Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the school located?
Imagine School at St. Petersburg is located at 1950 1st Avenue North, (between Central Avenue and 1st Avenue) St. Petersburg Florida.
When does school begin and end? What is the vacation schedule?
Imagine School will follow the Pinellas County School District calendar.
What are the school times?
School hours will be 8:00 - 3:10. Children will be allowed in the classrooms at 7:45. Our calendar will follow the Pinellas Schools Calendar.
Is there a “Before School” and “After School” Program?
Yes. The "Before School" program will start at 7:00 a.m. and the "After School" program will operate until 6:00 p.m. Each program is on a "pay" basis and is open to all students. The cost will be communicated on the Principal's Page.
Who can attend?
Any student residing in Pinellas County is eligible to attend "ISSP" as it is also a school of choice. Parents outside Pinellas County may opt to have their child attend ISSP if the county in which they reside have a cooperative, reciprocal agreement with the Pinellas County School District.
Is there a cost to attend?
No. It is a publicly supported school with no tuition. (See the section of "What is a Charter School" in the school description.)
What grades will be at the school?
Grades Kindergarten- Grade 8. The school also offers a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program. During the 2010-11 school year 7th grade will be added and beginning the 2011-2012 school year 8th grade will be added.
What makes this school different:
What is Project CHILD?
Project CHILD is an innovative instructional delivery model created by the Institute for School Innovation in Tallahassee, Florida. It features clusters of students and teachers working together over a three-year period. For example:
| Teacher A |
Is the Kindergarten Home Room teacher, but teaches reading to students in the kindergarten, first and second grades in the cluster. |
| Teacher B |
Is the First Grade Home Room teacher, but teaches math to students in the Kindergarten, first and second grades in the cluster. |
| Teacher C |
Is the Second Grade Home Room teacher, but teaches writing and language to students in Kindergarten, first and second grade in the cluster. |
Students stay with the same group of teachers for K, 1 and 2. This enables teachers to know in detail the strengths and needs of each child, and significantly maximizes teaching time at the beginning of the school year, as well as throughout the year. The Project CHILD model also utilizes learning stations, cooperative learning, and individual student-created goals, in a highly structured environment. This same structure is present in grades 3-5 and grades 6-8, with some modification.
To learn more about Project CHILD, please visit www.ifsi.org
Will there be transportation?
Yes. The school will operate its own busses and transport students approximately 2-4 miles from the school (1.5 miles for kindergarten).
Will meals be served?
Yes. Breakfast and Lunch will be available to all students enrolled.
Will teachers be certified?
Yes. Teachers are certified by the State of Florida.
What will class sizes be?
Class sizes meet the state mandated maximum class size. Specifically:
| VPK: |
18 students with a teacher and paraprofessional |
| K-3: |
18 students per teacher |
| 4-8: |
22 students per teacher |
Are students be tested?
All students are tested within the first few weeks of school to determine their Baseline level. The results are shared with parents and ensure our instruction is focused on what each student needs.
All students participate in End-of Year testing. Students in grades 3-8 take the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Students in grades K-2 take the Stanford Achievement Test. These results are used to assess learning gains for each child.
Teachers also administer classroom assessments in each subject area to determine individual growth and identify instructional needs.
What role do parents play?
The first role is to make the choice that Imagine School is the right place for their child. Parents are expected to become a part of the PTO and actively be part of their child's learning. Homework is expected as part of each child's learning and as a means of informing parents of their child's progress. Each family is also required to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours during the course of the school year. The principal and/or teacher will communicate volunteer opportunities, and a record kept of the hours logged in the school office. Teachers may have additional needs that qualify as volunteer time. Completion of the required minimum hours will be a factor in re-enrolling a student for the following year.
Is there a company that operates the school?
Imagine School at St. Petersburg is part of the Imagine Schools, Inc, family, based in Arlington, VA. A locally identified board oversees school operations, with regular meetings open to parents of the school and the public.
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