WHAT STUDENTS CAN ATTEND RISE ACADEMY

1) What students can attend Rise Academy-South Dade Charter School?
We are a tuition-free, public school open to all students. We are accepting applications for students who will be in Kindergarten, First Grade or Sixth Grade during the 2008/2009 school year. Kindergarteners must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2008.

2) Why are you only accepting students in grades K, 1 and 6?
We are committed to ensuring that all of our students receive an excellent, college preparatory education. In order to ensure that our students receive the best education possible, we are only opening with three grades and adding an additional two grades a year. During the 2009/2010 school year, we will have grades K-2 and 6-7 and we will continue to add two grades a year until we fully serve grades K-8. We feel that by opening small and growing slowly, we can ensure a high quality education for our students.

THE RISE ACADEMY DAY

1) What time does school start and end?
Our doors open at 7:30 AM every morning and school starts promptly at 8:00 AM. On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, school ends at 4:00 PM. On Friday, school ends at 1:30 PM with aftercare provided free of charge until 4:00 PM (when school normally ends). Because our school day is longer than traditional public schools, every child is provided a free healthy snack daily.

2) Why is your day longer than the other schools in the area?
Our day is longer because our students receive a rigorous, college preparatory education. Our day includes twice as much time for reading and math compared to traditional public schools. Additionally, our students have recess every day as well as classes like science, social studies, physical education, art and music.

3) Do you provide aftercare?
We do provide aftercare for a fee. This fee is sliding-scale and based on family income. Aftercare runs daily from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Aftercare is provided on Fridays from 1:30 to 4:00 PM for all students for free.

4) Are students assigned homework daily?
Yes. Our students are assigned homework every night, including on the weekends.

TRANSPORTATION

1) Does Rise Academy provide bus transportation to and from school?
No. Our parents must commit to driving their children to and from school every day or finding alternate transportation for their children (carpools, private transportation service, etc.). It is very important for all of our students to arrive on time every day.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

1) How does my child receive breakfast and lunch through the school?
A healthy and nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack are provided for students every day. Meal cost is dependent on family income. Students are allowed to bring breakfast, lunch and snack from home as long as it does not require refrigeration.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

1) Do you require uniforms?
Yes. All of our students must wear a Rise Academy shirt which can be purchased directly from the school (short sleeve and long sleeve shirts will be available), and khaki pants, shorts, skirts or jumpers. Elementary students must wear rubber-soled sneakers that do not squeak, skate or light up. Middle schools students must wear all black (no logos, writing or designs), rubber-soled sneakers with black laces and white or black socks (no logos). Middle school students are required to wear a belt with pants or shorts and keep their shirts tucked in at all times.