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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q: | What is a charter school? |
A: | A charter school is a publicly funded, privately operated school. Charter schools are subject to the same laws and regulations as other public schools, conforming to laws regarding religion in schools, school fees, civil rights, annual reports, and health and safety regulations. Charter schools are open to all students, regardless of race, religion, gender, status, or other preference. However, a charter school may have a limited capacity for enrollment. Charter schools follow the same regulations in hiring of teachers as public schools, and teachers are required to hold valid teaching certificates and meet state board requirements. Charter school curriculum must include the state core, and minimum testing standards must be adhered to, such as are outlined in No Child Left Behind. For more information about Charter schools visit the Utah State Charter Schools site at http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/charterschools/. | |
Q: | Do I have to pay tuition? |
A: | No. Entheos Academy is a publicly funded school. Tuition and donations are not required. Fees are subject to state regulations, as in public schools. | |
Q: | Will Entheos Academy require uniforms? |
A: | Entheos EL believes a dress standard is a necessary element in promoting the most beneficial learning environment, which will include equality, citizenship, and school pride. The school will adopt a uniform-style dress standard for attending students. | |
Q: | Will there be bus service for Entheos Academy students? |
A: | No. Transportation will not be provided by Entheos Academy or the local school district. Parents will be responsible for transportation to and from school. Car-pools are encouraged. | |
Q: | Will school lunch be offered for my students? |
A: | Yes. Entheos Acaemy will participate in the federal food program, and will offer a healthy menu for lunch and breakfast daily. It will be provided at a minimal cost for students and staff. | |
Q: | What is the curriculum offered at Entheos Academy? |
A: | In a climate of physical and emotional safety, we take a student-centered active learning approach that focuses on questioning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, while ensuring students exceed the State academic standards in: Reading and Writing through classic literature Math and statistics Science Social Studies Handwriting and Spelling Computer research and technical skills Physical Education Fine Arts Community Service Assessment through portfolios and student presentation Outdoor Adventure Program
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Q: | How many children will be in each class? |
A: | Class sizes are 24-25 students and there will be two classes per grade. | |
Q: | What is Expeditionary Learning? |
A: | "It's the way school ought to be!" Students engaged in rigorous academic work and helping one another, teachers with a passion for teaching, schools with a culture of service and community: these are the hallmarks of an Expeditionary Learning school. Literacy is central and reading and writing are integrated throughout the curriculum. Character development and teamwork are not just emphasized, but embedded in school structures, practices and rituals and integrated into the academic program. In Expeditionary Learning schools, much of the academic work is done in learning expeditions -- long-term investigations of important questions and subjects that include individual and group projects, field studies, and performances and presentations of student work. Active pedagogy, the type of instruction practiced in an EL classroom, is the norm whether or not there is a learning expedition underway. For more information, visit http://www.elschools.org. | |
Q: | How do I enroll in Entheos Academy? |
A: | You may fill out and submit our Enrollment Application form online. Entheos Academy is part of the public education system and is open to all students. But in order to have the best learning environment, Entheos Academy has limited class sizes and a limited number of classes. Because of this, there may be more students interested in the school than there are spots. In this event, a random lottery will be held to determine which students will be selected. Siblings of children selected and children of founding members will also have preference. After that, if there is still space available, it will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. | |
Q: | How much parent involvement is required? |
A: | Charter schools depend on the willingness of parents to be involved in their child's education. Parents should plan to volunteer and contribute 30 hours per school year per family. Compliance with the 30 hour volunteer commitment will ensure that your children will qualify for enrollment rollover at the end of each school year. |
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