Have you ever bought something and had regrets because it did not live up to the advertisement?

Something interesting happened today. A parent stopped me in the car line and raised a question and made a few statements regarding charter schools.   It is very well known a new Charter school is opening in Temple Terrace this fall. Here is some information you might consider.  If you look up charter schools in Florida on the internet, it says the following-“Charter schools are public schools of choice.”

In that statement there is nothing that hints or implies that they are “private” schools and yet often in their advertisements there is an implication of having a “private” school environment. This would mean “all the conditions” of a private school environment are present in a charter school. In actuality, charter schools are public schools with public school environments. Too often we read something or hear something and we wish it was true rather than rationally work through the facts. This is why it is so important to know the values in which the charter school is built on.

Being a “private school”, we are able to insist on the values students are to abide by in the school.  In addition you can be confident that our teachers support the Christ-like values you want from FCA. All of this has a major effect on the culture, climate, and environment. We are able to “control the conditions” to have an amazing private school environment that does not exist in charter schools. Charter schools do not have this luxury.

Christ-like values are expected at FCA. We should give thanks to God for schools such as Florida College Academy.

Sometimes we take rich blessings for granted until we no longer are able to enjoy them. Florida College Academy is a very unique school. If your children have only attended here, you might not be aware of how different it really is. For those of us who have worked in a variety of educational settings, FCA is definitely an oasis. All of the employees are Christians, on a one-year contracts, and make sacrifices to work for you and your student. The curriculum and culture of the school do not violate the values of the parents. And last but not least, I know of no other school whose climate rivals FCA. This does not imply there are not good schools in the area, but what really matters to those who want their children in a safe setting in every aspect of life, will not be found in charter schools or public schools.

Many of you have sacrificed financially for the reassurance that your children are in the best environment. As I have said many times, we are not perfect and we continually work to improve anyway we can.  Thank you for placing your children at FCA. May we count our many blessings.

No School Monday, March 28

Please remember there is no school this Monday, March 28, 2011.  This also means there will be no After Care.

Procrastination and Registering for 2011-2012

We continue to give tours and register new families for next year. It would behoove all to not procrastinate in completing your registration for next year to secure a spot. We have a number of very nice applicants for 9^th grade. Pre-K is now full for next year.

We recognize there are numerous options for you as parents regarding where to place your children. Choices exist among public, private and charter schools.

New schools will open from time to time. Even this next year, there may very well be a new school in the area.  A year ago, we heard of a new school opening near Temple Terrace and it did not make it. Certainly anything new causes excitement and discussion. It doesn’t matter if it is a new outfit, a new car, or a new house. With anything new, there is also the danger of impulse buying. Once we cut through the excitement of something new, there are a few things to consider. This is certainly true with new schools.

• Who are the teachers  the school will employ?  With a new school, this can be a serious unknown.
• What are the Core Values of the new school? It really does not matter what is written on paper, it matters what is written on the hearts of those who work there. It is critical to know if the faculty is on the same page and united.
• If the principal has not been hired as of yet, will the experience or inexperience of the principal be such to unite the faculty and influence the Core Values in the school?
• What strategies will be used to unite the students in reference to values, not school spirit such as a sporting event, but values? I know of schools this year where there have been weapons, gang fights and boys setting bathrooms on fire. Rules do not shape a culture or values. Neither does instilling a set of values that all live by.
• The price? Some schools do not have a financial cost.  But there can be a great cost to the child. Placing a child in an environment with no history on the teacher, the staff, the administration or the students that make up the school or your child’s class is a serious roll of the dice.
• FCA is a state accredited school with teachers who are seriously dedicated and live by a set of core values which are based upon the Word of God. Chapel is a vital time of the day where students are able to express their love of God and not be embarrassed by the expression of their faith publicly. Students are safe and bullying is not the rule but the rare exception. On a national assessment with national norms, our school exceeds the norm by 1.7 years to 2.0 years. This is astounding. The minimal disruptions, small pupil teacher ratio, and the safe learning environment goes a long way in creating the unique environment enjoyed by all at FCA.

Thank you for making the financial sacrifice to have your child at FCA.