FAQ for Prospective Families
Q: What are the school's hours?
Academy Prep is open 7:00am-6:00pm Monday-Thursday and 7:00am-4:30pm on Friday. Students must arrive by 7:30am and are expected to remain for the duration of the school day.
Q: What about Saturdays and field trips?
Saturday field trips are an integral part of the Academy Prep program. One Saturday each month, every grade level participates in an exciting and educational field trip. (5th grade is the fourth Saturday of the month, 6th is the third, 7th is the second, and 8th is the first.) Field trips are designed to enhance student learning and broaden students' horizons. From hikes to museums, aquariums, and college campus tours, families can expect unique opportunities each month. Families are also encouraged to attend field trips when space is available! Transportation from campus is provided.
Q: What kinds of supplies will I need to purchase?
Families are asked to supply students with basic school supplies each year in addition to school uniforms. Supply lists are provided to families in the admissions packet after the June session.
Q: How much do uniforms cost?
Each of the following items must be purchased through Academy Prep:
Polo Shirt- $15
PE Shirt- $8
PE Shorts- $10
Either a crew neck sweatshirt ($10) OR a zip-up hoodie ($30)
Students must wear navy blue bottoms, a black belt, all black shoes (including laces!), and all white crew socks.
We understand that purchasing uniforms and school supplies at the same time may be difficult for some families. Academy Prep offers payment plans for uniforms and sells, when available, used uniforms at a deep discount.
Q: What kinds of classes will my child take?
Academy Prep offers a particularly unique academic and enrichment program! Students take English, math, history, and science daily. Additionally, students take art, music, chess, and physical education at least twice a week, as well as an additional reading class once a week. When the academic day is complete (4:30pm) students participate in the enrichment program. These classes are not graded and offer unique opportunities for students to explore their interests. Choir, band, chess team, cultural arts, cooking, yoga, gardening, basketball, ropes course, and more are offered in the enrichment period. For more information on our enrichment program, go to the enrichment page through the "Our Model" tab!
Q: What teams will my child be able to participate in?
Academy Prep has a highly competitive Chess team which students may participate in. And while we do not have sports teams, we do encourage participation in such activities and make accommodations for early dismissal for students who wish to play league sports. *Accommodations must be made prior to the start of the season with Head of School Lincoln Tamayo.
Q: Is there a school bus?
Academy Prep does not offer transportation. Families are expected to drop off and pick up their child(ren) daily. We understand that this isn't always possible, though, and often facilitate ride sharing arrangements when the need arises.
Q: How much are meals?
Meals at Academy Prep are free for all students! Breakfast is an optional meal, while all students are required to partake in Academy Prep's lunch and snack. Outside food and drink are not permitted on campus.
Q: How much does it cost to attend Academy Prep?
Students attend Academy Prep tuition free. Families pay a monthly activity fee ($20) that covers a small portion of the enrichment program, technology, textbooks, specialty supplies, and field trips. This $20 monthly fee does not nearly cover the total cost of these programs, but does help offset the cost.
Q: My child has an IEP, is Academy Prep a good fit?
Having an IEP does not disqualify a student from attending Academy Prep. There are a wide variety of reasons that your child may have an IEP, and no two are the same. As a private school, we are not required to make any IEP accommodations, but our classroom structure often already provides many of the accommodations listed in IEPs. However, there are accommodations we are unable to make and all students are expected to participate in the full curriculum.
Please include a copy of your child's IEP with their application. If accepted, Assistant Head of School Amanda Fleischbein will review the IEP prior to the start of the school year and provide relevant information to all of the teachers. If you'd like to discuss the IEP prior to the application process, please contact Mrs. Fleischbein.
Q: What kind of parent obligations are there?
The education of our students is a community effort, and families play an important role. Families are expected to provide daily transportation, read and respond to school communications, and complete 40 hours of engagement service (30 hours for 8th graders). Hours can be earned in a variety of ways, including participation in car pooling, assisting in school events (including field trips), and helping stock items such as sanitizing wipes and facial tissue for classrooms.
Q: What is so different about Academy Prep?
Academy Prep offers a student-centered program focused on helping children meet their potential. We offer small class sizes, single gender academics, a high quality teaching staff, and an extended day; and couple all of this with on-going graduate support for eight years after graduation. Our goal is to provide the community and support every child deserves!
Q: I still have more questions, who can I talk to?
If you still have questions, please contact Student Services Coordinator Diana Mallory at dmallory@academyprep.org or (863)940-8900.
