SCHOOL GOVERNANCE &
CHARTER SCHOOL FAQS
PARENTAL RIGHTS INFORMATION
Adams Traditional Academy follows the Arizona Department of Education’s Parental Rights Handbook (A.R.S. § 15-249.16). Families can download the handbook here or request a printed copy from the school office.
Parents have the right to:
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Review instructional materials and classroom activities before use (A.R.S. § 15-113).
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Access and review all educational records related to their child (A.R.S. § 1-602).
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Be informed and give written consent before their child participates in surveys, recordings, or lessons that include sensitive topics such as sex education (A.R.S. §§ 15-113, 15-117).
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Direct the moral, religious, and educational upbringing of their child.
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Be notified if a suspected criminal offense has been committed against their child by someone other than a parent.
Adams Traditional Academy does not discriminate based on religious viewpoint or expression and respects students’ rights to pray or express faith in the same manner as any other form of expression (A.R.S. § 15-110).
CHOICE ACADEMIES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Adams Traditional Academy is a Choice Academies school and is governed by the Choice Academies Board of Directors. The Board of Directors consists of representatives of the business and school community. Its primary role is to assure ATA remains in compliance with our charter, state and federal regulations, sound fiduciary practices, and the school’s mission statement. The Board meets every other month following open meeting laws.
Board Members are:
Tom McCauley, Board President
David Weston, Board Secretary
Lisa Fink, Board Member
Marcus Kelley, Board Member
Ray Malnar, Board Member
SITE COUNCIL
The Site Council consists of 13 members and is the governing body of ATA and addresses school operations such as school policies and procedures. The council consists of six parents and six staff members. The principal is a non-voting member of the council. All decisions must have 100% consensus to be approved.
SITE COUNCIL MEETINGS:
2nd Thursday of every month – 4:30 p.m. | MPR Building B
PIN MEETINGS:
2nd Tuesday of every month – 6:30 p.m. | MPR Building A
Copies of Site Council bylaws, meeting minutes, and PIN reports can be obtained from the ATA front office.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Curious how charter schools work and what sets them apart? Adams Traditional Academy is a free, public charter school in north Phoenix that meets and exceeds Arizona state education standards. Learn how our structured, traditional curriculum and proven teaching methods help students thrive from kindergarten through 8th grade.
What is a charter school?
Why do we need charter schools?
How does a charter grade school benefit the community?
Does a charter grade school take money from public schools?
Are charter schools subject to the same laws as other public schools?
Are charter grade schools subject to meet state standards, state testing, AZMerit?
Does Adams Traditional Academy charge tuition?
Is Adams Traditional Academy's enrollment limited to certain types of students?
What is the average classroom size at Adams Traditional Academy?
Does Adams Traditional Academy require uniforms?
Does Adams Traditional Academy operate on a standard or year-round schedule?
Is there bus service for Adams Traditional Academy?
A charter school is a public school whose operation is autonomous from the local school district and based on a contract with the State Board of Education. It is funded by the government in much the same way other public schools are, but may be initiated and run by a group of parents, educators, and/or community members who define the school’s philosophy, curriculum, governance and fiscal practices under the guidelines of state and federal law. Charter schools typically focus on a special curriculum approach, a new school organization approach or some other feature that sets them apart from local district school offerings.
People need a choice in education to address the different learning needs of their children. For most families, local district schools work well for them, however there are many who need something different but may lack the resources to pursue other options such as private schools and home schools. Charter schools were established to provide additional academic choices within the public school system. Their purpose is to continue to improve student learning, encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods, create new professional opportunities, establish new models of schools and measurement tools, and provide greater opportunities for parental involvement.
Besides offering a choice in education, a charter grade school can help relieve some of the overcrowding in existing district schools without placing undue burdens on taxpayers. As non-profit organizations, charter schools raise funds or secure private financing for their facilities without bonds or tax levies. A charter school is one less school a district needs to bond for. As schools of choice, meaning parents choose them, charter schools provide a beneficial and healthy pressure within the public education system to be more responsive to parents and students, and evaluate improvement. The presence of charter schools in a community often results in increased performance across all surrounding schools. Charter schools typically engage local businesses and other organizations to help provide resources and services to the school and its families, and utilize volunteer service and parent involvement which saves money and encourages stronger working relationships among educators, parents and the community.
A charter school is a public school whose operation is autonomous from the local school district and based on a contract with the State Board of Education. It is funded by the government in much the same way other public schools are, but may be initiated and run by a group of parents, educators, and/or community members who define the school’s philosophy, curriculum, governance and fiscal practices under the guidelines of state and federal law. Charter schools typically focus on a special curriculum approach, a new school organization approach or some other feature that sets them apart from local district school offerings.
Yes. Laws regarding religion in schools, school fees and tuition, health and safety, civil rights, annual reports, and most other matters are the same as other public schools.
Yes. Like all public schools, charter grade schools are required to meet all state standards, participate in AzMerit testing and applicable accountability requirements.
No. Charter schools are public schools and as such may not charge tuition or require students or parents to make monetary contributions (although donations are accepted and appreciated). Charter schools are subject to the same rules regarding school fees as other public schools.
No. A charter grade school is part of the public education system and is open to all students, without discrimination, on the same basis as other public schools. Like all public schools, charter schools are required to provide access and services to all students, including students with disabilities and those who are limited English proficient. If the number of applicants exceeds the available capacity of the grade levels within the school, students are selected at random by lottery. Enrollment preferences are extended for siblings of enrolled students.
ATA’s class sizes average 25 students in grades 1 through 8 and 20 in kindergarten. In addition, many classes have an aide present in the classroom with the teacher, bringing the teacher/student ratio down to about thirteen.
ATA believes a dress standard is a necessary element in promoting a healthy learning environment, including equality, citizenship and school pride. The school has adopted a uniform-style dress standard that attending students are required to abide by.
The enrollment of ATA is limited to a specific capacity, making a year-round schedule unnecessary. ATA operates on a standard school schedule and closely aligns its calendar with the Deer Valley School District to accommodate those families who may have other children that attend local district schools.
We have a bus route from Anthem traveling along the I-17 corridor. If you live north of the school and are interested in service, please stop by the office and pick up the information packet. This packet includes an introduction letter along with bus routes and an acknowledgment page. A signed acknowledge page is required for each child riding the bus. There is a fee to ride the bus. Parents and families of the Choice Academies schools are encouraged to participate in carpool groups.
CONTACT US
Adams Traditional Academy
2323 W Parkside Ln.
Phoenix, AZ 85027
602-938-5517
Office Hours 7:30am - 4:00pm
Summer Hours -June | July
9:00am - 3:00pm
