Investing in Students: How Method Schools Maximizes Every Tax Dollar

At Method Schools, every tax dollar is more than a number — it’s an investment in our students’ futures. Public education funding can feel complex or even mysterious, but we believe families and community members should know exactly where our resources come from and how they’re used to support learning.

As a California public charter school, Method Schools is funded primarily through state education dollars, which are generated by state income taxes and local property taxes. Unlike traditional school districts, charter schools must be strategic and transparent with every dollar, balancing flexibility, accountability, and innovation to deliver the best results for students.

Here’s a typical breakdown of our annual revenue sources:

• 97% – State funding and local property taxes

• 1–2% – Federal funds for specific programs

• 1–2% – Other local revenue (e.g., interest income)

As noted above, Federal funds play a smaller role but are vital for specialized student programs such as:

• Special education services

• Title programs for at-risk and low-income students

• Grants that support unique or specialized learning populations

Strong Oversight and Accountability

Public charter school funding often receives public scrutiny. While headlines may occasionally focus on rare cases of misuse, charter schools like Method face rigorous oversight—often more than traditional public schools.

Oversight includes:

• Annual independent financial audits

• Average Daily Attendance (ADA) reporting three times per year to state and county education departments

• Yearly authorizer oversight reviews, often through third-party evaluators

• Reporting to county and state offices of education

• Extensive federal compliance reporting

Additionally, non-classroom-based charters—like Method—must prove every 3–4 years that at least 80% of funding goes directly to instruction to maintain state funding. 

How We Invest in Students

Every student population has unique needs, and our flexibility as a charter school allows us to allocate funds where they will have the biggest impact on learning.

Our spending priorities:

• 80% – Teacher salaries and direct classroom instruction

• 13% – Non-certificated staff supporting students

• 7% – Administrative salaries

Key investments include:

• High-quality digital and in-person curriculum

• Student technology devices and connectivity

• Specialized programs, such as:

  • Summit Academy: Classroom-based charter built specifically for student athletes and those interested in an active lifestyle (formerly called Dehesa Method Sports Academy and spun off into its own charter beginning July 1, 2025)

  • The Academy at Method Schools: High school dual enrollment program offering early college credit and career readiness through College of the Canyons

  • Career Technical Education (CTE): Pathways through Method middle and high school online programs

We also prioritize small class sizes—around 20 students per teacher—to ensure personalized learning while maintaining balanced budgets.

We also have no short-term or long-term debt, which means money that would have gone toward debt service goes into the classroom instead.

Efficiency and Innovation in Action

Method Schools stretches every taxpayer dollar by reducing overhead and offering flexible learning models:

• Online and hybrid programs lower costs for transportation, facilities, and maintenance

• In-person options partner with local communities to save on large-scale infrastructure

• Flexibility and choice attract students who:

  • Balance academics with athletics, arts, or other pursuits

  • Prefer online learning over rigid bell schedules

  • Seek specialized programs not offered at traditional schools

This efficiency allows us to invest more directly in instruction and student programs instead of large, fixed operational costs.

Our Commitment to Every Method Student

Public education thrives when families have options — and we’re proud to be one of those options. At Method Schools, every decision, every dollar, and every innovation is guided by one goal: helping students succeed. By combining responsible stewardship of taxpayer funding with flexible, student-centered programs, we give families confidence that their investment is truly making a difference.

We will continue to:

• Invest in teachers and direct instruction

• Innovate with learning models that meet students where they are

• Maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability

Together with our community, we’re not just educating students — we’re building brighter futures.