NYOS Charter School: What to Know Before Applying in 2023

More than 1,600 children in grades PreK–12 attend the public charter school NYOS, or Not Your Ordinary School, which is tuition-free. NYOS frequently receives favorable ratings from TEA, Niche, and US News & World Report for their educational model, which includes small class sizes, greater teacher autonomy, and a year-round schedule.

From PreK-3 kids to high school seniors, NYOS serves a diverse group of students. The student body is diverse by design, representing the wide range of backgrounds present in the Austin area neighborhoods, thanks to the lottery admittance process.

The household of NYOS children speaks 29 different languages, and the demographics have more students in Austin. NYOS also receives Title I funding.

In this article, we will provide useful information to parents and students who are considering applying to the Charter School in 2023.

History of NYOS Charter School

Not Your Ordinary School, or NYOS Charter School, is a free, public charter school that was established in 1998 by a group of parents who want more for their children’s education in Austin Texas. The ability to serve more than 1,600 children in PreK through 12th grade is a result of their dedication to our students, staff, and academic performance.

They teach students as a whole at NYOS Charter School and promote a cooperative Pre-K–12 program that pushes every student with demanding academics, cutting-edge techniques, and expectations for civic engagement.

Students in Austin, Texas, have received an exceptional public education from this notable school. NYOS Charter School has increased from 120 kids in grades K–7 to over 1,400 students in classes PreK–12 thanks to their dedication to students, staff, and academic success.

Additionally, they put a lot of effort into developing an atmosphere that maximizes student overall accomplishment. Small class sizes, field-based experiences, research-based professional development, and a dedication to the requirements of each student help to maximize student learning. Teachers continuously assess student progress and make use of data to inform curriculum and instruction.

Unique Features on NYOS

What sets NYOS apart from the norm? The school’s design prioritizes these four areas:

• Classes at NYOS are small; the maximum enrollment is 20.
• Every week, there are seven hours under the supervision of the teacher—almost a full day.
• Students have the same teacher for two years in two-year loops.
• A year-round timetable makes the school year more manageable for employees and establishes a better pace for learning.  

How Do I Apply to NYOS Charter School in 2023?

Since 1998, the charter school known as Not Your Ordinary School (NYOS) has been operating.

The NYOS enrollment process is based on a lottery. By applying, every student has the same chance to enroll in NYOS.

NYOS creates its waiting list for the following academic year every spring. Applications are numbered in the order they are pulled and are randomly chosen for each opening at each grade level.

The student application requires an Austin area home address located in one of the following school districts for the application to be eligible for the annual lottery: Austin ISD, Bastrop ISD, Coupland ISD, Del Valle ISD, Eanes ISD, Elgin ISD, Hays CISD, Hutto ISD, Georgetown ISD, Jarrell ISD, Lago Vista ISD, Lake Travis ISD, Leander ISD, Manor ISD, Pflugerville ISD, Round Rock ISD, Smithville ISD, and Taylor ISD.

Please be aware that waiting spots are added for applications received AFTER the lottery date. NYOS holds applications for two consecutive school years, therefore your application will also be added to the lottery for the following year.

Here is where you can submit a student application:

• Student Application
• Solicitud del Estudiante

Application Process Breakdown

Before the deadline, you should complete the student’s SchoolMint application. The deadline to apply to NYOS Charter School is early February.

You will be notified by SchoolMint in March regarding the date of the lottery and whether your child has gotten an offer or has been added to the waitlist.

You will have 48 hours to decide whether to accept or reject a position if your student receives an offer of acceptance.

Complete the registration for new students.

See also: Lake Norman Charter School: What to know before Applying in 2023

How Does the Waitlist Work?

Students’ place on the waitlist varies every year. For instance, your student can be number 23 on the waitlist during the first year, the following year, he might rank number 4 or 50.

For each year you want to be considered for enrolment, apply.

They base the admission decisions on the precedence given to siblings or offspring of current NYOS students or staff. For instance, a student will be given preference over a new student if they have siblings already enrolled at NYOS or if they are a staff member’s child. The administration will inform the following student in line about the opening if there are no siblings or staff members’ kids already on the waiting list.

What is the Eligibility Requirement for Acceptance into Pre-Kindergarten?

