What is the process for admissions?
The admissions process begins with an interview, a tour, and a records review. Parents are able to meet administration and staff, discuss their child's needs, and ask any questions they might have. The tour of the school allows families to see the classes in action, including our sensory room. Administration will review current IEPs, psychological reports, and other pertinent information to determine the most appropriate placement and curriculum for the student.
What is the difference between public and private school?
Students in public school receive an education with some parental input. At a private school, the program is designed around the children. Private school tuition can be funded through the state of Florida if the child has an IEP that has been in place for one school year. The John McKay Scholarship applies to students with an active IEP whose parents decide they want to make another choice for their child's education. Essentially, the money follows the child to the private school to pay the tuition. More information about the McKay Scholarship can be found at
www.floridaschoolchoice.org.
Do the children have homework/projects to complete at home?
Our younger elementary students receive a daily reading assignment, even if it is to listen to a story we provide. As children progress, the homework increases with their ability to work independently.
Our older students receive homework for each subject, which should take 30 min to an hour nightly. Hands-on projects and reports are also assigned and are listed on the syllabus for each class. Our policy on homework is that it is independent practice of skills that have already been taught or concepts that can be more fully developed. It is to improve mastery of a skill. It also gives parents an idea of the topics and level that the child is working on.
What system of communication do you use with parents?
Daily agendas are utilized for elementary and WINGS! Students.
Trackmygrades.com is utilized for Middle/High students.
What standardized tests do you use annually to assess your students?
Assessment is ongoing through the use of curriculum based assessments such as Running Records, Dibels, and grade level evaluations. Other means of evaluation include FCAT released tests in reading, math, science, and writing, and curriculum based assessments. Standardized testing includes the WRAT4 and the SAT10, which is a computer based standardized test created by Pearson Assessments, a nationally recognized organization. We utilize scores from many different instruments to document growth and progress.
What grading system do you use?
We use the same grading system as Polk County Schools, 90-100 is an A, etc. We utilize weights for the different areas of "assessment," including class work, homework, participation, projects/reports, weekly quizzes, and chapter tests. This allows students to demonstrate their abilities in different manners. Testing accommodations are utilized as needed, including oral testing with documentation, extended time, reduced items, etc.
What are your standards for accepting students? Are there students you will not accept because of the severity of their disabilities?
During the application process, we discuss the parents' perception of the child's abilities. It is often more accurate than the IEP. We also review school and medical records as provided by the parents. Then the child will visit the school so that we can determine appropriate placement. Most of the instruction takes place in small groups based on ability and grade level. The teachers are very familiar with the important, research-based interventions, including the direct instruction of social skills.
Every child is teachable. Monarch is not the best place for every child. But we will be as upfront as we can in regards to our capabilities to serve your child.
How often are IEPs revisited?
IEPs are documents dictated by federal law. Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), as governed by federal law, gives the student rights in public school. As a private school, we are not able to participate in the writing of an IEP, nor does it have to be implementee by private schools. The Safeguards for Private School Students are available at http://www.fldoe.org/ese/pdf/procedural.pdf .
Monarch believes that the IEP is a good start. From there, we do our own academic and behavioral assessments, then our team meets to establish a Strategic Academic Plan (SAP) based on the needs of the student and guided by Sunshine State Standards. Examples of those are available for you to see. If you choose to return to public school, the child will return to the previous status under FAPE and an IEP will be rewritten by the public school.
Do you follow the Sunshine State Standards?
YES! SSS are utilized in writing the Strategic Academic Plans each 9 weeks. Demonstration of mastery of each skill must be documented by date and evidence in the portfolio.
Is religion taught at your school?
Monarch is a faith-based school, but we teach character development. Because our program focuses on students primarily on the autistic spectrum, a behavioral approach is often used, and for students with Asperger's syndrome, logic and language are very valuable tools to reshape behavior. We do feel that spirituality is very important, and encourage the discussion as appropriate. This involves the process of making decisions based on logic and wisdom. Our values and lessons reflect positive moral values.
