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FAQ » Instructional Funding

Instructional Funding

How do Instructional Funds work?

For the 2025-2026 school year, TK-12th grade students receive $4500 of instructional funding per school year. Arete will use $700 to purchase student curriculum or academic instruction. The remaining $2,550 ($1275 per semester) is used for the parent’s choice of field trips, supplemental materials, technology, tutoring and/or extra enrichment courses whether provided at the Arete Resource Center or off-site at a community vendor.

 

$750 is used for targeted academic support in the form of one on one or small group (five or less students) tutoring/intervention. If the student is meeting grade level standards those funds become unrestricted enrichment funds. $500 is used for expanded learning opportunities. Students must be in good academic standing for 20 Day Meeting Sessions 1-7 by turning in all work samples and logs on time. Students must be at grade level on local and state assessments (prior year for state testing). Students must not rush and should show academic rigor during testing. All expenditures must be with a current Arete vendor or meet reimbursement protocol and spent between the end of session 7 and the end of July.

 

Students enrolled at the start of the school year will have the instructional funding allotted for each semester. A maximum of $450 may be transferred to use for the next semester with no more than $450 accruing throughout the year. Students enrolling after the first day of school will have a daily pro-rated amount of funding for the year. This budget does not roll over from year to year, and may be shared among family members who attend Arete.

 

May I see your list of approved vendors?

Yes, this changes everyday, so please email [email protected] to receive the most current list or look under "About Us" on this website and select Independent Contractors.

 

What is considered curriculum or academic instruction?

Curriculum is books or texts providing grade level appropriate academic content and exposure to the California State Standards in the core subjects of English, Math, Science and Social Studies.

 

Academic Instruction is specific instruction in grade level appropriate academic content and exposure to the California State Standards in the core subjects of English, Math, Science and Social Studies.

 

What are some things I can use my Instructional Funds for?

  • ALL items must be BASIC or like something you would find in a public school classroom.
  • Art supplies connected to enrichment classes or unit lessons in curriculum
  • Novels, unit lessons, reading improvement programs, writing improvement, enrichment in literature, etc.
  • Course work materials, such as academic textbooks, workbooks, curriculum materials, and learning software via online or CD
  • Academic programs (online curriculum, homeschool curriculum, activities, etc.)
  • Educational games related to math, science, English, STEAM, etc. (puzzles, bingo, vocabulary cards, flashcards, etc.)
  • Activity kits related to core or extracurricular classes
  • Physical Education and sport/athletic items if they are considered non-consumables. Examples include items such as balls, bats, nets, tennis rackets, and jump ropes.
  • Rental equipment bundled with an enrichment service (music lessons, sport leagues, etc.)
  • Educational items
 

What are some things I cannot use my Instructional Funds for?

  • Anything labeled non-educational
  • Any religious based products
  • Any furniture, organizational products, storage, personal laptop case/bags, or household items
  • Personal items such as uniforms, pads, shoes, cups, or mouth guards
  • Any expenses involved in athletic or performing arts competitions including entrance fees or travel fees
  • Large items such as bicycles and backyard trampolines
  • Household products, yard equipment, clothes, and non-educational toys
 

Can I use all of my Instructional Funds in one academic semester?

Funds are deposited into students’ accounts three times each school year. Parents/guardians can spend up to the current account balance at any given time. Up to $450 may be transferred from one semester to the next. No funds roll over from year to year and no funds can be spent during the summer months until the summer of 2026.

 

Can I be reimbursed for any purchases I made through my own money?

Parent/guardian paid for monthly subscriptions are reimbursable using Arete Instructional Funds. All purchases must be ordered through Arete. Approval by the Director is required through an Arete Student Budget Planning Sheet. There are NO reimbursements for additional parent purchases or vendor services. All vendors must complete the Independent Contractor Contract under "About Us" and they will invoice Arete directly.

 

How do I get reimbursed?

Reimbursement requests start with our reimbursement form. All reimbursements need to be tied to a subscription. The director will approve/disapprove the reimbursement request. Once the reimbursement form request is completed, please be sure to attach the receipt(s) and send to the office. 

 

To process a reimbursement we must have:

  • Receipt of Purchase
  • What was purchased?
  • How much did the item cost?
  • When was it purchased?

 

For more specific information, please see the Instructional Funds/Reimbursements Form under Parent Resources.

 

What is the definition of consumable?

Consumables are items that the student completely uses up or writes in while they are enrolled with our school and therefore cannot be used by another student.

 

What is the definition of a non-consumable?

Non-consumables are items that can be used again by another student. Some examples are:

  • Technology, Electronics, and Media (CDs/DVDs)
  • Novels, Textbooks and Teacher Manuals
  • Science Equipment
  • Math Manipulatives
  • Musical Equipment
  • Athletic Equipment
  • Games and Puzzles
 

Can I keep the products?

All items are purchased through the school with California State Education Funds and are considered property of the school. Non-consumables need to be returned to the school office when the student withdraws from the school. They may be returned earlier if the items are no longer needed for student learning.

 

How do I return our non-consumable items to the school?

You may hand the items back to the secretary at any meeting or at the end of each semester/school year.

 

Could I purchase my own laptop and printer outside of the Enrichment Ordering System and use my Instructional Funds for that purchase?

No, we can check out a touchscreen Chromebook to you for the year. If you need a printer to access curriculum, Arete can purchase one for you to use for the year.

 

How do I order student ink?

First complete a Student Budget Sheet and then you can send a link for an ink order to [email protected]. A maximum of $50 per student, per year may be spent on ink for students who need it to access their curriculum.