Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions?
Find answers to common questions about enrollment, academics, schedules, and more.
- Academic & Classroom Information
- Back To School
- Before & After-School Care
- Communication
- Dress Code
- Enrollment
- Extracurricular Activities
- General Information
- Health & Safety
- Lunch
- Pick-Up & Drop-Off
- Preparing for Kindergarten
- Special Education
- Student Discipline
- Technology
- Tours
- Volunteers
Academic & Classroom Information
- Are students required to complete homework?
- Are Specials offered at the elementary school?
- Are there electives at the Junior High/High School?
- At the Junior High/High School level, how many class periods are there per day?
- Do Elementary students have recess time?
- Do Elementary students switch classes?
- Do Junior High and High School students (7th-12th grade) switch classes?
- How are grades weighted?
- How long is the Junior High/High School lunch period?
- How long are the Junior High/High School passing periods?
- Is after-school tutoring offered?
- Is an Academically Gifted program available for elementary students?
- Is an Academically Gifted program available for Junior High/High School students?
- What curriculum is used?
- What is the average class size?
- What is the school's grading scale?
- What is the school’s instructional model?
- What supports are offered for students who demonstrate the need for intervention?
- What type of schedule does the Junior High/High School follow?
- When is RAISE Leadership taught?
- Will my child be required to use a daily planner?
- Will students take State and benchmark assessments?
Are students required to complete homework?
Are students required to complete homework?
We believe that meaningful homework is integral to the learning process and should be provided at all grade levels for the following purposes:
- To provide additional practice on previously learned skills
(For example: completing math drills & problem sets, reading, researching and/or writing). - To enrich the learning experience
(For example: sharing ideas with parents/legal guardians or using creative thought to complete a project or assignment). - To provide students the opportunity to complete unfinished class assignments or make-up work due to absences.
Your child’s teacher will provide clear expectations on all homework assignments. Concerns related to homework should be directed to your child’s teacher and campus administration.
Are Specials offered at the elementary school?
Are there electives at the Junior High/High School?
At the Junior High/High School level, how many class periods are there per day?
Do Elementary students have recess time?
Do Elementary students have recess time?
Yes. Typically, students in grades K-3 have two, 15-minute recesses in addition to a 30-minute lunch/recess period (15-minute lunch, 15-minute recess), and students in grades 4-6 have one, 15 minute recess in addition to a 30-minute lunch/recess period (15-minute lunch, 15-minute recess).
Do Elementary students switch classes?
Do Junior High and High School students (7th-12th grade) switch classes?
How are grades weighted?
How long is the Junior High/High School lunch period?
How long are the Junior High/High School passing periods?
Is after-school tutoring offered?
Is an Academically Gifted program available for elementary students?
Is an Academically Gifted program available for elementary students?
Our Academically Gifted program begins in 2nd grade. Students are identified for the program through a referral process (parent & teacher) in grades 3-6, and Universal Testing in 2nd grade by taking the CogAT aptitude test. Students may be referred for testing once per calendar year with testing taking place in the fall and spring of each school year. Students may only take the CogAT once per calendar year.
Is an Academically Gifted program available for Junior High/High School students?
What curriculum is used?
What curriculum is used?
- Accredited status opens doors for college admission
- Core Knowledge curriculum, for comprehensive, in-depth learning
- Eureka Math connects math to the real world in ways that take the fear out of math
- Strong focus on literacy and mathematics at all levels
- Homework assigned appropriate to each grade level
- Time-proven, traditional classroom approach that is as effective as one-on-one tutoring
- R.A.I.S.E. Leadership curriculum incorporated into daily learning
- Lessons planned for optimal engagement
- Lessons presented in small, manageable pieces that allow for quick mastery
- Well-rounded curriculum with opportunities to dive deep into multiple subjects
- Extracurriculars available and encouraged, including sports, fine arts, and robotics
- Tutoring is available
What is the average class size?
What is the school's grading scale?
What is the school’s instructional model?
What supports are offered for students who demonstrate the need for intervention?
