In 2011, Sylvan Heights Science Charter School's enrollment was 219 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 179 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. The school employed 25 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department, 100% of the teachers were highly qualified. The teachers worked 6.5 hours a day, five days a week. In 2011, the school's revenues came from two major sources: tuition paid by local school districts whose students attend and operating grants from the state and federal government. During the 2009-10 school year, the Sylvan Heights Science Charter School provided educational services to 217 pupils from 7 sending school districts. It employed: 17 teachers, 12 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 3 administrators. In 2008, Sylvan Heights Science Charter School's enrollment was 219 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th. The school employed 15 teachers. There was a 185 pupil waiting list for admission. The percentage of students from low-income families eligible for a free or reduced lunch was 79%, while 11 pupils received special education services. The Capital Area Intermediate Unit IU15 provides the school with a wide variety of services like specialized education for disabled students and hearing, speech and visual disability services and professional development for staff and faculty. The psychologist's services are purchased from Sleber and Associates. In Pennsylvania, charter schools are initially approved and subsequently overseen by the local school board (Harrisburg School District). The Harrisburg City School District approved the original charter in 1998. It renewed the school's charter in July 2003 and again in July 2008. The school is governed by locally selected board members who serve up to 2 three year terms. The Board of Trustees of Sylvan Heights Science Charter School meet at least once a month. They make in depth, annual reports to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In Pennsylvania, charter schools are a public school alternative to the local, traditional public schools. Students apply for admission to a local charter school. The Commonwealth bases the funding for charter schools on the principle that the state's subsidies should follow the students, regardless of whether they choose to attend traditional public schools or charter schools. The Charter School Law also requires that charter schools bill each sending school district on a monthly basis for students attending the charter school. When the local school district provides transportation to its students it must also provide transportation at no cost to charter school students when the receiving school is within 10 miles of the district's borders.