Frequently Asked Questions

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?

Yes. Specials classes may vary by campus. Typically, students will participate in a rotation of PE, Music, Art, and Technology. 

Are there electives at the Junior High/High School?

Yes. A variety of electives will be offered in Physical Fitness, Fine Arts, Foreign Language, and more.

At the Junior High/High School level, how many class periods are there per day?

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?

No.

Do Junior High and High School students (7th-12th grade) switch classes?

Yes.

How are grades weighted?

Please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook and course catalogs for information regarding the school’s grading scale.

How long is the Junior High/High School lunch period?

Approximately 25-30 minutes.

How long are the Junior High/High School passing periods?

3-4 minutes depending on the size and layout of the campus. 

Is after-school tutoring offered?

Yes. Teachers will provide weekly tutoring sessions based on student needs. 

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?

Students who have qualified as Academically Gifted will be enrolled in Honors or AP courses in their identified area of giftedness. Please contact your Student Services Advisor to discuss course placement.

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?

Class sizes can range from approximately 25-30 students per class depending on factors such as grade level and type of course. 

What is the school's grading scale?

Please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook and course catalogs for information regarding the school’s grading scale.

What is the school’s instructional model?

Our schools follow a direct instruction model that explicitly teaches students the skills they need to succeed. For our students to experience success, we believe our instruction must be appropriately rigorous. 

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?

Students will follow a block schedule (four classes per semester).

When is RAISE Leadership taught?

RAISE Leadership lessons are taught once per week. RAISE is incorporated into everything we do. RAISE is embedded into every lesson and is referenced and practiced throughout the day, every day.

Will my child be required to use a daily planner?

Yes. Students will use a daily planner to document and track assignments. The daily planner also serves as a communication tool for teachers to send notes to parents/guardians and vice versa. 

Will students take State and benchmark assessments?

Yes.

When is Meet the Teacher Night?

• Elementary: To Be Announced July 2026
• Junior High/High School: To Be Announced July 2026

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?

After-school care is available for Junior High (7th & 8th grade) students. After-school care is not available for High School students.

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?

Please contact your child’s teacher directly to discuss classroom-related concerns.

Are students required to wear uniforms?

Yes. Dress code expectations are posted on the school website on the Parent Resources page.

How do I purchase school uniforms?

Polo shirts and Friday shirts are available online through the C1 apparel shop. The campus may also stock a limited number of polo and Friday shirts for purchase in person. 

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?

These items may be purchased from any vendor as long as they meet dress code requirements. 

At the elementary level, when will I find out who my child’s teacher is?

A few days before Meet the Teacher Night, teachers will call families to introduce themselves and invite you to Meet the Teacher Night. 

How do I apply for admission?

You may apply for admission through the school’s website. ALA Blythewood K-12 will begin accepting applications in November.

May I request that my child be placed in a class with a friend, relative, or specific teacher?

Requests of this kind will not be accommodated.

My child is transferring from another school. Will you notify my child’s school of the transfer?

Parents should call/visit their child's current school to notify them that they will be transferring to another school. We will not notify your child's school of their transfer. 

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?

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.

Athletic Programs

• Football
• Cheer
• Pom
• Cross Country
• Girls Volleyball
• Girls Basketball
• Boys Basketball
• Wrestling
• Boys Soccer
• Girls Soccer
• Baseball
• Softball
• Track

*NOTE: Athletics offerings are subject to change based on staffing, student interest, and facility availability.

Fine Arts Programs*

• Art
• Band
• Choir
• Orchestra
• Theater
• Dance

*NOTE: Fine Arts offerings are subject to change based on staffing, student interest, and facility availability.

If my child (elementary school) will attend an on-campus after-school activity, how will they get there? 

Staff members will assist students in getting to the specific pick-up area for the activity where they will meet the coach/activity leader. 

Will Junior High/High School Athletics and Fine Arts programs be offered?

Yes. We are committed to developing championship Athletics and Fine Arts programs. 

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. 

Are the school’s teachers certified?

Each school is staffed in accordance with the certification requirements of the State in which the school is operating. 

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?

The school supply list will be posted to the school’s Parent Resources page.

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?

Our schools follow a typical calendar to include Fall, Winter, and Spring breaks.

Where can I find your school calendar?

Once available, the calendar will be posted on the school’s website.

Does the school have a school Nurse/Health Aide on site?

Yes.

Does the school participate in safety drills?

Yes. Safety drills (fire, lockdown, weather) will be held throughout the school year and are typically unannounced.

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?

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?

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. 

Are there dietary restrictions on what students can pack in their lunch from home?

No. Families are responsible for ensuring that their child has an adequate and healthy lunch. 

Can students bring lunch from home?

Yes.

Do you have a cafeteria space?

Yes.

Do you offer a hot lunch option?

Yes, hot lunch will be available for purchase. A lunch menu will be provided in the school newsletter.

How do I pay for my child’s hot lunch?

Before school begins, each family will receive information regarding establishing an PowerSchool Parent Portal account with instructions for adding money to their account.

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?

Students should bring lunches to school that do not require warming for more than 30 seconds to 1 minute.

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. 

At the Elementary level, when will I find out who my child’s teacher is?

Approximately 3-5 days before Meet the Teacher Night, teachers will call families to introduce themselves and invite you to Meet the Teacher Night (date/time TBA).

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?

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?

A staff member will escort all Kindergarteners enrolled in after-school care to a designated pick-up area where an after-school care staff member will meet them and take attendance. 

If my child will attend an on-campus after-school activity, how will they get there?

A staff member will escort all Kindergarteners enrolled in an after-school activity to the specific pick-up area for the activity where they will meet the coach/activity leader. 

Is my child required to be potty trained?

Yes.

May I request that my child be placed in a class with a friend, relative, or specific teacher?

Requests of this kind will not be accommodated.

Should I get out of my car to pick up my Kindergartener?

Please do not get out of your car as this creates a safety hazard and significantly slows down the driveline. Please stay in your car and a staff member will help your child get in safely.

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?

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?

Kindergarteners will not take naps while at school.

Will my child be required to take a Kindergarten entry assessment before school starts?

No. Students will participate in Reading and Math screenings and benchmark assessments once school begins. 

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?

Yes. During Meet the Teacher Night your child will get to visit their classroom, meet their teacher, drop off their school supplies, and get familiar with the school grounds.

Will my child have homework every night?

Kindergarteners will have homework Monday-Thursday, which will consist of Language Arts, Math, and Reading aloud. On Wednesdays, students may also have a Leadership homework assignment. 

Will someone be available to help my child during lunch?

Yes. We will have lunch aides and staff available to help students. 

Will students be able to use a microwave to warm up lunches they bring from home?

We recommend that students bring lunches to school that do not require warming for more than 30 seconds to 1 minute. 

Will there be staggered entry for Kindergarten?

No. Kindergarteners will start on the same date and time as all other elementary students.

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?

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? 

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.

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 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. 

Can students use their cell phones on campus?

No. We have a strict no-cell phone policy. Please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook for more information. Students will not need to use their phones in class for any reason.

Will students have access to Chromebooks?

Students may have access to a Chromebook at school when needed. 

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

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?

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.