Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Academy different from a traditional public school?

• Class size: 16-22 students
  • traditional public schools class size: approximately 32
• Two teachers in every classroom
  • one National Board Certified teacher
  • one graduate student participating in the Master of Arts in Teaching Program
• Longer Instructional Days
  • block scheduling
  • curriculum structures that move students towards increasing self-direction through extended academic projects and forms of instruction that foster student independence
  • rather than AP coursework, college course offerings will be available to eligible students, enabling students to engage in college-level challenges and earn college credit

How will children be selected as students and what does it cost to attend this new school?

• cost of attendance is free
• there will be an application process
• demographic diversity to mirror Delano public schools
• lottery process if necessary

What are the goals of this school?

• to graduate no less than 95% of all students
• to ensure 75% or more of these students will go on to graduate from college with a degree
• to provide an educational alternative, available to all families in the Delano region without qualification

How will this be school be governed and held accountable?

• the Academy will be held accountable to the same standards and measures as any public school – students will be taking the same standardized tests
• the Academy will develop a governance structure that includes an advisory board composed of teachers, graduate school faculty, parents, students, and community members
• the Academy (school) leader and the director of the MAT Program will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school and the teacher education program

Will this school offer extra-curricular activities?

• programs in music and the arts will be an integral component of the school
• we will continue dialogue with the public school districts concerning athletic collaboration