About Bitney College Prep High School

Bitney Prep was founded in 1998 by the Bitney Springs Charter Council.  Our doors opened in the fall of 1999, and our first class graduated in 2001.   We are a tuition-free public charter school, sponsored by the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools.  Enrollment is limited, offering a high level of personal attention and support to every student.  Our school culture is founded on high academic achievement, respect, and service to community.  Bitney graduates are ready for the next stage of their lives; whether that is continued education at the college or university level, entering the work force, or pursuing other personal goals.

Our core curriculum is a single track program based on the University of California "a to g" entrance requirements.  While we do not necessarily regard standardized testing as the only means to accurately measure student achievement, our Academic Performance Index (API) scores over the last decade have consistently placed us equal to or greater than the larger comprehensive high schools in the county (see our download page for our Academic Accountability Report Card from the California Charter Schools Association).

Bitney Prep is a member of the California Charter Schools Association.

• Are motivated to achieve academic success
  
• Are motivated to contribute to the school and the greater community
  
• Are comfortable with the academic and social accountability that are part of our small school environment
• Take initiative in establishing and reaching personal goals, and are willing to advocate for themselves
  
• Want their education to be relevant and grounded in more than just sitting in a classroom
  
• Want to develop higher level critical thinking skills

Directions to campus, including drop off & pick up locations.

Accreditation

Bitney College Prep is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). 

We received a six-year certificate of accreditation in the spring of 2005, following a three-day visit by a WASC committee.  This was Bitney’s first full WASC Self Study and visit.  Prior to that, at the conclusion of the school’s second year of operation in June of 2001, Bitney applied for and received WASC candidacy status.  Candidacy status ran through June 30, 2004; followed by the preparation of the 2005 Self-Study Report.  As part of our 2005 certificate of accreditation, we prepared a Midterm Progress Report in the spring of 2008, again accompanied by a committee visit.

Our six-year certificate expires on June 30, 2011.  Principal Bruce Herring and Self-Study Coordinator Michael Freedman are currently in the process of preparing the 2011 Self-Study report.  The effort, as in 2005, involves virtually the entire school, and has once again afforded us an outstanding opportunity to look at ourselves in the mirror, see where we are, and more clearly define where we are heading in the future.  Last year the Charter Council undertook a comprehensive review of the school’s vision, purpose, and mission; and the entire faculty is participating in a thorough review of all academic practices and how they relate to our ESLRs, the state standards, and the school’s stated purpose.

The 2011 Self-Study report will be completed by June, and submitted to WASC.  The entire Bitney community looks forward to the WASC visit in October 2011. 

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