New Foundations Charter School: What To Know Before Applying In 2024

Are you considering applying to the New Foundations Charter School in 2024? It’s a school that’s gaining a lot of attention lately, so it’s worth looking into. But before you jump in and start filling out those forms, you should know a few things.

First off, let’s talk about what makes New Foundations different. It’s a charter school, which means it operates a bit differently from your traditional public school.

Charter schools like New Foundations tend to have a more specific focus or mission. In the case of New Foundations, they’re big on preparing students for college, which emphasizes things like critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. They also pride themselves on their diverse student body, with students from all backgrounds.

But of course, all of that sounds great on paper, but what’s it like to be a student there? To answer that question, we’ve got to look at what people who attend the school have to say about it.

Background Information on New Foundations Charter School

History

New Foundations Charter School was founded in 1998 by a group of parents and educators who were interested in creating a school that would provide students with a high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment. The School opened its doors in 2000 with just over 200 students in grades K-5.

Over the years, New Foundations has expanded its programs and facilities to meet the needs of its growing student body. In 2007, the School opened a middle school program, and in 2010, it opened a high school program. Today, New Foundations serves over 1,800 students in grades K-12.

In addition to its academic programs, New Foundations is known for its commitment to character education, community service, and extracurricular activities.

The School’s “whole child” approach to teaching is designed to help students develop into well-rounded individuals who are prepared for success in college and beyond.

New Foundations Charter School has received numerous awards and recognitions over the years for its academic excellence and innovative programs. It is consistently ranked as one of the top charter schools in the country.

See: Buffalo United Charter School: What to Know Before Applying in 2024

Grades and Programs Offered at New Foundations Charter School

New Foundations Charter School offers a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities for grades K-12. Here is a list of the grades and programs shown at the School:

Grades K-5:

• Elementary School Program (general education)
• Gifted Program
• Special Education Program
• English Language Learners Program

The Grades 6-8:

• Middle School Program (general education)
• Gifted Program
• Special Education Program
• English Language Learners Program

Grades 9-12:

• High School Program (general education)
• Advanced Placement (AP) Program
• Dual Enrollment Program (with local colleges and universities)
• Special Education Program
• English Language Learners Program

Extracurricular Activities:

• Athletics (basketball, soccer, volleyball, track and field, cross country)
• Performing Arts (theater, dance, choir)
• Clubs and Organizations (robotics, debate, student government, yearbook, service clubs)

New Foundations Charter School also offers various support services for students, including counseling, academic support, and college and career readiness programs.

Unique Features of New Foundations Charter School

New Foundations Charter School offers several unique features that set it apart from other schools. Here are some of its notable features:

• Focus on Character Education: New Foundations Charter School places a strong emphasis on character education, intending to develop students who are not only academically successful but also have strong values, ethics, and a sense of social responsibility.
• “Whole Child” Approach: The School takes a holistic approach to education, focusing on developing each student’s academic, emotional, and social skills. This approach is designed to help students become well-rounded individuals prepared for success in all areas of life.
• Community Service: New Foundations Charter School encourages students to give back to their communities through various service projects and volunteer opportunities. This helps students develop empathy and compassion while also making a positive impact on their communities.
• Extracurricular Activities: The School offers various extracurricular activities, including athletics, performing arts, and clubs and organizations. This allows students to explore their interests and develop new skills outside the classroom.

The School’s unique features provide a well-rounded and supportive environment that helps students develop into responsible, successful, and compassionate individuals.

New Foundations Charter School Admission Process

Eligibility Requirements

New Foundations Charter School is a public school open to all students residing in Pennsylvania. However, there are some eligibility requirements that applicants must meet to be considered for admission. They are-

• Residency: Applicants must reside within the state of Pennsylvania. Proof of living may be required during the application process.
• Age: Applicants must meet the age requirements for the grade level they are applying to. For kindergarten, students must be five years old by September 1st of the year they enroll. First-grade students must be six years old by the same date.
• Application: Applicants must submit a completed application by the stated deadline. Applications are typically available in the fall of each year for the following school year.
• Admissions Lottery: If the number of applications received exceeds the available seats, an admissions lottery may be held to determine which students are admitted. The lottery is conducted randomly, with all eligible applicants having an equal chance of being selected.
• Prior Behavior: Students with severe disciplinary issues may be disqualified from admission. New Foundations Charter School has a zero-tolerance policy for violence and drug-related offenses.

