Welcome to the Gold Rush Charter School Website!
Gold Rush Charter School is an Independent Study Charter School, where teachers have the freedom to innovate, parents have the power to choose, and students have the opportunity to learn while holding the school accountable for improving student achievement.
If you would like to be a part of this exciting opportunity, click here, print and fill out the Student Enrollment Application. If you would like your child to attend the Country School, please also fill out this form. Once completed, bring it to the front desk at the Gold Rush Main Campus. We will call you with an orientation date and you can be on your way to an exciting academic year!
About Us
In early 2001, three instructors, Kathleen Hansen, James Gallno and Eda Pardee, came together with the goal of starting a charter school in Tuolumne County. A grant from the Walton Family Foundation helped provide the funds needed to research charter school legislation and create the original charter document.
An extensive search for a sponsoring district led to Keyes Union Elementary School District. The superintendent, Tom Changnon, was experienced in working with charter schools and was persuaded that Gold Rush was a viable charter school and was worthy of sponsorship. A grant from the CDE enabled the school to open in September 2001. On our opening day, enrollment was 57 students. We are an accredited school with ten years of operating experience.
In the spring of 2006, we were sponsored locally by Summerville Union High School District and began working with Dr. Keiter, the Superintendent. Our enrollment has grown to over 340 students and we expect to continue our growth and improvement with new programs.