Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Q: What is a charter school? A: Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that operate under a performance contract, or a “charter” which frees them from many regulations created for traditional public schools while holding them accountable for academic and financial results. A: Charter schools ARE public schools. However, they receive less funds per student than non-charter public schools. Q: Can charter schools pick and choose the brightest and best college-bound students? A: First and foremost, parents CHOOSE to send their children to charter schools. Further, charter schools and their eligibility requirements are determined by Florida statutes which require them to accept every applicant. Mason Classical Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the Academy. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and athletic and other school-administered programs. When enrollment exceeds the school’s class size capacity, a random lottery is required. Q: When did Mason Classical Academy open? A: MCA opened in August 2014. Q: Which grades does Mason Classical Academy serve? A: MCA currently serves K-12 students. Q: Where is Mason Classical Academy located? A: MCA is located at 3073 S. Horseshoe Drive in Naples, Florida. Q: What is Classical Education? A: Classical education depends on a three-part process of training the mind. The early years of school are spent in absorbing facts,systematically laying the foundations for advanced study. In the middle grades, students learn to think through arguments. In the high school years, they learn to express themselves. This classical pattern is called the trivium. Q: What is the trivium? A: The Latin word trivium means “three roads.” Ancient and medieval education was structured around the trivium, which consists of these three stages: grammar - skill in comprehending the facts; logic - skill in reasoning out relationships between these facts; and rhetoric - skill in wise, effective expression and application of the facts and their relationships. Q: What types of technologies will Mason Classical Academy utilize in its classrooms? A: No reliable research demonstrates that technology improves student achievement as it relates to learning.Computer classes will be offered, but you will not see laptops, iPhones or iPads on every desk. Q: How will Mason Classical Academy prepare its
students for standardized tests? A: MCA’s basic outlook on standardized testing is three fold. First, MCA does not “teach to the test,’ because the “test” is much less rigorous than MCA’s curriculum. Second, MCA expects the test to reveal much of what we already know. Third, since the standardized tests themselves are rather limited, we must keep in mind what real assessments measure, not what a standardized test from Tallahassee or Washington D.C. measures. Q: Will Mason Classical Academy require its students to wear uniforms? A: Yes, all students will be required to wear uniforms at MCA. Q: How does Mason Classical Academy’s curriculum differ from the other public schools in Collier County? A: MCA will use Singapore Math, Riggs Phonics and the Core-Knowledge Sequence. Textbooks will merely supplement the coursework. Primary sources will rule in the classroom. Q: Will Mason Classical Academy follow the same
academic calendar as the other Collier Public Schools? A: Yes, MCA will follow the same academic calendar as Collier Public Schools
Q: What kind of Gifted Program will Mason Classical Academy offer? A: The curriculum at MCA will be academically rigorous for all students. MCA does not label its students and will not have a separate program which labels any of its students. However, MCA will offer Advanced Placement classes in grades 9-12. The Singapore Math Program also provides for ability placement during the Math block. Q: Will foreign language be offered in the elementary (K-6) grades? A: Yes, Spanish and informal Latin will be required. Q: Will students’ parents have to volunteer their time at Mason Classical Academy? A: No, but parents will be encouraged to volunteer. Q: How many students will Mason Classical Academy accept? A: When the Academy has fully expanded into all grade levels (K-12), the facility will accommodate 900 students. Q: Will Mason Classical Academy hire certified teachers? A: Florida statutes require charter schools to hire certified teachers. However, certified does not necessarily mean qualified. MCA will conduct a national search for teachers. The Academy's teachers will be required to have a college degree in their field and the Academy will review the applicants' transcripts to ensure they successfully completed appropriate coursework.