It is important to note that New Foundations Charter School does not discriminate in its admissions process based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Also, see: Brooklyn Prospect Charter School: What To Know Before Applying In 2024

Application Process

The application process for New Foundations Charter School involves several steps. Here is an overview of the process:

• Obtain an Application: Applications for the upcoming school year are typically available in the fall. You can obtain an application by visiting the School’s website, calling the admissions office, or visiting the School in person.
• Complete the Application: The application will require basic information about the student, including their name, age, address, and grade level they are applying for. The application may also require additional information, such as academic history and extracurricular activities.
• Submit the Application: Once you complete this, it must be submitted by the stated deadline. You can submit applications online, by mail, or in person.
• Attend an Admissions Meeting: Applicants and their parents or guardians may be required to attend an admissions meeting with a school representative. The meeting may involve an interview with the student, a review of the student’s academic record, and a discussion of the School’s programs and expectations.
• Wait for Admission Decision: Once the application and admissions meeting are complete, applicants must wait for the School to decide on their admission. An admissions lottery may be held if the number of applications received exceeds the available seats.
• Enroll in the School: If you get admission, the final step is enrolling there. This may involve completing additional paperwork, providing proof of residency, and paying any necessary fees.

Adhering to the stated deadlines and providing accurate information on the application are also essential to avoid any delays or complications.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for New Foundations Charter School varies from year to year, but it typically falls in the winter or early spring before the start of the upcoming school year. It is essential to check the School’s website or contact the admissions office to confirm the specific deadline for the year.

It is recommended that applicants submit their application well in advance of the deadline to ensure that it is processed on time. Only on-time applications may be considered case-by-case, but there is no guarantee that they will be accepted.

New Foundations Charter School Curriculum and Instruction

Curriculum and Instruction at New Foundations Charter School

New Foundations Charter School’s curriculum and instruction are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for college and career success.

• Core Curriculum: New Foundations Charter School’s core curriculum includes English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. It is aligned with Pennsylvania state standards and designed to provide students with a strong foundation in these subject areas.
• Specialized Programs: In addition to the core curriculum, New Foundations Charter School offers a variety of specialized programs, including world languages, technology, art, music, physical education, and health. These programs are designed to provide students with a diverse range of learning experiences and to help them develop their talents and interests.
• Instructional Methods: New Foundations Charter School uses direct instruction, small group work, and project-based learning. Teachers use a variety of instructional strategies to meet all learners’ needs and help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Technology Integration: New Foundations Charter School integrates technology into the curriculum to enhance learning and to prepare students for the digital world. Students can access various technology tools, including iPads, laptops, and interactive whiteboards.
• Assessment and Evaluation: New Foundations Charter School uses various reviews to evaluate student progress and inform instruction. These assessments include standardized tests, teacher-created tests, projects, and portfolios. The School also uses data to make decisions about curriculum and education and identify improvement areas.

Focus on STEAM Education

New Foundations Charter School strongly emphasizes STEAM education, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. An overview of how the School focuses on STEAM education bare below-

• Curriculum Integration: The STEAM subjects are integrated into the School’s core curriculum, ensuring that students regularly have exposure to these subjects. For example, students might apply math and science knowledge to engineering challenges or use technology to create digital art projects.
• Specialized Programs: In addition to the core curriculum, New Foundations Charter School offers a variety of technical STEAM programs, such as robotics, coding, and digital media. These programs allow students to develop skills in these areas and explore potential career paths.
• STEAM Clubs and Competitions: The School offers a range of STEAM clubs and competitions, such as the robotics club and the MathCounts competition. These clubs and competitions allow students to pursue their interests and develop skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.
• STEAM Integration Across Grades: STEAM education is not limited to specific grade levels or programs at New Foundations Charter School. Instead, it is integrated across all grades and schedules, ensuring all students are exposed to these critical subjects.
• Partnerships: New Foundations Charter School partners with local businesses, universities, and organizations to provide students with real-world STEAM experiences. For example, students might visit a local university to participate in a science workshop or work with a local business to develop a marketing campaign.

