Q: What is a charter school? How is it different from a traditional public or private school?
A: Charter schools are public, state-funded schools that serve as alternatives to traditional public schools. Charter schools were created through legislation in 1994. Charter schools contract with a charter school sponsor or authorizer, usually a governmental agency, non-profit organization, or university, to provide an education service. They were founded to provide a learning environment that will improve pupil achievement and to provide additional academic choices for parents and students. Charter schools are not confined by the traditional geographic boundaries or problems that can sometimes come with being part of a larger district of a traditional public school nor are they attached to a church or religious ideology like many private schools. Source:https://asbcs.az.gov/parent-resources/about
Q: How do I enroll?
A: Enrolling is easy! You can fill out the online enrollment form here, or you prefer, you can print out a hard copy of the form and submit it in-person at one of our campuses. You will also need to provide a certified copy of the student’s birth certificate or other reliable proof of age and identity, proof of Arizona residency, and proof of immunization.
Q: What makes your school different?
A: At Academy of Tucson, we take pride in our ability to provide personalized learning in a small and safe environment. Unlike some other schools that focus solely on curriculum, we believe in offering a rigorous curriculum while also focusing on fostering interpersonal relationships between students and teachers and emphasizing the importance of good character.
Q: How can I learn more?
A: To learn more you can call one of our schools or you can email Holly Halstead, Director of Marketing and Recruitment at [email protected]!
Elementary School
Principal: Josh Hancock
Office Manager: Janina Anderson
9209 E. Wrightstown Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85715
(520)886-6076
Middle School
Principal: Willie Henry
Office Manager: Tracy Shaw
7310 E. 22nd St.
Tucson, AZ 85710
(520)749-1413
High School/ District Office
Principal: Michael Pavlich
Office Manager: Lisa Taylor
10720 E. 22nd St.
Tucson, AZ 85748
(520)733-0096
Q: What is your school’s mission?
A:The Academy of Tucson
will provide students with a quality education characterized by a sound college preparatory curriculum; a faculty of educated, respected, encouraging and caring teachers; a safe, supportive environment for learning and a communicative, accountable administration. The Academy of Tucson will prepare students for citizenship in a knowledge-based, global economy; a democratic, multicultural country; and a free, open society. The Academy of Tucson will graduate students who show respect for themselves and others; take responsibility for themselves; practice positive leadership; value educational preparation and lifelong learning; and become responsible, contributing citizens.
Q: Do charter schools charge tuition?
A: No, charter schools cannot charge tuition, so like a traditional public school, they are free to attend.
Q: Do charter schools have admission requirements?
A: No, charter schools are public schools so they are free and open to everyone. However, since space is limited, if more students request admission than there are spaces available, students may be placed on a waiting list until spaces become available.
Q: If charter schools are independent from the district, how are they held accountable?
A: Charter schools are actually more accountable to parents and students than conventional schools. Because they are governed by the parents, teachers, and administrators that make up the local school community, charters are directly accountable to the community they serve. Local governance allows the school community freedom to innovate and make decisions based on the needs of their students. Additionally, charter schools are reviewed for renewal every five
years by the State Charter Board, to ensure they have good academic results, and that they are operating in a fiscally and operationally responsible manner. Academy of Tucson Schools are overseen by a Board of Governors who meet regularly to discuss school operations and financial matters.
Q: Academy of Tucson Schools are accredited. What does this mean and why is it important?
A: The Academy of Tucson is accredited by AdvancED/Cognia Performance Accreditation. Accreditation is a voluntary measure of quality assurance developed more than 100 years ago by American universities and secondary schools and designed to distinguish schools adhering to a set of educational standards. In order to be accredited, a school must meet high standards, engage in continuous improvement, and demonstrate quality assurance through an external review. Academy of Tucson has been continually accredited since 1991 without deficiency. You can learn more about accreditation standards here.