What is a “Charter School?”

A “Charter School” is a school that is formed through a public/private partnership.  It is believed that such partnerships will create a more supportive learning environment, use innovative teaching techniques and greater parental/guardian participation and involvement to improve student learning.

What is the Whole Child Charter Academy?

The Whole Child Charter Academy is a 501C3, not-for-profit corporation, started by a group of primarily retired public school teachers and administrators along with other concerned members of the Daytona Beach community who believe in the ability of every child to learn and excel.  WCCA is committed to producing students who not only attain the highest educational achievements and who are also well rounded and socially, morally, mentally and physically fit.

Where do the funds to operate the school come from?

Charter schools receive funds from several sources: state education (tax) dollars at the same rate as public schools; federal, state and private grants; private businesses that share the vision.

Do I have to pay tuition?

Charter schools, like other public schools, are prohibited from charging tuition. Remember, charter schools receive state education (tax) dollars.

How are students enrolled?

Parents who wish to enroll their student in Whole Child need to complete our quick and easy application.

What are the qualifications of your teachers?

WCCA will only employ teachers who meet the qualifications determined by the State of Florida and who accept and support the WCCA vision and philosophy.

Where are you located?

The Whole Child Charter Academy is currently in negotiations for a permanent site that is conveniently located and provides easy access for parents and guardians.

What makes Whole Child so special?

Our name says it all!  We are concerned and committed to the “whole child.”  We are concerned about more than just our students’ educational achievements.  We are also committed to our students’ emotional, moral and social development.  Everyone associated with WCCA has to display a heart for children, a sincere belief that all children are valuable and share our vision that all children are “gifted learners” with the ability to learn with confidence and excel above the average.

Do charter schools take resources from the public school system?

There is much confusion out there about charter schools.  So, let us be very clear.  Charter schools do not take money from the public school system because charter schools are part of the public school system!

What if my child has special needs?

Whole Child will do everything within our power to do more that just accommodate “special needs.”  We include such students in our definition of “gifted learners.”

Will WCCA students be required to wear uniforms?

Students who attend WCCA will be required to wear uniforms.  WCCA believes that uniforms will reduce the amount of money that has to be spent on school clothing, promotes a feeling of community and eliminates an area that can too often leads to unhealthy and unnecessary competition.

What was the position of Whole Child concerning the closing of Bonner Elementary?

The organizers of Whole Child have all lived or worked in our community for many years.  Many are former public school teachers and administrators.  We very publicly and repeatedly shared that we supported keeping Bonner open to teach the next generation of children.

How will my child get to and from WCCA?

WCCA has contracted with the Volusia County School district to provide bus transportation for all students who live beyond the minimum 2-mile radius.  Of course, any parent is free to make other arrangements.  In time, WCCA may be able to provide transportation for students who live within the 2-mile radius.

What meals are served?

We anticipate that most students who attend WCCA will meet the federal guidelines to receive a nutritious and balanced breakfast and lunch at a reduced charge or no charge.

What grades will WCCA serve?

During our first academic year (2009-2010), WCCA will serve up to 360 students in kindergarten to 3^rd grade; in the 2010-2011academic year the 4^th grade will be added and in the 2011-2012 year the 5^th grade will be added.

What is the WCCA philosophy of teaching?

The philosophy of WCCA is that every child is gifted, capable of learning and excelling!  We believe that every child can and will rise to our challenge to be the best!

What are the responsibilities of parents?

An aspect that makes Charter schools different is that we have the option of placing specific “requirements” on our students’ parents.  WCCA expects each parent/guardian to enter into a covenantal relationship with the school.  Each child must have at-least one parent or guardian who is active in the Whole Child Charter Academy (Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and who regularly volunteers at the school.  Most importantly, WCCA expects parents and guardians to show genuine concern for their child’s education and ensure that the learning environment is supported and maintained in the home.

What if it is discovered that my child has needs that are beyond the responsibility of the teacher?

Such needs, when determined, will be referred, as is most appropriate to the WCCA Guidance Counselor, school nurse, school social worker, school psychologist and/or tutorial staff.

What are the after-school academies?

In order to provide each child with a well rounded educational experience that extends beyond just “reading, writing and arithmetic” WCCA students can be enrolled in one or more of our after-school academies.  These academies are still being organized, but are expected to include the following:

Do WCCA students still have to take the FCAT?

Because WCCA is just like every other public school, WCCA students will have to take and pass the FCAT.  Know this: WCCA is not afraid of the FCAT and we don’t want you or our students to be afraid of the FCAT either.  It is the expectation and intent of WCCA to adequately prepare each student to take the FCAT during the course of the regular learning day and, when necessary, with effective test taking skills taught during one of our after-school academies.  WCCA believes that when done with the proper motivation; test like the FCAT offer an effective tool to assess student knowledge, progress, strengths and deficiencies.  WCCA also joins with those who reject the notion that any one high stakes test should be the sole, determining factor in whether a student is allowed to continue on to the next grade.

How many students will be in each class?

WCCA believes that a lower student-to-teacher ratio is best and provides a better learning environment.  WCCA is committed to complying with the State of Florida class size requirements and to limit each class to 18 or fewer students.  This would be our objective even if the law is changed to allow for more students per class/teacher.

What if I’m dissatisfied with the school?

We fully expect the educational environment and opportunities offered by WCCA will meet your highest expectations and we will do everything in our power to address all of your concerns.  However, should you find it necessary to move your child to another school within the District, the same rules that apply to any student wishing to transfer from any public school also applies to transferring from the Whole Child Charter Academy.

What if I’m not comfortable with my own knowledge or ability to help my child with doing homework?

WCCA is committed to helping you to establish the school’s learning environment in your home.  WCCA will provide you ahead of time with the materials that will allow you to prepare for the lessons that your child will eventually receive.  WCCA will also have an academy for parents, to prepare you to be a teaching partner with the classroom teacher.

Is Whole Child in this just for the money?

Teaching has to be a calling if it is going to be most successful.  Teaching has to be a love!  While we intend to pay our teachers and staff a good wage, no one associated with Whole Child is seeking to become rich at the expense of our children. 

Why should I entrust my child to the staff of WCCA?

We pray that you will see that every teacher, teacher’s aide, classroom volunteer and every member of the WCCA staff and Board of Directors is committed to nurturing your child as an individual with a unique set of talents and limitless possibilities.  You will be more than satisfied with the education that your child receives at Whole Child and with the growth that your child will experience in these importance areas of her or his life. 

What do I have to do to enroll my child in the Whole Child Charter Academy?

We look forward to talking with you and begin the process of welcoming your child into the Whole Child learning environment.  Just stop by our recruitment and enrollment office at 320 Orange Avenue, between Seagrave Avenue and Ridgewood, on the North-West corner, diagonally across the street from the Daytona Beach City offices.