New Foundations Charter School reflects the School’s commitment to preparing students for the future. By integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into the curriculum and providing specialized programs and opportunities, the School ensures that students have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Extracurricular activities

New Foundations Charter School offers a variety of extracurricular activities that allow students to explore their interests and develop their skills outside of the classroom. Here are some examples of the extracurricular activities available at the School:

• Athletics: New Foundations Charter School offers a range of athletic programs, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, and track and field. Students can try out for these teams and compete against other schools in the area.
• Clubs and Organizations: There are a variety of clubs and organizations available to students at New Foundations Charter School. These clubs cover a range of interests, such as drama, chess, robotics, debate, and student government.
• Service Learning: New Foundations Charter School encourages students to engage in service learning projects, such as volunteering at local non-profit organizations or participating in environmental initiatives. These projects allow students to develop leadership skills and contribute to their community.
• Performing Arts: The School offers various performing arts programs, such as band, choir, and theater. Students can audition for these programs and participate in performances throughout the year.
• Enrichment Programs: New Foundations Charter School offers a variety of enrichment programs that allow students to explore new topics and develop new skills. For example, students can participate in coding camps, entrepreneurship workshops, or summer reading programs.

Students are to participate in these activities to enhance their learning experience and prepare them for college and beyond.

Also, see: Woodmont Charter School: What To Know Before Applying

Student Life at New Foundations Charter School

Student Demographics

New Foundations Charter School has a diverse student population that reflects the demographics of its surrounding communities. Here are some key statistics about the student demographics at the School:

• Racial and Ethnic Diversity: As of the 2020-2021 school year, the student body at New Foundations Charter School was 52% White, 23% Black or African American, 11% Asian, 7% Hispanic or Latino, and 7% other.
• Gender Distribution: The student body at New Foundations Charter School is roughly evenly split between males and females, with 50.4% of students identifying as male and 49.6% identifying as female.
• Special Education: Approximately 11% of New Foundations Charter School students receive special education services, which aligns with the state average.
• English Language Learners: About 1% of New Foundations Charter School students are English Language Learners, which is lower than the state average.
• Free and Reduced Lunch: Approximately 30% of New Foundations Charter School students qualify for free or reduced lunch, which is lower than the state average.

Student Support Services

New Foundations Charter School provides various support services to help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Here are some examples of the student support services available at the School:

• Counseling Services: New Foundations Charter School offers counseling services to help students address any emotional or social concerns. The School has licensed counselors on staff who provide individual and group counseling sessions.
• Special Education Services: The School provides special education services to students with disabilities. These services include individualized education plans (IEPs), accommodations, and modifications to help students succeed in the classroom.
• English Language Learners (ELL) Services: New Foundations Charter School supports students learning English as a second language. The School has bilingual staff and provides language development services to help ELL students improve their English language skills.
• Academic Support: The School offers educational support services to help students succeed in their classes. These services include tutoring, after-school programs, and study skills workshops.
• Health Services: The School has a nurse on staff who provides essential health services to students, such as first aid and medication administration. The School also partners with local health providers to offer additional health services like dental and vision screenings.

School Culture and Community

Some key features of the School’s culture and community are-

• Positive School Climate: New Foundations Charter School has a positive school climate based on respect and support for all students. The School has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment and promotes a culture of kindness, empathy, and inclusion.
• Parent and Family Involvement: The School encourages parent and family involvement in education. It holds regular parent-teacher conferences, hosts family events and workshops, and communicates openly with families.
• Student Leadership: New Foundations Charter School provides opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and take on leadership roles. Students can participate in student government, clubs, and other extracurricular activities that promote leadership and community involvement.
• Community Partnerships: The School partners with local businesses, organizations, and community groups to provide students with real-world learning experiences and opportunities and to support the School’s academic and extracurricular programs.
• Celebrating Diversity: New Foundations Charter School celebrates and embraces diversity in all forms. The School hosts cultural events and activities to promote awareness and appreciation for different cultures and backgrounds.

The School’s core values of respect, responsibility, and readiness are evident in all aspects, from the classroom to extracurricular activities and community partnerships.

Faculty and Staff of New Foundations Charter School

Overview of Faculty and Staff at New Foundations Charter School

Here are some key features of the faculty and staff at New Foundations Charter School:

• Highly Qualified Teachers: The School employs highly qualified teachers who are certified in their subject areas and have extensive experience in education. Many teachers hold advanced degrees and participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest teaching practices and techniques.
• Supportive Staff: Besides the teaching staff, New Foundations Charter School has a supportive team that includes guidance counselors, administrators, and other support staff. These staff members work together to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed academically and socially.
• Dedicated Leadership: The School’s leadership team is committed to providing all students with a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment. They work closely with faculty, staff, and families to develop and implement programs and initiatives that support student success.
• Collaboration and Professional Development: The faculty and staff at New Foundations Charter School collaborate regularly and participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to improve their teaching and support practices. They work together to develop and implement curriculum and instructional strategies that meet the diverse needs of students.
• Student-Centered Approach: The faculty and staff at New Foundations Charter School prioritize a student-centered approach to education. They work to create a supportive and engaging learning environment that fosters student growth and development.

