Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This page provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding FOCUS Learning Academy.

1. What is a "Charter School"?
   
   (As defined by Wikipedia)  Charter schools are elementary or secondary schools in the United States that receive public money but have been freed from some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other public schools in exchange for some type of accountability for producing certain results, which are set forth in each school's charter.

   While charter schools provide an alternative to other public schools, they are part of the public education system and are not allowed to charge tuition. Where space at a charter school is limited, admission is frequently allocated by lottery based admissions. Some charter schools provide a curriculum that specializes in a certain field-- e.g. arts, mathematics, etc. Others simply seek to provide a better and more efficient general education than nearby public schools.

   Some charter schools are founded by teachers, parents, or activists who feel restricted by traditional public schools.  State-run charters (schools not affiliated with local school districts) are often established by non-profit groups, universities, and some government entities.  Additionally, school districts sometimes permit corporations to open chains of for-profit charter schools.

    
2. What is the difference between a "School" and an "Academy"?  What does the name FOCUS Learning Academy signify?
   
   "School" and "Academy" are roughly equivalent; "Academy" is intended to imply "a structured but highly thoughtful and caring environment."
   
   "Focus" is both an important foundational skill for students and it is also central to FOCUS Learning Academy's teaching methodology as we work with each student to focus on assessing their specific needs and then we work diligently to develop and apply the appropriate learning environment for the student.
   
   The name FOCUS Learning Academy is intended to signify a learning environment in which the successful development of the ability to focus leads to self-motivation and a lifelong love of learning and development.  
    
3. Is FOCUS Learning Academy chartered by the State of Texas?
   
   Yes
    
4. For what purposes has FOCUS Learning Academy been chartered?
   
   FOCUS Learning Academy has been chartered to:
   
   Present a coordinated multisensory curriculum to meet the needs of learning different students.
   
   Create an atmosphere conducive to emotional health-feelings of success, fairness and concern.
   
   Prepare students to return to a conventional educational setting. 
    

5. Who is eligible to attend FOCUS Learning Academy?
   
   Any Pre-K thru 8th grade child who is a resident of the State of Texas.

6. What if my child is does not have any notable "learning impairment" and might not be considered "gifted", does it still make sense for my child to attend FOCUS Learning Academy?
   
   Yes, FOCUS Learning Academy provides a strong curriculum and learning environment for all students Pre-K thru 8th grade.  Core to all of FOCUS Learning Academy's methods is a commitment to test and diagnose each student and to develop and apply the appropriate curriculum and teaching methods accordingly.

7. What if I don't live near FOCUS Learning Academy - can my child still attend?  Is there any geographic boundary in which my family must live in order to attend FOCUS Learning Academy?
   
   Any child who is a resident of the State of Texas may attend FOCUS Learning Academy.  Generally, most students live in neighborhoods with reasonable proximity to the school.  For children who live further from the school it may be possible for the school to arrange transportation to and from school.  Please contact us for further information.

8. What is the tuition cost for attending FOCUS Learning Academy?
   
   The tuition for attending FOCUS Learning Academy is paid for by tax funding; any student who would normally be eligible to attend a public school in the State of Texas is eligible to attend FOCUS Learning Academy free of tuition.

9. What other costs are involved with attending FOCUS Learning Academy?
   
   The costs involved with attending FOCUS Learning Academy include nominal costs for uniforms, any special programs (such as field trips, etc.), and lunch (if not brought by the student).

10. What if my family can't afford the other costs?
    
    In some cases financial assistance may be available.  Please contact us for further information.

11. Are uniforms required at FOCUS Learning Academy?  Why?
    
    Yes.  Students are required to wear one of two types of uniforms to school each day.  We believe that uniforms minimize potential distractions as students don't feel a need to compete with one another or differentiate one another based on material matters; also, we believe that over the course of a school year parents will actually save money by substantially minimizing the need to keep up with clothing and shoe fashions.  Finally, we want our students to feel a sense of belonging and to appreciate the power of cooperation and teamwork and it is our objective that our students develop a very positive and very healthy outlook toward their classmates and "teammates" at FOCUS Learning Academy.

12. What is the application and admission process for attending FOCUS Learning Academy?
    
    As an open-enrollment charter school, students are generally accepted as long as space is available in the applicable grade level.
    
    Each school year applications are taken for the following school year (and for the current year subject to enrollment space availability); applications are currently being taken for the school year beginning Fall 2009. 
    
    All student applicants and parents are interviewed under the direction of the FOCUS Parent/Community Liaison.  The FOCUS Parent/Community Liaison collects the enrollment applications, pertinent student records, and parent interview forms.
    
    Applications are generally processed and notifications provided to parents within 60 days of an application submission.  The Enrollment Application Form is available by here.

13. Can a student attend FOCUS Learning Academy starting in any school year or do students need to start with Pre-K or Kindergarten?
    
    Subject to availability students may begin enrollment at any grade Pre-K thru 8th grade.

14. If I attend FOCUS Learning Academy am I guaranteed to be enrolled in the following year from Pre-K thru 8th grade?
    
    In general, yes, once a student has enrolled at FOCUS Learning Academy he or she will be guaranteed a position thru 8th grade.

15. When does the school year begin and end at FOCUS Learning Academy?
    
    Click here for the current current school calendar.

16. When does the school day begin and end at FOCUS Learning Academy?
    
    The school day begins at 8:00am and ends at 3:00PM.

17. What if I can't arrange to have my child at the school when it begins each morning?  What if I can't arrange to pick up my child at the school when it ends each afternoon?
    
    Depending on your location FOCUS Learning Academy may be able to arrange for transportation assistance.  Please contact us for more information.

18. Where can I get an enrollment application form?  Is there an application fee?
    
    The application form is available by here.
    
    The admission fee of $ is refundable upon enrollment acceptance.

19. Beyond the enrollment application form what else is involved with the admission process?
    
    Each student will have an approximately one hour meeting with the Enrollment Administrator followed by a parent conference with the Enrollment Administrator.

20. How long does it take to determine if my child will be accepted into FOCUS Learning Academy?
    
    Generally the process from application to approval takes approximately 60 days however in some cases the process can be expedited.  Please contact us for more information.

21. More questions about Charter Schools and FOCUS Learning Academy:  As a Charter School, is FOCUS Learning Academy a private school or a public school?  What is the legal form/entity/structure of FOCUS Learning Academy?  Is FOCUS Learning Academy for-profit or a non-profit organization?  How is FOCUS Learning Academy funded?
    
    As described above, FOCUS Learning Academy, is effectively a public school subject to the Charter School rules and regulations of the State of Texas.  The legal form of FOCUS Learning Academy is that of a non-profit corporation that has tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  FOCUS Learning Academy is funded by a combination of tax-based state and federal funding and charitable donations..

22. What if I have other questions?
    
    Please contact us - please click here.