Virtual charter school in Oklahoma hits snag for physical locations

“It basically informs them that any on-site full-day prekindergarten or on-site kindergarten program would appear to be outside the boundaries of state law,” said Damon Gardenhire, spokesman for the department.

State law says that any charter school must be physically located in the school district that grants the charter, Gardenhire said.

In this case, Epic One on One Charter School is chartered through Graham Public Schools in Okfuskee County.

Charter schools are privately run but publicly funded and require the sponsorship of a school district, institution of higher education or career technology center to operate. The schools are funded by the state based on student enrollment.

Epic is a virtual charter school where students will attend classes and get instruction almost exclusively online, but they also will meet with their virtual teachers in a face-to-face setting on occasion.

Students from anywhere in the state can transfer into Graham Public Schools and attend the school for free.

According to Epic's website, the school's leaders are opening three facilities.

David Chaney, founder and head of Epic One on One Charter Schools, said he has not received a letter from the state.