


First day of school is August 24, 2026
School Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
School Dismissal Time: 2:36 p.m.
Early Dismissal Time: 12:45 p.m.
A student is considered absent if they miss more than four (4) hours of the school day. Additionally, New Jersey law defines chronic absenteeism as missing more than 10% (18 days) of the school year.
Please be advised that the school will operate on an early dismissal schedule for all students during the first week of school, from Monday, August 24, through Friday, August 28. Please plan your schedules accordingly to accommodate these early release times.

Subject: Important Update & Clarification Regarding Student Transportation Guidelines
Dear Village Charter School Families,
We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to address recent questions and concerns about our middle school student transportation.
First and foremost, we understand logistical challenges transportation changes bring to your daily routines. As a school community, your children’s safety, comfort, and reliable access to education are our highest priorities.
We have received several inquiries from families who believe that these middle school transportation changes, which occurred several years ago (not new this year), were an internal decision by The Village Charter School administration. We want to provide clear, transparent context regarding how school transportation is structured.
The Village Charter School does not own, operate, or dictate the schedules of the yellow school bus fleets. Student transportation, including routes, vehicle types, and grade-level boundaries, is legally governed and managed by the Trenton Public Schools (TPS) Administration and Transportation Department.
The Grade K–5 Yellow Bus Guidelines: Several years ago, TPS restructured its transportation system. Under these district guidelines, traditional yellow school buses are provided for elementary students and do not include middle school students. This is not something VCS controls.
Under state law, your remote middle school students (students over 2.5 miles) are still absolutely entitled to transportation assistance. However, to fulfill this legal requirement, Trenton Public Schools utilizes alternative state-approved methods rather than a traditional yellow bustransportation method, which includes:
1. NJ TRANSIT Public Bus Fare: Eligible remote middle schoolers can receive district-funded public transit passes to commute via standard municipal routes.
2. Aid-in-Lieu (AIL) Financial Reimbursement: If a direct public route is unavailable, the district provides a state-mandated financial stipend directly to parents to help offset private driving or carpooling costs.
3. IEP Accommodations: Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that explicitly mandates specialized transit are legally exempt from these restrictions and will receive dedicated routing.
VCS must strictly follow the law and comply with the TPS transportation infrastructure.
If you need assistance submitting any forms for the reimbursement or bus pass option provided by TPS, please contact our Student Services department to ensure your child receives their designated public transit tickets or Aid-in-Lieu funding as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your collaboration, and for your continued trust and understanding. We are here to help in any legally possible way.
Warmly,
The Village Charter School Administration





*FRIENDLY REMINDER* Middle School Orientation, Wednesday, August 19th from 4:00PM-5:30PM and Kindergarten Orientation on Thursday, August 20th from 4:00PM-5:00PM.

Dear Village Charter School Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to share that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County After‑School Program will now be housed directly at Village Charter School for the 2026–2027 school year! This partnership allows us to offer high‑quality, on‑site after‑school care that is safe, convenient, and designed to support your child’s academic and social growth. The program begins September 8th and is open to all K–8 students. Space is limited, and families are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
If you would like your child to participate, you may sign up now through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County. For questions or enrollment support, please contact the Clubhouse directly at (609) 695‑6060 or visit www.bgcmercer.org.
We are thrilled to bring this opportunity to our families and look forward to a wonderful year of learning, growth, and fun.
Warmly,
Dr. Flim

Please visit the "Parent" tab on the VCS website for important information regarding the new VCS Programs and Procedures, the VCS Mandatory Uniform Policy and Guidance for Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices.
Thank you.









