A Charter School is a public school designed to be flexible, innovative, and invigorating in the educational arena. Charter schools are tuition-free open enrollment public schools. Students are accepted regardless of background or academic record, on a first-come, first-served basis. Charter Schools offer a private school environment in a public setting. The Academy is a place where expectations are high and the belief that all students can learn is a reality.
As a school that maintains an open enrollment policy, The Academy accepts every student willing to follow the rules of the school. We have discovered that for every year a student stays in The Academy, TAKS scores consistently rise in language arts and mathematics.
As a charter school, one of the unique dilemmas is the requirement to educate students at whatever point they are at when they walk in the doors. Whether they have never passed the TAKS test or are functioning below grade level, charter schools are judged by the same standard as other schools when TAKS scores are posted.
To ensure each new student a truly fresh start at The Academy, we maintain a policy of not consulting with previous teachers or school records on issues concerning new students.
Call or come by to reserve your child's place in this exciting educational institution today!
» Visit the Texas Education Agency's website for more in-depth information about Charter Schools in Texas.
» Visit the Black Alliance for Educational Options website for more info on school choice for your children
2. WHAT IS THE TUITION AT THE ACADEMY?
As a public school, there is NO tuition to attend.
3. WHAT GRADE LEVELS ARE TAUGHT AT THE ACADEMY?
Currently, we teach grades 5-9. Beginning in the Fall of 2009 - we will expand to include grades 1-4. Please visit our Admissions Page for information on how to enroll your child at The Academy.
4. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION?
Parents must complete the application available on our Admissions Page and complete all forms required by the Texas Education Agency which includes:
Registration Form
After School Program Enrollment Form
Home Language Survey Form
Student Education Background
Field Trip and Assessments Permission Form
Up-to-date medical information and vaccination record
Current report card
Signed request to the student’s previous school authorizing The Academy to request academic records from the student’s previous school
5. WHAT IS THE TEACHING PHILOSOPHY AT THE ACADEMY?
Our teaching philosophy is that a nurturing and stable environment conducive to learning and academic excellence is the basis for a sound education, and that all students have a place in such an environment. The Academy practices experience-based learning and utilizes culturally relevant teaching styles to reach for the highest potential of each student.
We seek to challenge all students, regardless of ability level in order to acquire core knowledge while developing higher order, problem-solving, critical and creative thinking skills. In addition to these, the development of effective social skills and civic responsibility is best accomplished via applied learning. Such experience-based learning prepares students to become strong community members who have the confidence, the knowledge, and the skills to make a positive difference in their own lives, as well as in those around them.
6. WHAT MAKES THE ACADEMY UNIQUE?
In addition to the experience-based learning techniques used to teach the basic core subject areas of math, science, language arts, and humanities, we also offer special day-long programs that feature human development and self awareness topics. Given the rigorous academics, high standards of excellence and challenging curriculum, the goal of The Academy is to prepare each student with the knowledge and skills for success in higher education and beyond; therefore being confident, inspired, and poised to take on a world of complex and unending changes.
7. DOES THE ACADEMY OFFER TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR STUDENTS?
Currently, parents are responsible for making transportation arrangements to and from school. Capital Metro Bus Route 6 Eastbound has a stop at Tannehill/J Robinson which is an approximate 10 minute walk from the school.
Click here to visit Google's Interactive Public Transit Map to get specific bus route information based on where you live.
8. WHAT ARE THE ACADEMY'S RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS?
As an open enrollment charter school, The Academy accepts students from the entire Austin metropolitan area.
9. DOES THE ACADEMY PROVIDE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH?
Yes. Breakfast is served from 7:50 - 8:10 each school day and costs $1.25. Lunch is served at varying times each day depending on the student’s class schedule. The cost of lunch is $2.25. The Academy provides free and reduced meals for students who qualify. Please call Ms. Williams in the office at 494.1076, or via email for more information about reduced meals.
You may pay for your child's Meal Plan online.
10. DOES THE ACADEMY PROVIDE AFTER-SCHOOL CARE?
Yes, After-School Care is provided until 6:00 pm. The cost is $50 per month. You may enroll online.
11. HOW LONG IS THE SCHOOL DAY AT THE ACADEMY?
The school day starts at 8:30 am and ends at 3:45 pm
12. WHAT KINDS OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES DOES THE ACADEMY PROVIDE?
The Academy provides a variety of extracurricular activities to meet the needs of all students. The activities consist of the following:
- an extensive dance program featuring a number of performances throughout the school year,
- a drama department that performed its first musical production this year,
- an exciting art program where students learn the basics to pencil sketching, etc.,
- competitive girls and boys basketball teams,
- co-ed flag football team,
- competitive girls and boys golf teams
- girls and boys track teams
Visit our Extra-Curricular Page for more information.