Charter School FAQs
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What is a collegiate school?
A collegiate school is a charter school that provides students with the opportunity to simultaneously complete a high school degree and associate in arts (A.A.) college degree.
What is a charter school?
A charter school is a tuition-free public school, created through a charter with the local school district, that operates autonomously. SCFCS is created through a charter with Manatee County School District and operated by SCF and governed by the SCF District Board of Trustees. A charter school follows state and federal regulations pertaining to public schools.
What will SCFCS emphasize?
In addition to being a collegiate school, areas of focus being considered are those well suited to the community's interests and the College's strengths including sustainability, innovative technologies, wellness, fine and performing arts, and career education.
What grades will be included in the school?
The 2010-11 school year will start with sixth and seventh grades. In subsequent years, the school will grow to include sixth through 12th grades.
Where will SCFCS be located?
SCFCS is located in building 19, SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207. The building is being renovated and retooled to create an innovative learning environment at this unique school.
What are the benefits for a student starting a collegiate charter school at the middle school level?
Starting at middle school provides the opportunity to create a seamless education experience in which the student will be challenged to see the relevance of higher education to their lives and build the skills required to be successful in college.
Is there a cost to attend?
As with any public school, there is no cost to apply to or attend SCFCS.
What are the requirements to apply to SCFCS?
Students must be a Manatee County resident. (Note: An out-of-district waiver will be required for non-Manatee County residents at the time of enrollment.)
What is the application process?
Applications are available at all information sessions starting each spring for the following school year. Parents must attend an information session to receive an application that can be submitted to SCFCS. If unable to attend an information session, parents may request an application and follow up with a personal appointment.
How are students selected for acceptance into SCFCS?
If more students apply than openings available, students will be chosen via a computer-assisted random lottery selection.
How many students will be enrolled at SCFCS?
Enrollment for fall 2010 is 66 students in sixth grade and in seventh grade, with a total enrollment of 132 students. When the school reaches its capacity of grades six through 12, total enrollment will be limited to 450 students.
What is the school calendar year and daily schedule?
The school will follow the Manatee County School District calendar for the 2010-2011 academic year. The daily schedule will be 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How will safety be managed?
SCF has well-planned procedures and a skilled public safety department as well as an established record for providing a safe learning environment for thousands of middle school-aged and younger students attending day-long summer and spring break programs on campus while the regular College schedule is in session. Policies and procedures specific to SCFCS have been created with the support of the College's experienced safety and security team.
Will the school provide transportation?
Students may be dropped off and picked up each day at the school. Various options are being considered to provide and/or facilitate transportation to and from the school. Using the school district’s busing system is being considered.
How will lunch be served?
Students may bring their lunch from home. Options are being considered to provide meals. Middle school students will eat in the SCFCS building separately from college students.
How will students be able to participate in team sports?
Charter school students are eligible to participate in organized team sports at a district school. Scheduling can be challenging for sports such as baseball and football but can work for soccer, volleyball, swimming, tennis, etc.
Will there be electives for the students to take, e.g., physical education, music, art, chorus?
Electives and physical education are needed to complete requirements for graduation from middle and high school. SCFCS will participate in a comprehensive wellness program. Additional electives will be identified later.
Will there be student activities similar to other public schools, e.g., yearbook, newspaper, prom?
Extracurricular activities are an important part of the school experience and will be available at SCFCS. Exact activities will be determined with input from students, parents, teachers and staff.
Will the school administer the FCAT?
All Florida public schools, including charter schools, are required to administer the FCAT. Our goals are to be creative and innovative in curriculum and delivery of instruction with an emphasis on college and career. These goals exceed simply passing the FCAT.
Will there be uniforms at SCFCS?
Yes.
How will the school be staffed?
SCFCS will be staffed with a head of school, teachers, guidance counselor and curriculum specialist.
What qualifications will teachers have?
As at all K-12 public schools, SCFCS teachers will have state teacher certification for the curriculum and grade level that they teach, and SCFCS will hire entrepreneurial-minded teachers highly qualified in their subjects.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio goal the school plans to maintain?
SCFCS will comply with state law, which requires not exceeding a student-to-teacher ratio of 22 to 1 for middle school class size.
What are the parents' involvement and responsibility?
SCFCS is for motivated students interested in working toward their college degree while simultaneously enjoying a highly personalized school experience. Parents will be required to support and encourage their children, be active partners with the school and attend orientation sessions and other scheduled meetings and activities.
