General Questions
What is a charter school?
Charter schools are independently-operated, non-religious public schools founded by a group of parents, teachers and/or community leaders.
Charter schools meet the academic requirements and federal regulations as all traditional public schools and are also directly accountable to parents / guardians.
Charter schools are approved for operation by the local school district or a state authorizing board and function under a contract or “charter” with their authorizing body.
Under the terms of the approved contract, charter schools exchange increased autonomy for increased accountability. The philosophy and operation of a charter school are independent of the school district, reflecting the beliefs of the founding members. The charter operates with freedom from many of the local and state regulations that apply to traditional public schools.
NO TUITION is charged for attending a charter school. Charter school funding comes from state tax monies, grants and private donations.
Colorado charter schools are governed by the Colorado Department of Education. For more information, please visit the Colorado Department of Education website (www.cde.state.co.us/cdechart/faq.htm).
How does a charter school differ from a traditional public school?
Charter schools operate with increased autonomy in exchange for increased accountability. Charter schools are normally based on an educational philosophy absent or limited in the traditional public school setting. They have their own governing boards separate from the local board of education.
How long has Caprock Academy been open?
Caprock Academy opened its doors in July 2007.
What grades are served by Caprock Academy?
We currently serve grades K-11 for the 2011-2012 school year. We will serve grades K-12 for 2012-13 school year. Our first senior class will graduate in May 2013.
Does Caprock Academy charge tuition?
No, Caprock does not charge tuition for half day Kindergarten and grades 1-11. As a publicly-funded school under Colorado law, charter schools operate from the same Per Pupil Revenue formula as any traditional public school. There is a charge for full day Kindergarten ($300/mo. for 10 months).
Does Caprock Academy offer a hot lunch program?
At this time, Caprock Academy does not offer a hot lunch program and students bring sack lunches to eat in their classrooms.
Is there public transportation to Caprock Academy?
Transportation to and from school is the families’ responsibility; however, we support a carpool program organized and run by families. There is a Grand Valley transit bus stop about a mile south on F ¼ Road.
What social activities are offered to students in grades 6-12?
There are social activities such as dances, movie nights, clubs, sports, and community service projects.
Who are the administrators and staff?
Caprock Academy is dedicated to hiring passionate, highly qualified staff that fully supports the vision of this school. To see a listing of the staff, please go to the staff directory on the website.
Educational Program
What is Core Knowledge?
Core Knowledge is a solid, shared, specific, and sequenced core curriculum establishing strong foundations of knowledge grade by grade. You are invited to learn more from the Core Knowledge web site.
How are specific curricula chosen for Caprock Academy?
All curricula implemented into the Caprock Academy environment:
- Meets and furthers the vision and mission of the school
- Reflects Colorado educational standards
- Is scientifically researched with proven results.
For more information about curricula used at Caprock Academy, please go to the Caprock Essentials web page.
Does Caprock Academy support physical education, art, and music programs?
Yes, these are tenets of both Core Knowledge and a classical education.
Does Caprock Academy offer extra-curricular activities?
We support extra-curricular activities because they have been shown to increase academic and social achievement. All programs offered through Caprock Academy will be sponsored by a parent(s) and a staff member(s). For more information, please go to Student Extra- Curricular Activities webpage.
What does “accelerated” mean in the Caprock Academy environment?
We strive to help students achieve mastery of subjects ahead of state standards. Students usually accomplish more than peers in traditional settings over the same amount of time. We want to maximize the opportunities our students have for acquiring a strong foundation of knowledge early in their lives. We have also seen evidence in our five years of operation that students meet the expectations that are set, which are higher than in a traditional setting.
What is the class size?
We have one passionate, highly qualified teacher and one highly qualified educational assistant per approximately 28 students. Research has shown that academic achievement has less to do with the number of students per teacher and more to do with how passionate and qualified the teachers are.
Is Caprock Academy subject to standard assessments such as CSAP (now TCAP)?
All schools operating in Colorado are subject to the same standardized assessments. Our continued operation is contingent upon achieving acceptable testing scores. We will strive to exceed the state and local average in every area and at every level.
How does Caprock teach Creation/Evolution?
