How do I get information about PRA?
PRA holds regularly scheduled monthly informational meetings for
prospective parents. During these meetings, PRA's history, organization
and curriculum are discussed. Attendees will be given the opportunity to
ask questions of the School Administration and will be given a tour of
PRA's brand new facility.
For upcoming Prospective Parent Information Meeting dates and times,
check the PRA Calendar page.
How do I get my child into the school?
The first step in gaining admission to PRA is to submit an “Intent to
Enroll” form. You may do this electronically by clicking the "Intent to
Enroll Form" link above or by completing a paper version available at
the school office. A separate form must be completed for each child you
intend to enroll. Once the school receives this form, your child will
be:
Immediately given the option to complete the enrollment process if
current openings exist in their grade (e.g., there are a small number of
openings currently available in 6th, 7th and 8th grade), or
Placed on a wait list for their grade level or the year that the child
will begin kindergarten. When openings occur in any grade level,
children of board members, staff members and siblings of currently
enrolled students are given first priority to enroll. Any remaining
openings are filled through a lottery system from the existing wait
list.
How does the lottery work?
When a lottery draw is required, the school’s dean or assistant dean
randomly chooses a number; i.e., if there are 150 children on the first
grade wait list, a random number between 1 and 150 is drawn. The
registrar then offers enrollment to the child whose application
corresponds with that number. A new lottery is held every time an
opening occurs thereby giving each child an equal opportunity at being
chosen. Lotteries are held throughout the year as spaces become
available and mid-year enrollment may be offered on occasion.
What about availability for the coming year?
Lotteries for subsequent school years are held after currently enrolled
students and children on the priority list secure enrollment. For grades
with spaces still available, a lottery is held in February for the
following school year. If your child’s name is drawn, you will be
contacted and offered enrollment. Typically, only a short timeframe is
given to accept this offer. If enrollment has not been confirmed and
completed within this timeframe, the lottery number will be redrawn and
the opening will be offered to another child. Even if you are not
contacted in February, enrollment is dynamic and spaces may continue to
open throughout the Spring and Summer.
Why is the wait list not “first-come, first-served?”
The federal government mandated a lottery in 1997 for any charter school
accepting federal money including grant money. PRA has received numerous
federal grants. In the future, PRA may revert back to a "first-come,
first-served" system for admission if we are no longer eligible for
federal funds. This is why it is beneficial for parents to submit an
"Intent to Enroll Form" at their earliest opportunity.
How is Middle School different from K-5?
PRA’s middle school program begins in 6th grade. Classes are
departmentalized and students change teachers for all subjects such as
math, science and language arts. Middle School is housed in a separate
section of our facility which contains lockers and larger classrooms.
Sixth graders experience Outdoor Education each year in the mountains
and 8th graders make a trek to Washington D.C. each spring. Students,
teachers and parents enjoy the smaller setting (approximately 140
students as opposed to 1000 in traditional middle schools) and the
individualized attention that only a small school can offer.
Where will my child go to high school?
PRA graduates attend public high schools in their neighborhood, open
enroll at other public schools (based on space available) or attend
private or parochial schools. Recent graduates have been accepted into
local International Baccalaureate programs. Because we are a relatively
new school, we are closely monitoring our graduates’ progress in high
schools. Statistics show other Core Knowledge graduates in the area have
been well-prepared for honors classes and the more rigorous academic
programs available in high schools.
What is your cut-off date for Kindergarten?
Students must be 5 years old by September 15 of the year they are to
start kindergarten.
What days do kindergarteners go to school?
PRA has three kindergarten classes, each with 16 students. Morning (AM)
class attends school from 8:10 to11:30 a.m., five days per week;
afternoon (PM) class attends school from 12:00 to 3:15 p.m., five days
per week; and full-day class attends school from 8:10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.,
five days per week. There is a fee for the full-day kindergarten class,
as district funding allows only for 1/2 day kindergarten students.
What extra curricular activities are offered?
PRA offers an after-school music program for band students in 5th - 8th
grades, orchestra for 2nd - 8th grades and choir for 6th - 8th grades.
Other after-school activities include boys’ and girls’ scout troops,
chess club, Science Adventures, art class, and team sports (soccer,
basketball, cross country, etc.).
Is before and after school care available?
The PRA "Homework Club" is supervised by certified
staff and is available for students from 7 to 7:55 a.m. and again
from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. during normally scheduled school days.
Pre-registration is encouraged and there is an associated fee. Specific
information regarding availability and cost can be obtained through the
school office.
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