What supports are offered for students who demonstrate the need for intervention?
Teachers utilize assessment data, observations, and classroom assessments to determine where students may have gaps in learning. Teachers then work with students to fill in gaps during independent practice times and/or the enrichment block (Elementary campuses) to build missing skills. If students need more intervention, teachers build intervention plans utilizing the Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) structure. When a student is referred to MTSS, parents are notified and asked to be part of the process.
What type of schedule does the Junior High/High School follow?
When is RAISE Leadership taught?
Will my child be required to use a daily planner?
Will students take State and benchmark assessments?
Back To School
Before & After-School Care
- Is before and after-school care available for elementary students?
- Is before and after-school care available for Junior High/High School students?
Is before and after-school care available for elementary students?
Is before and after-school care available for elementary students?
Yes. Before and after school care is available through The Academy Before & After program.
Is before and after-school care available for Junior High/High School students?
Communication
- How will the school communicate with families?
- I have a concern about my child’s class. What are my next steps?
How will the school communicate with families?
How will the school communicate with families?
Once fully enrolled, families may receive communication via email, parent portal, or by phone using the contact information that was provided on their child’s enrollment application. Administration will send out regular newsletters and other notices as needed.
I have a concern about my child’s class. What are my next steps?
Dress Code
- Are students required to wear uniforms?
- How do I purchase school uniforms?
- Must my child be in full school uniform on the first day of school?
- Must my child’s polo shirt have the school logo on it?
- Where can I purchase uniform pants, skirts, jumpers, and shorts?
Are students required to wear uniforms?
How do I purchase school uniforms?
Must my child be in full school uniform on the first day of school?
Must my child be in full school uniform on the first day of school?
Yes. We require students to wear uniforms to school to support the school’s mission. Compliance with the dress code is mandatory.
To attend class, all students must be in compliance with all aspects of the dress code. Furthermore, the dress code applies when students are riding the school bus and when attending extra-curricular events. The dress code can be found at the school’s website.
In general, students must present a clean, modest, and neat appearance. Clothing must be worn right side out, of appropriate size, and worn correctly. Clothing shall not have holes or be intentionally torn. Clothing items must be one solid color.
Throughout the school day and at extracurricular events, Staff will conduct a dress code check to ensure the students are in compliance. Staff have authority to determine whether clothing is inappropriate or a distraction.
When students are deemed to be out of compliance, the following discipline procedure will apply, at the discretion of Staff:
- The school may notify parents/legal guardians and require parents/legal guardians to bring compliant clothing to school for their child; and/or
- Students may receive a yellow card; and/or
- Repeat violations will result in further school discipline; and/or
- Consequences described in the Conduct & Consequences Matrix (“CCM”).
Must my child’s polo shirt have the school logo on it?
Where can I purchase uniform pants, skirts, jumpers, and shorts?
Enrollment
- At the elementary level, when will I find out who my child’s teacher is?
- How do I apply for admission?
- May I request that my child be placed in a class with a friend, relative, or specific teacher?
- My child is transferring from another school. Will you notify my child’s school of the transfer?
At the elementary level, when will I find out who my child’s teacher is?
How do I apply for admission?
May I request that my child be placed in a class with a friend, relative, or specific teacher?
My child is transferring from another school. Will you notify my child’s school of the transfer?
Extracurricular Activities
- Are Career and Technical Education (CTE)* courses offered at the Junior High/High School level?
- Are Foreign Language* courses offered at the Junior High/High School level?
- Athletics*
- Fine Arts*
- If my child (elementary school) will attend an on-campus after-school activity, how will they get there?
- Will Junior High/High School Athletics and Fine Arts programs be offered?
- Will the elementary school offer extracurricular activities?
Are Career and Technical Education (CTE)* courses offered at the Junior High/High School level?
Are Career and Technical Education (CTE)* courses offered at the Junior High/High School level?
Yes. Please refer to the course catalog for additional information. Please note that course offerings will be dependent upon enrollment, interest, and staffing availability.