These are science questions that are addressed through researching scientific theory. Faith is a personal and familial responsibility.
How is reproduction taught?
The intent is to provide an optional after-school abstinence program. Science classes will address reproduction issues.
How is Religion and Faith addressed at the school?
Religion is part of a classical education as it studies religion as a part of history and culture. Faith is a personal and familial responsibility.
What other assessments does Caprock Academy implement?
We currently use DRA2 (Directed Reading Assessments) to assess students’ reading levels in grades K-3 as mandated by CBLA (Colorado Basic Literacy Act). We also use NWEA Map testing for grades K-10 to assess reading, language, math, and science knowledge. PLAN, EXPLORE, and ACT are administered to high school students. Curriculum embedded testing is another formal evaluation. Teacher observations are other tools used to assess a student’s skill set that is different from pen to paper testing and can offer another perspective on performance.
Are there opportunities for physical education?
Yes, students have at least 30 minutes of physical education daily.
What music opportunities are there?
As a classical Core Knowledge school, we have music class at least twice a week for grades 1 -8, once a week for kindergarten, and daily for high school as a way to meet their fine art requirement. Goal hour is an opportunity for students to further explore a particular talent, provided the school has the right mentor for that talent.
Why do you use placement testing?
All Caprock students prior to attending are assessed in math and reading for appropriate placement in flexible ability grouping. There is also a writing assessment for incoming high school students.
What is your starting age for Kindergarten?
Our current policy requires that a child be five years of age by September 15 of the current school year to enter Kindergarten.
Is there a centralized library?
Each K-8 home room has its own library of age appropriate materials based on a classical reading list. High school classrooms have their own libraries based their own discipline of study.
Is there a computer lab?
Caprock Academy has several mobile computer labs. The technology plan has mobile laptop carts for integral use in the classroom and for use of computer generated testing. The majority of teachers uses an interactive white board technology called Mimio and has projectors for their classrooms.
Students
Do students pay for books and materials?
Caprock Academy students will not need to pay for materials traditionally provided by public schools such as textbooks. Standard school supplies and fees normally associated with public school attendance are the only material costs for students. (Example: notebooks, extra-curricular activity fees)
What if my child is in an extra-curricular activity that requires frequent absences?
Students will be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities outside of the school day. The intent of Caprock Academy is to have extracurricular activities as time, interest, and space allow. Students will not be allowed to leave school early for practice, but will be excused from classes when there are games or competitions from other clubs. Students will be required to make up the work according to the excused absence policy.
Is there a dress code?
While there is not a single uniform requirement, there are colors and styles of clothing that must be worn to meet the dress code policy. Please see the school website for details.
Governance
Is Caprock a non-profit organization?
We received our 501 (C) 3 designation as a not-for-profit entity in March 2007.
Who serves on the Caprock Academy Board of Directors?
The Board of Directors is comprised of seven members. Three are community at large (non-parental) and four parent members. Please see the Board of Directors section of this web site, or read the Governance section of the charter application for more detail.
Enrollment
How are students enrolled in Caprock Academy?
As a public school, Caprock Academy is open to any student. However, final enrollment for kindergarten will be determined by a lottery process dependent upon the number of openings available. All other open seats will be filled by students who are on the wait list. For further information, please click on our Enroll Now banner.
Will there be a lottery every year?
There will be a lottery each year to populate the kindergarten classes. Once students are enrolled, they will remain enrolled until the student leaves.
What about sibling enrollment?
We feel it is important that all members of a family have the opportunity to attend Caprock Academy. If one student is selected, their siblings will have a preference for enrollment.
Will admission be determined by entrance exams?
Enrollment is determined solely by lottery or preferences. Placement assessments will be administered; however, an entrance exam is not a requirement for admittance.
Before / After Care
Is there an after school program for the kids?
Caprock Academy has enlisted the help of Solid Ground Child Care to provide before and after school enrichment programs to watch your children and help them grow, while you tend to your work schedule. It’s important for you to have a safe nurturing environment for you child at all times, even when you aren’t there.
For more information about Solid Ground Child Care, contact Tim Miller, Executive Director at 970-201-6669 or email him at Solidground714@yahoo.com or visit them online at: http://www.SolidGroundCC.net