For three and four-year-olds who meet the eligibility standards, the preschool program is federally supported. All prekindergarten pupils must also fulfill at least one of the following requirements:

• Be unable to communicate in and understand English.
• Be an educationally disadvantaged student, which makes them eligible for the federal free or reduced-price meal program.
• Fall under the definition of homelessness outlined in 42 U.S.C. Section 1143a, regardless of where the kid resides with either parent, with a guardian, or with another individual who has legal custody of the child.
• Have a parent who is an active duty member of the US military, including the state armed forces, or a reserve component of the military, who has been called to active service by the appropriate authority;
• Have a parent who was killed or injured while on active duty in the United States armed forces, including state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces;
• Currently or formerly be under the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) custody as a result of an adversary hearing conducted following Section 262.201 of the Family Code;
• Be the child of a recipient of the Star of Texas Award who was critically hurt or died while performing their duty as a peace officer (3106.002), firefighter (3106.003), or emergency medical first responder (3106.004).

Education and Curriculum at NYOS Charter School in 2023

In addition to the demanding academics you would anticipate from NYOS Charter School, they also provide a variety of specialized courses and distinctive electives to widen our scholars’ horizons.

Curriculum For Middle School Courses

The middle school curricula provided by NYOS meet and beyond the standards established by the Texas Education Agency. A typical day for a student in middle school:

Grade Six

• Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• World Cultures
• Physical Education
• 6th Grade Tech Applications
• Brainpower

Seventh Grade

• Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Texas History
• Physical Education
• Elective
• Brainpower

Eighth Grade

• Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• US History through Reconstruction
• Health/ Professional Communication
• Principles of Arts A/V Technology and Communications OR Computer Science I
• Computer Science I requires Algebra 1 as a corequisite
• Elective / LOTE (World Language)

Elementary Specials

• Spanish
• Music
• Art
• PE & Wellness
• Library

Middle School Electives

• Technology Applications
• Digital Design
• Computer Science
• Science Olympiad
• Guitar
• Theatre Arts
• Visual Arts

High School Electives

• Journalism
• Debate
• Peer Assistance and Leadership (PALs)
• Yoga
• Graphic Design
• Commercial Photography
• Audio and Video Production
• Theatre Arts
• Studio Art
• Science Olympiad
• Spanish
• American Sign Language
• Music Theory
• Rock Band

Are there Extra curriculum Activities?

NYOS gives students a variety of options for extending their education outside of the classroom. For students in grades K–8, we collaborate with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Austin to offer after-school programming. Through this program, NYOS can close academic gaps and develop better bonds between teachers, students, and parents from an early age. In addition, regular field-based study trips, service-learning initiatives, and domestic and international travel led by NYOS teachers help students at all grade levels relate their classroom learning to the real world.

Elementary Clubs And Extracurricular Activities:

Art History Club

Open to children in fourth and fifth grades, the art history club allows students to create their works of art while learning about the historical significance of art, from cave paintings to modern art. This group meets in Ms. Hefner’s classroom (Room 166) on Wednesdays from 3:40 to 4:40 PM. Please email Ms. Hefner at mhefner@nyos.org with any inquiries.

Athletics

The upper elementary kids at NYOS have access to an athletics program that includes basketball, cheerleading, flag football, soccer, and volleyball for the 4th and 5th graders.

Chess Club

Gary Gaiffe and associates, local chess experts, train K–12 pupils of all ability levels in fundamental to advanced chess techniques, tournament play, notation, and chess variants.

Every Friday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, Mr. Huff’s classroom in Lamar Building A hosts a chess club.

Fees for the chess club are $5 per lesson and are payable at the start of each quarter.

Danzversity

Danzversity is an after-school dancing program that aims to teach kids how to create, gain confidence, communicate, and listen, among other things. To foster a sense of self-assurance and inclusivity while studying Hip Hop, Latin, Caribbean styles, and more, participating K–5th graders will participate in dancing activities, conversations, and lessons on the diversity of movement and music.

Karate

Karate is offered by Austin Okinawan Karate and is open to NYOS students in grades 1 through 6 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:00 PM in the cafeteria of High School Building A. Please call Shinan Yocham at 512-751-7950 or send an email to AustinOkinawanKarate@yahoo.com to learn more about the art of karate via physical, mental, and emotional athleticism and to join up.

 Mad Science of Austin

It is a top supplier of science enrichment programs for students in grades K through 5, offering engaging hands-on learning opportunities. Thursdays from 3:35 to 4:35 PM include after-school programming from the Mad Science crew.

Running Club

Hosted by Austin Youth Fitness, this club is open to K–5th graders and focuses on improving running endurance and overall fitness, developing functional strength, and flexibility, and improving core strength and body alignment.