*NOTE: CTE offerings are subject to change based on staffing, student interest, and facility availability.
Are Foreign Language* courses offered at the Junior High/High School level?
Are Foreign Language* courses offered at the Junior High/High School level?
Yes. Please refer to the course catalog for additional information. Please note that course offerings will be dependent upon enrollment, interest, and staffing availability.
*NOTE: Foreign Language offerings are subject to change based on staffing, student interest, and facility availability.
Athletics*
Fine Arts*
If my child (elementary school) will attend an on-campus after-school activity, how will they get there?
Will Junior High/High School Athletics and Fine Arts programs be offered?
Will the elementary school offer extracurricular activities?
Will the elementary school offer extracurricular activities?
A variety of extracurricular activities may be offered. Offerings will be based on staffing, student interest, and facility availability. Information regarding extracurricular activities will be shared with families by campus administration as it becomes available.
General Information
- Are the school’s teachers certified?
- Is the school a closed campus or an open campus?
- What school supplies will my child need?
- What time does the school day begin and end*?
- What type of school calendar does the school use?
- Where can I find your school calendar?
Are the school’s teachers certified?
Is the school a closed campus or an open campus?
Is the school a closed campus or an open campus?
Student safety is one of our top priorities, and therefore, we maintain a closed campus. Students are prohibited from leaving campus for any reason during school hours or after-school activities unless excused or accompanied by the adult supervisor of that activity.
What school supplies will my child need?
What time does the school day begin and end*?
What time does the school day begin and end*?
ELEMENTARY
- School Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:45 am - 2:45 pm
- Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Early Release Hours: Days vary, 8:00 am - 1:30 pm
JUNIOR HIGH/HIGH SCHOOL
- School Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:40 am - 3:10 pm
- Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Early Release Hours: Days vary, 8:10 am - 1:40 pm
*Start and end times may be subject to change.
What type of school calendar does the school use?
Where can I find your school calendar?
Health & Safety
- Does the school have a school Nurse/Health Aide on site?
- Does the school participate in safety drills?
- How do I inform the school of my child’s health condition/health needs?
- If my child has a food allergy, is there a safe place for them to eat lunch where they can avoid exposure to certain foods?
- Is the school an allergy-free or nut-free school?
Does the school have a school Nurse/Health Aide on site?
Does the school participate in safety drills?
How do I inform the school of my child’s health condition/health needs?
How do I inform the school of my child’s health condition/health needs?
Please indicate this information during the enrollment application process. If accepted to the school, send supporting documentation to the Registrar. A member of the health team will work with you to update a Health Action Plan.
If my child has a food allergy, is there a safe place for them to eat lunch where they can avoid exposure to certain foods?
If my child has a food allergy, is there a safe place for them to eat lunch where they can avoid exposure to certain foods?
Yes. Students with an allergy may choose to either sit with their class at the general lunch table or at a designated table for students with food allergies. We follow specific cleaning guidelines to ensure that the tables are cleaned appropriately in order to avoid exposure to/the spread of potential allergens. Students who sit at this table may invite a friend to sit with them as long as there are no foods in the lunch that could potentially trigger an allergic reaction.
Is the school an allergy-free or nut-free school?
Is the school an allergy-free or nut-free school?
No. Our schools are not allergy-free or nut-free. Food allergies must be reported to the Health Office. Students with severe allergies should complete an allergy action plan, which will be available at the Health Office and during back-to-school events.
Lunch
- Are there dietary restrictions on what students can pack in their lunch from home?
- Can students bring lunch from home?
- Do you have a cafeteria space?
- Do you offer a hot lunch option?
- How do I pay for my child’s hot lunch?
- Is the school an allergy-free or nut-free school?
- Will students be able to use a microwave to warm up the lunch they bring from home?
Are there dietary restrictions on what students can pack in their lunch from home?
Can students bring lunch from home?
Do you have a cafeteria space?
Do you offer a hot lunch option?
How do I pay for my child’s hot lunch?
Is the school an allergy-free or nut-free school?