They work together to create a supportive, engaging learning environment that fosters student growth and success.

Emphasis on Teacher Qualifications and Exposure

New Foundations Charter School strongly emphasizes teacher qualifications and exposure to ensure that its students receive the highest quality education possible.

• Ongoing Professional Development: The School offers endless professional development opportunities for its teachers to help them stay current with the latest teaching practices and techniques. Teachers participate in regular workshops, training sessions, and conferences to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Teacher Collaboration: The School encourages teacher collaboration to promote best practices in teaching and learning. Teachers work together in grade-level and subject-area teams to develop and implement curriculum and instructional strategies that meet the diverse needs of students.
• Classroom Observations: The School conducts regular classroom observations to provide teachers with feedback and support to improve their teaching practices. School administrators and other experienced teachers run comments.
• Exposure to Best Practices: The School exposes its teachers to best practices in education by providing them with opportunities to attend conferences, participate in professional development activities, and learn from experts in the field.

The School’s commitment to ongoing professional development, teacher collaboration, and exposure to best practices helps to promote student achievement and success.

See Also: Pembroke Pines Charter High School: What To Know Before Applying

Parent Involvement at New Foundations Charter School

Importance of Parent Involvement at New Foundations Charter School

Parent involvement is essential to the educational experience at New Foundations Charter School. The School recognizes the importance of parent involvement in promoting student success and has established several programs and initiatives to encourage parents to become involved in their child’s education. Some key features of the School’s approach to parent involvement are-

• Parent-Teacher Conferences: The School schedules regular parent-teacher conferences to allow parents to meet with their child’s teachers to discuss academic progress, goals, and concerns. These conferences help establish open communication between parents and teachers and ensure parents are informed about their child’s education.
• Parent Volunteer Programs: The School encourages parents to participate in school activities by offering several volunteer programs. Parents can volunteer in the classroom, assist with school events, and participate in fundraising activities.
• Parent Education Workshops: The School offers parent education workshops on various topics, such as parenting skills, college readiness, and technology safety. These workshops provide parents with valuable information and resources to support their child’s education.
• Parent Advisory Council: The School has a Parent Advisory Council, composed of parents who work with school administrators and staff to improve the School’s programs and initiatives. This council provides parents with a voice in school decision-making and fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration.
• Parent Communication: The school communicates openly with parents through regular newsletters, email updates, and social media. This communication helps to keep parents informed about school activities, events, and other important information.

Opportunities for Parent Involvement at New Foundations Charter School

New Foundations Charter School offers many opportunities for parent involvement, recognizing that parents play a vital role in their child’s education and success. Some examples of the different ways parents can get involved at the School:

• Parent-Teacher Association (PTA): The PTA is a volunteer organization supporting the School’s educational and extracurricular programs. Parents can join the PTA and participate in fundraising events, community outreach programs, and other activities.
• Classroom Volunteering: Parents can volunteer in their child’s classroom, assisting teachers with reading, arts and crafts, and field trips. Classroom volunteering helps parents stay involved in their child’s education and build strong relationships with their child’s teacher.
• Parent Advisory Council: The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of parents who meet regularly with school administrators to discuss issues and concerns related to the School. The PAC provides feedback on school policies and initiatives and liaisons parents and school staff.
• School Events: Parents can attend and volunteer at school events such as School plays, concerts, and sporting events. Volunteering at school events allows parents to meet other parents and become more involved in the school community.
• Parent Education Workshops: The School offers workshops for parents on topics such as college readiness, bullying prevention, and internet safety. These workshops provide parents valuable information and resources to support their child’s education.

The School recognizes that parent involvement is critical to student success and encourages parents to participate in various ways.

FAQs

Conclusion

If you’re considering New Foundations Charter School for your child’s education, you make a wise choice. With a rigorous academic program, a commitment to character development, and a supportive community, New Foundations offers a unique educational experience that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

By taking the time to carefully consider the School’s mission, programs, and application process, you can ensure that you’re making the best choice for your child’s future. We wish you and your family the best of luck in your educational journey with New Foundations Charter School!

References

• newfoundations.org– Parents
• indeed.com– New Foundations Charter School
• movoto.com– New Foundations C.S
• applitrack.com– New Foundations Charter School

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