Do you have questions? We’re here to answer them. We’ve listed responses to the questions we get most often, and if your question is not answered below, please feel free to reach out to us.
Is La Academia a public school?
Yes, La Academia is a public charter school located in the heart of Lancaster City. As a public charter La Academia is an independently-operated, public school.
What is a Public Charter School?
A charter school is a school that provides a high-quality education option to public school scholars, upholding high standards that meet and often exceed the district and state metrics
Is there any tuition?
No. La Academia Partnership Charter School is a tuition-free, public school.
What makes La Academia different?
La Academia is a small and safe learning environment where we build community through project based, work-based, cultural learning and dual language focus (English and Spanish).
What is Project Based Learning?
Project Based Learning (PBL) is scholar-centered, hands-on, and collaborative learning. Teachers challenge scholars to make real-world connections by solving complex problems and completing challenging projects. These activities go beyond the content to help our scholars build essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, collaboration, and communication.
What are your values?
Some of our main values are: Fostering a culture of inquiry and excellence, demonstrating respect for ourselves and others, embracing equity, inclusion and diversity and inspiring community engagement and collaboration, among others.
Who is eligible to attend La Academia Partnership Charter School?
Scholars in grades 6 through 12 in Lancaster County, PA.
Do you serve students with disabilities?
For our scholars with special needs, we focus on opportunities for meaningful inclusion, targeted remediation and intervention, and access to grade-level curriculum through specialized instruction
Is there an English language acquisition program for children who need it?
Yes. As part of the enrollment process, we apply a home language survey to each new scholar, to identify if they use another language at home, and if so, they will receive a WIDA test (World- Class Instructional Design and Assessment) and it depends on their results, they might attend a English Language Development class.
What is your average class size?
This varies by grade level, but a typical classroom has less than 20 scholars. For 6th grade, that could reach 25 scholars, the class is co-taught by two teachers, and scholars spend time working in smaller groups.
Does La Academia provide transportation?
No. Transportation should be provided by the school district where your zip code belongs to.
Do the scholars wear uniforms?
No. For more information, please check our Student Dress Code Policy.
What are the admissions requirements?
La Academia does not have admission requirements or entrance exams. Though if our school is in high demand and that demand exceeds the spaces available, the school may hold a randomized, blind lottery to determine which scholars are admitted.
What are the required documents to enroll my child?
We will need the following documents in order to enroll your child:
- Proof of birth for your child (birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or passport)
- Copy of your child’s immunization record
- Proof of residency (e.g. mortgage, lease, current utility bill dated within the last 30 days)
- Name, address, and telephone number of prior school, if applicable
- Withdrawal Form/Transcript from prior school
- IEP, if applicable
- If scholar is not residing with biological parent then we will need one of the following:
- Custody order
- Foster care paperwork
Does La Academia have sibling preference?
Yes, La Academia offers siblings of current scholars an “absolute preference”, which means that they will be offered a seat, so long as one is available. If there isn’t a seat available at the time of your application, your scholar will be placed at the front of the waitlist.
What happens if my child is placed on the waitlist?
Once a seat is available, the school will contact you via a variety of methods (phone, email, letter), but respond quickly to avoid missing your chance.
