Q: Do charter schools charge tuition?

A: No. Even though they are privately managed, public charter schools are funded in the same manner as public schools. Therefore, students attending charter schools do not pay tuition.

Q: What are the school's hours?

A: MAC school begins the day at 8:00 AM and classes conclude at 3:30 PM.

Q: What plans are there for facilities and equipment?

A: Miami Arts Charter School will operate out of a leased facility in the design district that has been the home of Miami's WPLG TV Channel 10 for many years. The facility is 52,000 square feet and will undergo renovations totaling approximately $1 million. The school will use Florida start-up grant monies for furniture fixtures and equipment and an additional $50,000 in grant funds will be used to provide recording equipment for a music recording career academy. The facility will include rehearsal and study facilities for art, band, chorus, orchestra, dance, creative writing and acting classes.

The facility will also provide space for ample academic classrooms for mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, foreign language and computer labs.

Q: What is accreditation and how does that impact the school?

A: In Florida, schools seek to become accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). SACS CASI is an accreditation division of AdvancED. AdvancED is also the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and the National Study of School Evaluation (NSSE). Accreditation is not a status but rather a process in which schools demonstrate a commitment to improvement. The standards and process for accreditation is based on on-ongoing self-assessment against quality standards, rigorous on-site evaluation, and continuous improvement. Miami Arts Charter School will be establishing a team of school staff, leaders and parents in order to guide the school through the accreditation process in its first year of operation thereby seeking accreditation in its second year.

For more information on the accreditation process please visit the websites provided: SACS    AdvancED

Q: Are students required to wear uniforms?

A: Students are only required to wear the school uniform polo shirt. However, there is a dress code that must be followed.

Q: What is the school's discipline code?

A: The school adheres to the Miami-Dade County Public schools Code of Conduct in order to provide a safe and productive learning environment.

Q: Does the school provide transportation?

A: The school is currently seeking to acquire bus transportation from the Government Center Metrorail station, or the NW 15th street people mover station on Biscayne Boulevard, to the school. Students must arrive at the Metro station on their own. A student Metro pass costs $50.00 per month and is valid for the use of all services, including Metromover and Metrobus. The Miami-Dade transit agency sells the monthly passes throughout numerous locations in Miami-Dade. To view sales outlet locations, CLICK HERE.

 Our school's bus transportation will be limited due to the cost of transporting students but we will make every effort to facilitate student transport within our ability, including repeat visits by our own bus to the station.

Also, to assist with transportation, the school will create and provide a list of student names categorized by zip code in order for parents to network and organize car pools to facilitate commuting to school. That list will be made available on the our website under the "PARENTS" link on the main menu.

Q: In how many arts areas may a student participate?

 A: Students may only participate in one major arts area. Exceptions to this rule may be granted at the sole discretion of the Executive Director.

Q: How safe will my child be during the day?

A: Miami Arts Charter School is a closed campus. The property's premises are fenced in and there is a security guard office at the main entrance. Students are not allowed to leave campus for lunch and all visitors and guests must register upon entering the school. Physical Education classes do take place at the public park one block away. However, students are accompanied by the teacher at all times.

Q: When does Miami Arts hold placement auditions?

A: Auditions will begin in late February 2009 and run throughout the summer.