Is the school an allergy-free or nut-free school?
No. Our schools are not allergy-free or nut-free school. Food allergies must be reported to the Health Office. Students with severe allergies should complete an allergy action plan, which will be available at the Health Office and during back-to-school events.
Will students be able to use a microwave to warm up the lunch they bring from home?
Pick-Up & Drop-Off
When will I find out what the driveline route, drop off/pick areas, and procedures will be?
When will I find out what the driveline route, drop off/pick areas, and procedures will be?
Detailed information regarding driveline routes, drop off/pick up zones, and procedures will be communicated to families one to two weeks before school begins. We will provide maps and detailed directions for navigating the driveline.
Preparing for Kindergarten
- At the Elementary level, when will I find out who my child’s teacher is?
- Can I pick up my child at their classroom or at the front office?
- Can I volunteer in my child’s classroom on the first day of school?
- If my child will attend after-school care, how will they get there?
- If my child will attend an on-campus after-school activity, how will they get there?
- Is my child required to be potty trained?
- May I request that my child be placed in a class with a friend, relative, or specific teacher?
- Should I get out of my car to pick up my Kindergartener?
- When will I find out what the driveline route, drop off/pick areas, and procedures will be?
- Will I be able to drop off my Kindergartener at his/her classroom, the playground, school gate, or front office on the first day of school?
- Will Kindergarteners take naps?
- Will my child be required to take a Kindergarten entry assessment before school starts?
- Will my child be required to use a daily planner?
- Will my child get a chance to see their classroom before school starts?
- Will my child have homework every night?
- Will someone be available to help my child during lunch?
- Will students be able to use a microwave to warm up lunches they bring from home?
- Will there be staggered entry for Kindergarten?
At the Elementary level, when will I find out who my child’s teacher is?
Can I pick up my child at their classroom or at the front office?
Can I pick up my child at their classroom or at the front office?
No. Students will follow school dismissal procedures which will either involve them being walked by a staff member to the bus, to aftercare, to a parent pick-up gate, or to the driveline where they will be assisted into your car.
Parents will not be admitted to classrooms after 2:15pm, and students may not be signed out early after 2:30pm to prevent disruption to end-of-day instruction & procedures.
Students will begin exiting the building at 2:45pm. Please do not sign out students early to beat the driveline traffic. Every minute of classroom time is important.
Can I volunteer in my child’s classroom on the first day of school?
Can I volunteer in my child’s classroom on the first day of school?
During the first month of school, volunteer opportunities will be limited in order to allow students to acclimate to school procedures and expectations without distractions. Teachers and campus administrators will communicate opportunities to volunteer as they become available.
If my child will attend after-school care, how will they get there?
If my child will attend an on-campus after-school activity, how will they get there?
Is my child required to be potty trained?
May I request that my child be placed in a class with a friend, relative, or specific teacher?
Should I get out of my car to pick up my Kindergartener?
When will I find out what the driveline route, drop off/pick areas, and procedures will be?
When will I find out what the driveline route, drop off/pick areas, and procedures will be?
Detailed information regarding driveline routes, drop off/pick up zones, and procedures will be communicated to families one to two weeks before school begins. We will provide maps and detailed directions for navigating the driveline.
Will I be able to drop off my Kindergartener at his/her classroom, the playground, school gate, or front office on the first day of school?
Will I be able to drop off my Kindergartener at his/her classroom, the playground, school gate, or front office on the first day of school?
Kindergarten students will be dropped off using the driveline. Staff will assist students in getting out of their car and to the playground or into the building.
During Meet the Teacher Night, students will be given a “1st Day of Kindergarten” sticker to be worn on the first day of school.
Kindergarten Aides, support staff, and administrators will be outside every morning to ensure that all students safely get to their classrooms. We take great care in making sure our students are safe and well cared for while at school.
You can help prepare your child for this transition by:
- Placing their “1st Day of Kindergarten” sticker on their polo shirt.
- Practicing their teacher's name with them so staff can help direct them.
