A K-8 Waldorf-inspired public charter school in Butte County helping students reach their true potential through creative instruction.
Lifelong Learners
Students develop a deep love of learning and curiosity for the world through hands-on engagement.
Critical Thinkers
Students learn to think critically, ask deeper questions, and develop emotional and academic intelligence.
Creative Problem-Solvers
Students build the confidence and self-esteem to solve problems creatively with guidance and support.
Your Child Is Not "One-Size-Fits-All"
At Blue Oak Charter School, your child will experience a well-rounded approach to education through successful implementation o the proven Waldorf curriculum. We believe children should be inspired to develop a lifelong love of learning. The problem is most traditional schools aren’t focused on the unique needs of your child, instead taking a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching. But at Blue Oak, we think differently about education. Our teachers and staff encourage creativity through hands-on learning, helping students develop both their emotional and academic intelligence while fostering a strong sense of community.
Discover education that puts your child first.
Here's how to make it happen:
Schedule a tour
Learn about the proven benefits of Waldorf curriculum
Enroll your child on an enriching educational path
Frequently Asked Questions
Blue Oak Charter school is a K-8th grade public charter school
*At Blue Oak we place T-K and K students in the same classroom.
To begin the enrollment process, please fill out the Student Interest Form which gives us basic information to prepare for enrollment. If you are specifically interested in Kindergarten Enrollment make sure to also visit our Kindergarten page to learn more. For questions regarding our current openings and waitlists, contact our Registrar.
Email: Kellie@blueoakcharterschool.org
Call: (530) 879-7483 x2037
If the number of students who wish to attend exceeds the available capacity, a random public lottery will be held and a waitlist will be generated. According to our Charter, the following receive preference for admission:
- Existing students
- Siblings of existing students
- Children of Blue Oak staff
- Children and grandchildren of Charter Council Board members
- Students enrolled in McManus Elementary school or reside in its attendance area
- Students who reside in the Chico Unified School District
For questions regarding our current openings and waitlists, contact our Registrar.
Email: Kellie@blueoakcharterschool.org
Call: (530) 879-7483 x2037
Yes! At Blue Oak we have a variety of Specialty classes for all of our students as well as Elective classes for our 6th-8th grade students. Our Specialty classes include Handwork (textile arts), Games (physical education), Spanish (foreign language), and Strings/Band (musical arts). Additionally, art is incorporated in every subject at Blue Oak in order to engage children actively in learning. Elective classes offered for middle school students are subject to change but we currently offer Nature Journaling, French Culture, Fiesta Latina, Basketball, Yearbook, and Choir.
To enter in the fall of 2022, a child must be five years old on or before September 1, 2022. To enter Transitional Kindergarten (T-K), a child must turn five between September 2, 2022, and December 2, 2022.
*At Blue Oak we place T-K and K students in the same classroom.
Waldorf pedagogy is developmentally based. It is important that your child is developmentally ready for the curriculum that is presented at each grade level. Also, older students in a class are typically more successful than younger students. We strongly urge parents to allow their child 2 years of Kindergarten whenever possible and to heed any recommendation of our experienced Kindergarten teachers. Depending on your child’s birthday, they may be eligible for 1 year of Kindergarten, but their birth date is not the only factor considered. Those Kindergartners that fall into the younger group (birthdays between June 1 – September 1) are typically recommended for an additional year of Kindergarten. Teachers will make their recommendations to parents around the end of January.
* If your child begins Kindergarten as a T-K student, they will be required to do another year of Kindergarten.
Waldorf schools offer a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education. We integrate the arts in all academic disciplines for children from preschool through eighth grade to enhance and enrich learning. Waldorf education aims to inspire life-long learning in all students and to enable them to fully develop their unique capacities. Waldorf education is independent and inclusive. To learn more about what Waldorf education looks like at Blue Oak, visit our Waldorf Education page.
Charter schools are independently-operated public schools that have the freedom to design classrooms that meet their students’ needs. Charter schools are free, public schools that are open to all. Charter public schools are open to all students and do not have an application, special eligibility or entrance requirements. Public charter schools are built on the belief that every student should have the chance to go to a great school that puts their needs first, regardless of zip code, income or ability level.
If there is an immediate vacancy your child can be enrolled mid-year. If there are no current vacancies, your child will be added to the waitlist based on the date and time your Student Interest Form is received.
Blue Oak Charter School welcomes students who have been identified as needing special education support and services as well as students with 504 plans. We use a fully inclusive model for our students with special needs. We believe the general education classroom is the best environment for our special needs children to learn while receiving services and support alongside their classroom peers.
Yes and no. Blue Oak Charter School is approved by the CUSD Board, however, because we are a charter school we have our own governing board. Our board, the Charter Council, is responsible for developing policies for Blue Oak that serve as guidelines and goals for the successful and efficient functioning of the school. These policies stand separate from the policies of CUSD.
As a School of Choice, Blue Oak is open to any student who wants to apply in Butte County or surrounding areas, space permitting. In the past, we have had students attend from Chico, Biggs, Magalia, Paradise, Orland, Durham, Los Molinos, Corning, Oroville, and more.