RPA family or let you know your place on the wait-list. If accepted, you have two weeks to confirm your spot in writing - so watch for that message!

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How many spots are available? We admit 60-78 new Kindergarteners each year. Openings in other grades vary year to year based on space. 

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What if my child doesn't get in? Your child will be placed on the wait-list in lottery order, and we'll reach out if a spot opens up during the summer or throughout the school year. 

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Do I have to reapply each year if my child doesn't get in? Yes - you'll need to submit a new application each year you'd like your child to be considered. We keep applications active for the full school year applied for, and begin the new cycle every January. 

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We're not in the Reynolds district. Can my child still apply? Absolutely! Charter schools in Oregon are open to students from any district in the state. Distance is no barrier to a great education. 

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If my child is first on the wait-list, will you call if a spot opens? Yes! We will reach out as soon as a spot opens up!

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How do I check my child's wait-list position? Due to the volume of inquiries we ask that you email our registrar at rtorres@rockwoodprep.org to check your child's current position. 

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My child moved down on the wait-list. How does that happen? We know that can be frustrating - here's why it occurs: when a spot opens up and we enroll a student who has siblings, those siblings move up to the top of the wait-list in their grade. This can shift other families down. While not common, it does happen. 

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If my child leaves RPA and wants to return later, can they? Students who voluntarily leave RPA will need to reapply and will be placed at the bottom of the wait-list for their grade - unless a return was prearranged with the school. If there's an opening we'll offer them the available spot. 

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Can my child start early if they're not yet five by September 1st? In rare cases, yes - but only if the students has already been approved through their school district's Early Entrance testing program, there are no other school-age applicants on the wait-list, and they enroll before November 1st of that school year. 

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Still have questions? We're happy to help! Reach out to us at info@rockwoodprep.org or give us a call!