Participants will engage in drills, practice form, run in relays, and the group always concludes with a fun game. Self-image, confidence, attitude, social-interpersonal-relationship abilities, and the capacity to concentrate on tasks and academic work will probably all improve for AYF athletes. At 3:45 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the NYOS Running Club meets.

UT SEEK

UT SEEK is a mentoring program where UT students work with kids from Title 1 Elementary and Middle Schools in the Austin region to conduct engineering-related projects.

For elementary students from lower-income families, UT SEEK strives to provide the opportunity to explore the idea of higher education and a career path in STEM.

Yoga Club

Yoga Club is a program that Austin Youth Fitness offers to students in grades K through 5. Students who participate will pick up effective stretching techniques, increase their flexibility, and develop muscle balance.

Yoga Club is held on Fridays from 12:45 to 1:45 PM in our school gym. Their mission is to “make fitness fun” and assist children in developing “holistic health” – healthy bodies, minds, and spirits.

Middle School Clubs And Extracurricular Activities:

Anime Club

Open to students in grades 6 through 8, Anime Club provides a forum for students to watch and discuss anime, engage in anime-related activities, and learn about Japanese culture.

Meetings take place every Tuesday from 4:15 to 5:30 PM in Ms. Yee’s room (Middle School Building, Room 423).

Art Club

8th through 12th graders are welcome to join the $7 per student Art Club on Mondays from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. in Ms. Harkins’ classroom if they are interested in participating in the free drawing, crafts, cosplay, art-related field excursions, and more.

Chess Club

Chess Club meets in Mr. Huff’s classroom in Lamar Building A every Friday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.

Drama Club

Open to all students, especially those in grades 4 through 12, Drama Club meets to participate in drama-related activities, including putting on a secondary drama production once a semester.

The fall play is offered to students in grades 8 through 12, and the spring musical is offered to students in grades 6 through 12.

Drama Club also participates in the annual Black History Month event.

Dungeons & Dragons Club

The Dungeons & Dragons Club meets in Mr. Fones’ classroom on Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM if you’re interested in playing Dungeons & Dragons or other role-playing games.

Equity Committee

For 8th through 12th-grade students, there is an extracurricular called the Equity Committee, which meets twice a month from 4:15 to 5:00 PM online (students are also welcome to meet in Ms. Mayoral’s classroom in the Middle School Building, Room 417). The committee is looking for highly motivated students who aren’t already overcommitted to other extracurriculars.

Karate

NYOS 1st-6th graders can participate in Karate on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:00 PM in the High School Building A Cafeteria.

Latinx Student Union

LSU meets every other Tuesday during high school lunch outside room 417 in the flex space of the Middle School Building. To join, please contact Ms. Mayoral at smayoral@nyos.org.

Magic the Gathering Club

Students meet every Wednesday during Middle School Lunch from 10:50 to 11:30 AM in Mr. Fones’ classroom to play and study the game of Magic the Gathering. Both beginners and experts are welcome!

Podcast Club

There are still spots available in the podcast club, which meets on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. Students in grades 6 through 8 can record, edit, and share their podcasts with the world.

Other middle school clubs at NYOS include;

• Science Olympiad Club for 6th through 9th graders, meetings are on Tuesdays from 4:05 to 5:05 PM (Open Lab) and also on Thursdays (Club Meeting).
• Software Developers Club (SDC) on Mondays from 11:55 am to 12:25 pm during High School Lunch in Mr. Erickson’s room (D107)
• Student Support Club
• UT SEEK

Extracurricular Activities And Clubs In High School:

AAPI Student Union

Students in grades 9 through 12 are welcome to join our school’s AAPI Student Union, which offers a chance for high school students to recognize, celebrate, and band together in support of the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders community.

RISE

Students meet on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in the downstairs flex space of the Middle School Building. RISE is an extracurricular program organized in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin, where UT students serve as mentors to 9th–12th graders, giving them the chance to learn more about business and entrepreneurship.

Other high school clubs

• Art Club
• ASL Group
• Black Student
• Chess Club
• Drama Club
• Ecology-Biology Club
• Game Theory Club
• Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
• International Thespian Society (ITS)
• LSU
• National Honor Society (NHS)
• Peer Assistance and Leadership (PALs)
• Philosophy Club
• Science Olympiad
• Software Developers Club (SDC)
• Texas Association of Future Educators, or TAFE (pronounced “taffy”)

How is NYOS Student Life?

