Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Aptos Academy founded?
The 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 would be recognized, where standards are high, and where core subjects were 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. The environment is safe for learning, and one which nurtures each individual student and allows them to reach their full potential.

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.
In the fall of 1999, the Academy moved into a beautiful new 4.5 acre campus, in a park like setting just off of Highway 1, equipped with playgrounds, soccer field, art room, modern classrooms, kitchen, and a large theater. The school was awarded a six year accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 2007.

Who is sponsoring the Aptos Academy?
The Academy is a not-for-profit, non-denominational institution, which has evolved through the hard work and generous contributions of many local individuals and businesses.

What is the school's legal structure and board membership?
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 fundraising and capital improvement projects.
Our current board includes Chairman Rob Fish, one of the original founders of the school; Roger and Shea Pase, also co-founders; Michael Reich, executive recruiter; Cynthia Killian, real estate broker and school supporter; Elizabeth McCollum, founding parent; Ross Rohr, entrepreneur; Beth Savitt, contributor, and auction chair; Meg Cross, principal; and Kath Soucie, actor and major contributor.

What grades are served?
The Academy accepts students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade

How are classrooms set up?
Classroom sizes are small, no larger than sixteen students per class in the elementary grades. Each class has a core teacher, and classes have a full or part time teacher's aide. There are separate teachers for enrichment classes and physical education. Our student to teacher ratio is 1:8.

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, and 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.

What does the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten program consist of?
Our full day program, which runs 9:00 to 3:45, provides ample time for physical, social, and intellectual growth, in a cheerful environment that is geared towards development of the whole child. Good communication, parental involvement, and flexibility are featured, and a low ratio of children to staff is maintained.
Children develop their motor skills with a variety of blocks and puzzles, along with art and crafts projects. Phonics, reading, arithmetic, are reinforced with practical applications such as meal planning, cooking, gardening, and simple science experiments. A quiet time is included in the afternoon for those needing rest, others may read or draw.
The Kindergarten class participates in the activities of the larger school including plays, field trips, and assemblies, while also having their own special events such as the annual Thanksgiving dinner. Close coordination with the first grade teacher occurs as regards curriculum and activities, to ensure a smooth transition for each child upon Kindergarten graduation.

How does the teaching program work in 1st through 8th grade?
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", and may proceed to the next phase of study.
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?
The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, (WASC) which certifies the school as a trustworthy institution of learning and validates the integrity of the school's programs It verifies that the school's purposes are appropriate and being accomplished through a viable education program designed to achieve student learning.
Students in grades 3 through 8 are also tested yearly on the California Achievement Test, CAT 6. The results of these, when compared to national norms and grade performance levels, put the classes themselves on an average of 2 or more grade levels higher.
Aptos Academy students who have gone on to other schools such as York School, Georgiana Bruce Kirby, Harbor High, Aptos High, and Pacific Colligate, 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. All students also participate in a daily physical education program along with art, drama, music, band, foreign language, computer literacy, and community service taught by specialists.
Students in the 6th grade may choose from a wider selection of enrichment classes such as pottery, photography, yearbook, advanced art, archery, voice and cooking.

What materials are used in the teaching program?
The materials used for our core subjects are essentially those used in many public and private schools throughout the country: Scott Foresman Science and Social Studies, MacMillan McGraw Hill Language Arts, and Saxon Math, to name a few, which meet current California standards.
These materials were selected - as are all the materials in use at the Aptos Academy - because of their demonstrated effectiveness.

Does the Aptos Academy offer any religious teachings?
No. The Aptos Academy believes that it is the parent's sole province to direct the instruction of their children in religion. The school is entirely non-sectarian. We do not and have not received money from religious institutions.

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, tolerance, 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 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 a cost of $7 per hour or $225 per month.

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, or the school van, are used for these field trips.

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. The Parent Association is a very active part in the school community.

Are the teachers credentialed?
Many of the teachers hold credentials, but 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.

What type of students are 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 first day of school.

What is the Tuition?
The tuition for the 2010-2011 Kindergarten through 8th grade school year is $9,250, payable in ten monthly installments. If tuition is paid in full by cash or check at the beginning of the year, a $275 (Approx. 3%) discount applies. A $500 deductible discount is available for second and third children.
The tuition for Pre-Kindergarten for the 2010-2011 school year is $9,750, also payable in ten monthly installments. A paid in full discount of $295 (Approx. 3%) is also available to full time Pre-Kindergarten students.

How can I enroll my child in The Aptos Academy?
The first step toward formal enrollment is to fill out an application and arrange a visit at the school for your child. We encourage a "Buddy Day" in which the student has the opportunity to see how the classes are run and meet other students and teachers. This also gives the school a chance to better know your child.

The next step is to meet with Meg Cross, Principal, who will review your application, answer any additional questions, and make enrollment arrangements. In addition to the interview and application, those students entering after 5th grade need two letters of recommendation.
A $375 nonrefundable enrollment fee is due by April 1st and will be applied to the $750 nonrefundable materials fee, the balance of which is due by May 1st. First and last month's tuition is due August 1st for new enrollees. A check is preferred, but MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are accepted.

Please call Juanita Reyes, Administrator, at (831) 688-1080, to schedule an appointment or should you have further questions.