BridgePrep Academy
FAQ
What is a charter school?
Charter schools are new, innovative public schools that are accountable for student results. They are designed to deliver programs tailored to educational excellence and the needs of the communities they serve.
Charter schools are one of the fastest and most successful growing reforms in the country.
Based on the belief that America’s public schools should meet standards of excellence and be held accountable, parents are lining up to choose these innovative public schools that are able to meet the individual needs of their children.
How do charter schools differ from traditional district public schools?
Charter schools operate on three basic principles:
- Choice: Charter schools give families an opportunity to pick the school for their child.
- Accountability: Charter schools are judged on how well they meet the student achievement goals.
- Freedom: While charter schools adhere to the same laws and regulations as all other public schools, they are freed from the red tape that often diverts a school’s energy and resources away from educational excellence.
Why are charter schools so popular?
- Educational quality: The primary reason for charter schools is to make sure every child has access to a quality education. With the freedom and choice to do so, charters set higher standards.
- Focus on the children: Perhaps most important, a charter school is set up around the needs of children. The focus of the program is designed to help children succeed, no matter what it takes.
- Safer, stronger communities: Charter schools typically engage local businesses and other organizations to help provide resources and services to the school and its families.
Who are the major stakeholders of the charter school?
- The Board: Every charter school is required by law to have a board of directors that is ultimately responsible for what the school does. Legally, the board oversees the operations of the school and makes sure it is financially sound and follows the law. The Board also helps to create the vision for how the school should operate and often is compiled of parents and community stakeholders.
- The School: The staff, teachers, administrators, and support personnel are ultimately responsible to plan and carry out and manage the day to day activities of the school.
- The Management: The Management team is responsible for the oversight of the entire operations.
Do siblings get priority enrollment?
After the first year, the Charter school will give siblings priority enrollment for the coming years. For example, if a student has a brother or sister at any of the campuses and would like to be admitted to BridgePrep Academy, they will receive priority.
Will the school offer special programs such as gifted and special needs?
There are different models for gifted and special needs. Currently, the school is budgeted for a consultative model which will allow for a certified gifted and special needs teacher to assist teachers in the classrooms to carry out differentiated instruction in order to meet all the children’s needs. Dependent on the population that enrolls, the school can later make changes to the model of instruction for gifted and special needs students.
How does the school carry out the Spanish language program?
The school will offer an extended foreign language program which will consists of one hour per day of Spanish language instruction for speakers and non-speakers of the Spanish language. The goal of the dual language program is to educate students to develop proper reading, writing and language skills in Spanish and English.
What technology and programs will be available?
The school will be equipped with a computer lab for all students to use. In addition, each classroom will be equipped with a minimum of two computers for teacher and student use.
What type of security will be provided?
The school will be staffed with security monitors and outdoor security cameras will be installed. Visitors will have to sign in at the office.
Will there be an afterschool program?
The after school program will be a fee based program and will be ran privately the cost will be approximately $120 a month.
What will be the school hours?
Actual School instructional hours vary by campus.
Will meals be provided?
Yes, meals will be provided. Breakfast and lunch will be available.
Will students need to take the F.S.A?
Yes, students will be expected to take the FSA exam beginning in 3rd grade. Students may also be required to take additional state exams as determined by each school district. For example, in Miami Dade County, students in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade are expected to take the SAT-10.
Where do we purchase school uniforms?
School uniforms will be available for purchase through Ibiley Uniforms and More.
What curriculum will the charter follow?
BridgePrep's curriculum aligns to each district's comprehensive reading plan as well as Florida State Standards.
If the charter is incorporating a Dual Language Program, will the students be required to do all core areas in Spanish?
The school offers an extended foreign language program which will consists of one hour per day of Spanish language instruction for speakers and non-speakers of the Spanish language. The goal of the dual language program is to educate students to develop proper reading, writing and language skills in Spanish and English.
Will the school provide after school tutoring?
If it is determined by the school the student needs additional curricular support, the school may provide the student with tutoring after school.
Will the school have a Parent Teacher Association (PTA)?
Yes. The charter school will encourage and support the participation of its parents and teachers in order to facilitate a true community partnership.
How do we apply for the charter school?
To apply, visit the website of the location of your choice, click on the red Apply Today button and fill out the application of interest.
If I have any questions who can I contact?
The fastest way is to send your questions through email to contact@bridgeprepacademy.com