Charter Expulsions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This FAQ document is intended to provide guidance to parents/guardians of students who have been expelled from a charter school.

Q1: What should I do if I have been asked or told to "disenroll" my son/daughter from the charter school?

Q2: I reside within San Diego Unified School District. What happens after my son/daughter has been expelled from a charter school?

Q3: I do not reside within San Diego Unified School District. What happens after my son/daughter has been expelled from a charter school?

Q4: What if the student moves to another district during the expulsion process?

Q5: Can I appeal the charter school's expulsion decision?

Q6: My son/daughter has a 504 Plan or IEP. Is the charter school required to convene a manifestation determination meeting prior to expelling my son/daughter from the charter school?


Q1: What should I do if I have been asked or told to "disenroll" my son/daughter from the charter school?

A1: Unless a student is expelled, a charter school may not deny admission, readmission, enrollment or reenrollment to any student who has satisfied the charter school's admission process, which may include a lottery or random public drawing. Charter schools may not disenroll a student for behavior, academic performance, or on the basis of disability. If you have questions or believe that your son/daughter has been disenrolled by a charter school, please contact the SDUSD Office of Charter Schools at (619) 725-7109 or (619) 725-7114.

Q2: I reside within San Diego Unified School District. What happens after my son/daughter has been expelled from a charter school?

A2: The charter school will send the student's file to the SDUSD. Please contact SDUSD's Placement and Appeals Department at (619) 725-5660. SDUSD will review the charter school's expulsion decision and speak with you about your options, which may include programs offered by the district, county, or other charter schools.

Q3: I do not reside within San Diego Unified School District. What happens after myson/daughter has been expelled from a charter school?

A3: The charter school will send the student's file to your district of residence. Please contact your district of residence.

Q4: What if the student moves to another district during the expulsion process?

A4: Charter schools are responsible for completing the expulsion process, including notification of the student's rights, applicable deadlines, and results of the expulsion hearing.

Q5: Can I appeal the charter school's expulsion decision?

A5: Every charter school sets its own expulsion procedures, which must be described in its "charter," a document that describes the charter school's program. The charter school must ensure that your son/daughter's due process rights are protected during the expulsion process. At a minimum, the charter school should provide the parents/guardians with the following:

  • Written notice of the date and place of the expulsion hearing;

  • A statement of the specific facts and charges upon which the proposed expulsion is based;

  • A copy of the charter school's disciplinary rules that relate to the alleged violation; and

  • Notice of the opportunity for the student or parent/guardian to appear in person or be represented by legal counsel or by a nonattorney adviser, to inspect and obtain copies of all documents to be used at the hearing, to confront and question all witnesses who testify at the hearing, to question all other evidence presented, and to present oral and documentary evidence on the student's behalf, including witnesses.

You can also contact the charter school to request a copy of its charter, expulsion procedures, and appeal process. Many charter schools also include this information in the parent/student handbook.

Q6: My son/daughter has a 504 Plan or IEP. Is the charter school required to convene a manifestation determination meeting prior to expelling my son/daughter from the charter school?

A6: Yes, charter school students who are eligible for either a 504 Plan or IEP are entitled to a manifestation determination meeting prior to expulsion. The respective 504 Plan or IEP procedural safeguards apply to charter school students, consistent with IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.