Frequently Asked Questions
|
 |
Why was The Aptos Academy founded? |
The Aptos Academy was founded to provide an
educational environment where a child's natural desire to learn could
blossom, where a child's individual talents and aptitude could be
recognized, where standards are high, and where core subjects are
enriched by the Creative Arts.
Emphasis is on learning how to assimilate information early on, gaining
the ability to think, and being able to apply the knowledge
once gained. |
|
How has the school evolved? |
The school began with just a few students in
1994 in a private home. Through providing consistently-fine education,
the school grew rapidly. By 1996, it became apparent that a new
facility would be needed. Planning commenced, and in 1998, a
construction permit was issued.
In the fall of 1999, the Academy moved into a beautiful new 4.5-acre
campus, equipped with playgrounds, a soccer field, a science room, art
room, modern classrooms, kitchen, and a theater. The location is just
off Highway 1, at the San Andreas exit.
|
|
Who is sponsoring The Aptos Academy? |
| The Academy is a not-for-profit institution
which has evolved through the hard work and generous contributions of
many local individuals and businesses. The Fish and Pase families,
along with Comerica Bank, have been the primary contributors. Religious
organizations have not contributed any funds. |
|
What is the school's legal structure? |
| The school is organized as a 501c(3) non-profit,
educational corporation, and as such, has a Board of Directors. The
board has the responsibility for approving the yearly budget, ensuring
viability, helping to set policy and strategy, as well as giving
support and advice on fund raising and capital improvement projects. |
|
What grades are served? |
| The Academy accepts students from
pre-Kindergarten through the 8th grade. |
|
How are classrooms set up? |
| Classroom sizes are small — no larger than 16
students per class in the elementary grades. Each class has a core
teacher; most classes have a full- or part-time teacher's aide. There
are additional teachers for enrichment classes and physical education. |
|
Are classrooms multi-level or single grades? |
| A typical classroom may contain students with
some mixture of ages and achievement levels, but within a defined
range. More advanced students undertake more advanced assignments. The
atmosphere is one of teamwork, as students work together on projects;
one of mutual respect, as students see each other's strengths. When
appropriate, the student is moved to the next level, not necessarily at
the beginning or end of a term. |
|
How does the teaching program work in the 1st through 8th
grades? |
The student works toward specific goals while
proceeding at a pace consistent with his or her capabilities and
interests. Programs are tailored as needed to ensure each student is
being challenged, while any earlier gaps in their understanding of a
subject are remedied.
Regular exams are given in all subject areas. If an exam reveals an
area of uncertainty, the student restudies the specific subject matter
and brings his or her understanding up fully. Once a student has shown
mastery of an area of learning, finished a project, report or
performance, the student is awarded a "Completion".
A Completion is defined as a finished body of work on a particular
subject that results in an ability gained or information understood, so
it can be applied successfully in life. The information must become the
student's own, and the studies done to his or her personal best. |
|
What evidence is there that the program achieves its
objectives? |
Students are tested yearly on the California
Achievement Test CAT 5 in grades 2 through 8. The results of these,
when compared to national norms and grade performance levels, put the
classes themselves on an average of one to two grade levels higher.
Aptos Academy students who have gone on to other schools such as York
School, Georgiana Bruce Kirby, Aptos Junior High & Aptos High, to
name a few, have been found to do well.
However, we invite you to see for yourself. The best proof is a look
inside the classrooms where students are happily engaged in their
studies. |
|
What is the educational curriculum? |
The curriculum includes all the basics:
literature, verbal and written expression, math, science, and social
studies, with an emphasis on practical application. Students also
participate in a daily physical education program, along with art,
drama, music, band, foreign language, and computer literacy.
Once students are in the sixth grade, they may choose from a wider
selection of enrichment classes such as woodworking, photography, and
debate. |
|
Does The Aptos Academy offer any religious teachings? |
| No, we don't. The Aptos Academy believes that it
is the parents' sole province to direct the instruction of their
children in religion. The school is entirely non-sectarian, as can be
verified by speaking with teachers, parents, or children who are in a
position to know. |
|
What other specific practices are part of the school's
approach to providing a good educational environment? |
Those particularly helpful include:
- Recognizing students on a weekly basis for the good work
they have accomplished.
- Settling disputes by going back to what led up to the
problem, and requiring that students who misbehave take steps to get
back in good standing with their group.
- Involving students in a wide array of enrichment programs
and community projects to develop their teamwork, physical skills,
cultural understanding, and self-esteem.
- Keeping data on how well the school is doing on a
short-term and long-term basis, and taking appropriate actions to
maintain high standards.
|
|
What is the tuition? |
The tuition for the 2007-2008 school year is
$8000, payable in ten monthly installments. If paid in full by cash or
check at the beginning of the year, a discount of approximtely 3.1% or
$250 applies. There is also an annual materials and activities fee of
$650, payable in advance. A $500 annual discount is available for
second and third children enrolled.
Pre Kindergarten annual tuition is as follows:
Full time 9:00 to 3:45
$8,000
Half day 9:00 to 12:00 or 12:45 to 3:45
$5,100
3 full days
$5,400
3 half
days
$3,200
2 full
days
$3,600
2 half
days
$2,150
Materials and activities
fee
$ 650
The 3.1% discount applies to full time tuition paid at the beginning of
the year.
|
|
What hours does the school operate? |
| The hours of the school are 9:00 through 3:45.
Children may be dropped off between 8:00 and 9:00, and picked up
between 3:45 and 4:00. Extended care is available at an extra cost for
students picked up after 4:00 at the rate of $6/hour or $150/month. |
|
Are the teachers credentialed? |
| Many of the teachers hold credentials, however
the Academy's criteria for excellence are more exacting. We require
care and concern for children, high energy, patience, flexibility,
creativity, and humor – as well as a thorough knowledge of the subject
matter being taught, and the ability to supervise multiple learning
styles effectively. |
|
How are parents involved with the activities of The Aptos
Academy? |
| Parents contribute in various ways, including
in-classroom assistance, participation on field trips, taking part in
preparation and presentation of school events and performances, and
participation in fund raising events. |
|
How are field trips managed? |
| Teachers and parent volunteers organize the
field trip agendas and transportation. Transportation is provided only
by licensed and insured parent volunteers or teachers. Only
well-maintained vehicles are used. |
|
What type of students are being admitted? |
| We admit students who are motivated to learn,
and desire to do so in an active, fun environment. We select students
who like to take an active role in their education, and who pose a
minimum distraction to other students. |
|
Is there any academic testing of students prior to
admission? |
| No, but there is placement testing in Language
Arts and Math prior to the start of school. |