The Audubon Center has committed to authorizing charter schools that have recognized the importance of experiential and environmental education. In addition to providing oversight of the school’s' educational outcomes, finances, and operations, we also set environmental education expectations with the schools and evaluate their progress towards meeting those expectations. 

Primary charter school authorizing activities are carried out through our Charter School Division located in Minneapolis. We authorize schools throughout the state, and see this as a means to advance our mission to instill a connection and commitment to the environment in people of all communities through experiential learning. 

The Audubon Center’s oversight program articulates specific school goals and expectations with respect to four areas:  Academic Performance, Financial Performance, Operations/Governance and Environmental Education Mission Match.  This oversight is conducted through school site visits and reviews of reports submitted by the school and other entities.

Is the school an academic success?
Through the contract with each school, the Audubon Center and school agree to Specific, measureable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) goals These goals and academic performance are evaluated based on the school’s results and growth from state tests, local tests, state accountability system, and other agreed upon indicators.  

Is the school an effective, viable organization?
Audubon Center expects the schools we authorize to be legally compliant and effectively managed.  We review the extent to which the school complies with applicable laws and the effectiveness of the board and management  in carrying out the operations of the school. 

Is the school fiscally sound?
Expecting schools to demonstrate fiscal responsibility and financial strength, the Audubon Center evaluates the school’s financial position (fund balance and other indicators) as well as a number of financial management practices, policies and procedures implemented by the school.  The Audubon Center also reviews the school’s external financial audits and the school board’s demonstration of sound fiscal governance.

Is the school meeting environmental education expectations?
The Audubon Center has outlined specific expectations for schools in the area of environmental education. All schools are required to have environmental education embedded in their curriculum in some manner, take two field trips to a natural area of their choice during the school year, and pass forward environmental stewardship twice a year. Schools select other trend areas including EE training of teachers/use of experts,energy efficiency, food program enhancement, purchasing/EE focused grants, and waste reduction to fill out their required mission match.

Charter schools the Audubon Center
currently authorizes are: