FAQs

If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. We know it can be frustrating to not find the information you’re seeking, and having to search after a full day of work can be even more of a challenge. To help, we’ve compiled a list of some of the questions most commonly asked of our staff. You can also find additional information in our student handbook which is also linked from the Student Information and Parent Information pages on our Home page. If you still don’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us. We’re happy to help!

My child is struggling in his/her classes. How can he/she get extra help?

We monitor each student throughout the school year and send home grade reports and progress reports a total of 12 times per year. We’ve designed our curriculum to be challenging, delivered through quality instruction and using a variety of resources and methodologies. We understand that sometimes students need additional assistance through interventions or remediation. We offer intervention in reading/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. We will notify parents if intervention is necessary and document the services we provide to the student. If you feel your child is struggling, we encourage you to contact your child’s teacher to discuss intervention and remediation options.

My child has limited English skills. How will he/she succeed in a regular classroom?

Our dual language program is available to all pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students whose primary language is not English. Only students identified as speaking little or no English and/or without the cognitive/academic proficiency in English qualify for this program. In addition, we offer English as a Second Language (ESL) courses in pre-kindergarten, first through fifth grades, and at our middle and high schools.

What are the admission requirements for the George Gervin Academy?

Our free, public charter school is open to students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, and all levels of academic performance. We do not discriminate. Per state law, students do need to meet specific age requirements.

Pre-kindergarten: Three to four years of age on September 1 of the current school year, be unable to speak and comprehend the English language, economically disadvantaged, and/or the child of an active military member or a military member who was hurt or killed while on active duty.
Kindergarten: Five years old on or before September 1 of the current school year.
First Grade: Six years old on or before September 1 of the current school year.
Second grade and beyond: We will determine a student’s grade placement based upon previous school records.

My child must be absent from school. Do I need to notify the school?

Not only is school attendance essential for students to be successful, it is also the law. However, we understand that circumstances arrive when a child must be absent. State law allows for exemptions to the legal compulsory attendance requirements for:

Religious holy days
Required court appearances
Activities relating to obtaining U.S. citizenship
Service as an election clerk
Documented health care appointments, including absences for recognized services for students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders

If your child will be absent from school due to illness or another reason, please call the school office by 9:00 a.m. on the date of the absence. Please note that students who are absent from school may not participate in school-related activities on that day or evening. For more information about absences, please read the student handbook.

Can I volunteer at the school or youth center?

Both experience and research tell us that a child’s education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school – a partnership that thrives on communication. We welcome school volunteers, which help to strengthen the bond and communication between home and school. All volunteers must complete a criminal history background check. Please visit the front office for the necessary forms.

What is the dress code for George Gervin Academy?

In general, students shall dress and groom themselves in a manner that is clean and neat and is not a health or safety hazard to themselves or others. Our board has approved a school uniform, which it believes will improve the learning environment at our school. We require all students to wear a uniform during normal school hours or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities on or off school property. Our uniform includes khaki shorts, skirts, skorts, jumpers, and trousers (including blue pants) and white, navy blue, or maroon long- and short-sleeved blouses and shirts with collars. For more specific information about the dress code and school uniforms, please read the student handbook.

Is there a lost and found on campus?

Students are responsible for their personal belongings while on campus or at school-related and school-sponsored events. We discourage students from bringing or wearing valuable items such as jewelry/watches, cameras, cell phones, iPods, MP3 players, other electronic devices, expensive clothing, etc. While GGA is not responsible for personal items that are lost, damaged, or stolen, all of our campuses have a lost and found in our front office.