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THE
BRONX
ARTS
COMMUNITY
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Frequently Asked Questions
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1) What are charter schools?
Charter schools are public schools that receive funding from the state on a per-student basis, but are independent of the local school districts. In exchange for this, charter schools are subject to increased accountability. Charter schools enter into a performance contract with the state based on organizational and student achievement outcomes. Charter schools are free to choose their own philosophy, mission and school design as long as they achieve the agreed upon outcomes. If they fail to deliver, they are closed. The first charter schools in New York State opened in the fall of 1999.
In New York State, charter schools are intended to increase the range of educational choices available to students, parents, and teachers. Like other public schools of choice, charter schools:
- may not charge tuition
- must comply with State mandated standards and assessment
- must adhere to federal and state special education laws
- must admit students through a random lottery that does not consider academic ability, race, or income level.
2) What are the highlights of the Bronx Arts educational plan?
Bronx Arts is founded on the principle that arts education is critical to the academic and social success of all students. At Bronx Arts, the arts are taught as individual subjects and are integrated throughout the traditional subject areas of reading, math, social studies, and science. In addition, children have the opportunity to learn from some of the premier artists and arts institutions in the world.
The curriculum in traditional subject areas at Bronx Arts will increase the mastery of concepts in literacy, science, mathematics and the humanities. Through instruction in all subject areas and the processes of making and analyzing art, our rich and rigorous curriculum builds fundamental academic skills as well as critical thinking, self-discipline, communications, and interpersonal relations.
For more information about the Education Plan, click here.
3) Who are the staff of Bronx Arts?
Bronx Arts is committed to hiring experienced and dedicated staff for all positions. We are proud of our diverse group of outstanding educators hired through a rigorous teacher selection process. In addition to our excellent teaching staff, students benefit from our large support staff which includes several certified special education instructors, an ESL teacher and a school psychologist. Bronx Arts prioritizes the professional growth of teachers, ensuring that the level of education provided at Bronx Arts will continually improve.
4) How does Bronx Arts meet the needs of Special Education students?
Bronx Arts complies with all special education laws and works with parents and the New York City Department of Education to develop and implement student IEPs. We are working towards an inclusion model that services special education students within the context of the regular education classroom. At present, most special education services are provided on a push-in basis. All Special Education instructors are certified and collaborate with classroom teachers to serve the needs of all our students within an inclusion framework.
5) How are families involved at Bronx Arts?
Bronx Arts operates on the conviction that to ensure academic and personal success, families must be active partners in their children's education. Families are involved in decision-making through representation on the Board of Trustees, Family Advisory Committee and School Leadership Team. In addition, meaningful volunteer opportunities exist for family members, the school has a family resource room, and Bronx Arts will support family members' own educational needs with a series of workshops.
6) How big is Bronx Arts?
Bronx Arts currently has 290 students in grades K-6. At each grade level there are two classes containing approximately 20 students each.
7) What is the school schedule?
The instructional day begin at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. The school opens for breakfast at 7:45 AM. The school calendar currently has 180 days, roughly mirroring the Department of Education's calendar.
8) Does Bronx Arts have a dress code?
Yes, our students wear customized Bronx Arts shirts and dark bottoms.
9) Where is Bronx Arts located?
The permanent home of Bronx Arts is a custom-designed building in Hunts Point, at 950 Longfellow Avenue. Architects, staff, parents, board members and community members participated in the design of the facility.
For our address and directions, click here.
10) Is transportation provided?
Bronx Arts receives transportation services through the Department of Education, following the same guidelines used for other public schools. Children who live outside of the Bronx receive metro-cards and children who live in the Bronx but more than 1/2 a mile away from the school receive school bus transportation. Special education students may be entitled to receive enhanced school bus transportation. Please note that eligibility for transportation is determined by the NYC Department of Education.
11) How does Bronx Arts ensure student safety?
Bronx Arts has a full-time security guard in order to provide a safe environment. Bronx Arts will take every precaution to ensure the safety of every one of its students. All staff will be screened as mandated by the NYC & NYS legislation.
12) What is the Bronx Arts code of conduct?
The educational plan for Bronx Arts includes establishing a school culture that creates high expectations for student behavior and fosters participation and ownership. As a result, we do not experience the many discipline problems seen in some other schools. We do, however, have a code of conduct that is based on the Bronx Arts operating principles.
13) Does Bronx Arts have after school programs?
The Bronx Arts school day ends at 3:10 p.m. Students have the option of participating in after school programming through The Point, Bronx Arts' official partner or other local after-school providers. Located near the school, The Point offers after school programs including homework help, theater/drama, dance, photography and reading/literacy. For more information, log on to The Point's website, www.thepoint.org.
14) How are students selected for Bronx Arts?
Bronx Arts selects students through a random lottery held every April. Priority is given to siblings of current students, but no other selection criteria is used. All applicants are given a spot either in the school or on the waitlist.
***NOTE: Bronx Charter School for the Arts shall not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin.
15) When are student enrollment applications due?
We are currently accepting applications for the 2008-09 school year. Applications for the 2008-09 school year will be accepted through March 31, 2008.
16) Can I apply to more than one Charter School?
Not only do you have the right to apply to as many charter schools as you wish, we encourage you to do so. Because charter schools admit students through lotteries, your chances of being offered admission increase when you apply to more than one school. You should, however, make every effort to learn about a school before you apply so that you are certain that the school will be a good fit for your child. For more information about charter schools in New York City, click here.
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