NYOS Charter Schools enroll 27% of students who are economically challenged. There are 51 equivalent full-time instructors and 1 full-time school counselor. There are 51% male students and 49% female pupils.

• Student Diversity – 59.1%
• Minorities Enrollment – 59.1%
• White – 40.9%
• Hispanic/Latino – 31.8%
• African American or Black – 14.1%
• Pacific Islander/Asian – 7.2%
• Two or more races – 5.6%
• Hawaiian or another Pacific Islander native – 0.4%

Teacher Involvement at NYOS Charter School

Relationships are exactly what make NYOS so special and successful. The teachers and staff are committed to rigor, relentless improvement, and relationships with students, families, and each other.

One full-time school counselor and 51 equivalent full-time instructors are employed.

An average teacher made $52,090 per year, which is $6,797 less than the state average, and had an average of 8.8 years of experience as of the 2021–2022 school year.

Paid Time Off – 8 days per year (190 projected working days).

Benefits to Employees

• TRS Active Care Medical Insurance
• TRS Retirement
• Employer-paid dental for employee
• Employer-paid Vision for employee
• Employer-paid $10,000 life
• 403b/457 plan participation
• Corporate Gym discount
• Optional disability, cancer, accident, AD&D, and ID Theft

Parental Participation at NYOS

Please follow these steps to start the registration process for your new student at NYOS Charter School.

Parents new to NYOS:

Please follow these steps to start the registration process for your new student at NYOS Charter School.

First-time Parents to NYOS:

• Click on this website to register for Skyward. Follow this link.
• Next, click the downward-pointing arrow next to the home icon in the top-left corner and choose “New Student Enrollment.”
• Finish all the steps and submit.

Participation of Parents in a pickup at NYOS

There is no staff supervision available for pupils before the doors open for Elementary students at 7:15 am and the doors open for Secondary students at 7:45 am. Therefore, parents are to drop off and pick up their children within these hours.

See also: Charter Schools VS Public Schools: Differences, Similarities in 2023

Standard Elementary Pickup Times:

• Unless your child is enrolled in a closely supervised after-school program, parents should pick up elementary pupils at 3:25 PM on Monday through Thursday and 12:15 PM on Friday.
• NYOS is unable to provide staff supervision for students outside of the supervised after-school activity that students are registered for. Elementary students must be picked up no later than 1:00 pm on Fridays and no later than 4:05 pm on Mondays through Thursdays.

Standard Secondary Pickup Times:

• Unless your child is enrolled in a closely supervised after-school program, parents should pick up middle school children at 3:40 pm Monday through Thursday and 12:30 pm on Friday.
• If a high school student is not enrolled in a supervised after-school program, parents should pick them up at 3:55 pm on Monday through Thursday and at 12:45 pm on Friday.
• NYOS is unable to provide childcare after school for individuals who have not registered for after-school programs, so please remember to pick up your child as soon as the school day is over.

Taking Your Student Home Early:

• Parents should pick up students no later than 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday and noon on Friday if you need to pick them up early. If they arrive after 3 pm/12 pm, they will need to wait in one of our regular dismissal lines to pick up your student. This allows NYOS to reduce front desk traffic at the end of the school day and ensures focus on a safe and efficient dismissal.
• You can help NYOS by emailing the front desk at reception@nyos.org in advance if you are picking up your student early for an appointment. Please include the full name of your student, the time, and the time to have your student ready for pickup.
• Because NYOS frequently contact students from other buildings, it may take some time to get your kid and their belongings to the front office, and they do not want you to be delayed, allow at least 15 minutes to pick up your student at our front desk.

Dates for Early Dismissal at NYOS Charter School:

Kindly take note of the following early release days and school holidays;

• April 7: Spring Break; all students are excused from class.
• Conferences and an early release day for elementary school on May 15
• The final day of classes and early dismissal for all students is May 25.
• Dismissal time for early release days is 12:15 for Prek-5th grades and 12:30 for 6th – 12th grades.

FAQs on NYOS Charter School

Conclusion

Since 1998, Not Your Ordinary School (NYOS) has been operating as a public charter school that offers tuition-free education to more than 1,600 Austin-area children in grades PreK–3 through 12.

Parents who want their kids to go to school with credibility might consider NYOS, which normally offers preference to siblings of pupils.

References

• Official website – NYOS charter school curriculum, students, parents, teachers
• Niche – NYOS charter school children, parents
• USNews – NYOS charter school 2023

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