- Sitting down and talking through what the drop-off will look like prior to the first day of school.
- Communicating to them that they can ask anyone in a yellow or orange vest for help.
Will Kindergarteners take naps?
Will my child be required to take a Kindergarten entry assessment before school starts?
Will my child be required to use a daily planner?
Will my child be required to use a daily planner?
Yes. Kindergarteners will start learning how to use a daily planner on the first day of school. The daily planner will be used to write down homework assignments and will serve as a communication tool for teachers to send notes to parents/guardians and vice versa.
Will my child get a chance to see their classroom before school starts?
Will my child have homework every night?
Will someone be available to help my child during lunch?
Will students be able to use a microwave to warm up lunches they bring from home?
Will there be staggered entry for Kindergarten?
Special Education
- What curriculum will be utilized for students who have been diagnosed with Dyslexia?
- Will special education services be provided for students who have IEPs?
- Will your school allow my current service provider (such as an ABA therapist or nurse) to attend school with my child?
What curriculum will be utilized for students who have been diagnosed with Dyslexia?
What curriculum will be utilized for students who have been diagnosed with Dyslexia?
We use Amplify Core Knowledge Arts (CKLA) for all students. This program was built based on the science of reading and sequences deep content knowledge with research-based foundational skills.
CKLA applies:
- Early and consistent phonological awareness
- Explicit and systematic phonics and word recognition with intensive repetition
- Diagnostic screening to determine skill deficits
- Simultaneous development of background knowledge and vocabulary for effective reading comprehension
Will special education services be provided for students who have IEPs?
Will special education services be provided for students who have IEPs?
Yes. As a public charter school, we will provide the special education services outlined in each eligible student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). Please send a copy of your child’s current IEP to the school’s registrar as soon as possible.
Will your school allow my current service provider (such as an ABA therapist or nurse) to attend school with my child?
Will your school allow my current service provider (such as an ABA therapist or nurse) to attend school with my child?
To ensure a Free and Appropriate Public Education is provided to all students, we will employ the staff required to provide the special education services outlined in each eligible child’s IEP. This allows the school to appropriately manage the staff on campus and to remain responsible for special education services.
Student Discipline
Does the school have a discipline policy?
Does the school have a discipline policy?
Yes. School rules are designed to protect all students and foster an environment of order and discipline. It is important that parents/legal guardians and students understand the consequences of misbehavior. School Administration enforces adherence to school rules, policies, and procedures using a progressive discipline system. School Administration has discretion with respect to its enforcement authority. When considering disciplinary action, School Administration will seek to balance the severity of the conduct and the resulting discipline using a Conduct and Consequences Matrix (CCM).
What are the school’s expectations for student behavior?
What time does the school day begin and end*?
We hold high expectations for student behavior. All students are expected to abide by all school policies and procedures. The discipline plan reflects the RAISE Leadership Values. Students are expected to be self-governed and to respect the rights and property of others. Students should conduct themselves with courtesy, refinement, and professionalism throughout the school day and any time they represent the school in extra-curricular activities, field trips, or any other school-sanctioned event.
Technology
Tours
Will tours of the campus be offered?
Will tours of the campus be offered?
Tours will be offered once construction is fully complete. In the meantime, please consider scheduling a tour with our existing campus, ALA Lexington: Schedule a Tour
Volunteers
- Can I volunteer in my child’s classroom on the first day of school?
- Will parents be allowed to volunteer on campus?
Can I volunteer in my child’s classroom on the first day of school?
Can I volunteer in my child’s classroom on the first day of school?
During the first month of school, volunteer opportunities will be limited in order to allow students to acclimate to school procedures and expectations without distractions. Teachers and campus administrators will communicate opportunities to volunteer as they become available.
Will parents be allowed to volunteer on campus?
Will parents be allowed to volunteer on campus?
Yes. There will be many opportunities for parents to volunteer. Campus administration and Teachers will inform families of opportunities to volunteer on campus in addition to background check requirements. Additional information regarding volunteering can be found in the Parent & Student Handbook.