Frequently Asked Questions about Westlake Academy
Location:
Westlake Academy
1600 JT Ottinger
Westlake, TX 76262
Tel: 817-490-5757
Fax: 817-490-5758
Driving Directions:
From 114 W: Take the 170 exit (veers to the left), go past first stop light and make a left on Ottinger Rd. The road winds past the cemetery and the school is on the right hand side.
From I-35: Take the 170 exit and travel for approximately eight miles and turn right on Ottinger Rd. The road winds past the cemetery and the school is on the right hand side.
Q. What does International Baccalaureate Curriculum mean?
A. International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes promote the education of the whole person, emphasizing intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth through all domains of knowledge. By focusing on the dynamic combination of knowledge, skills, independent critical and creative thought and international-mindedness, the IB espouses the principle of educating the whole person for a life of active, responsible citizenship. Underlying the three programmes is the concept of education of the whole person as a lifelong process. The three IB Programmes consist of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middles Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The learner profile is a profile of the whole person as a lifelong learner.
Westlake Academy is bound to abide by all Texas Education Agency (TEA) rulings for public schools, including meeting state standards and taking the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) tests. Beginning in spring 2012, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR™) will replace the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).
Q. Is there tuition at Westlake Academy?
A. No, there is no tuition at Westlake Academy. The Academy receives operating funds from the state; although charter schools receive 30% less than other public school systems. With that in mind, we have a recommended donation of $2,000 per school year, per child to compensate for the funding shortfall.
Q. What is a charter school?
A. Charter schools are public schools that are operated under a contract called a charter. This contract is issued by the authorizing agent(s) in each state. Because charter schools are operating outside the rules regulating traditional public education institutions, they are allowed to create new and innovative forums for delivering their curriculum and ultimately student success. Charter school legislation was instituted with the vision of creating choice in the education market place, and charter school applicants must outline in their charter school application to the authorizing agency, why they will be successful as well as how their school will be different from the local Independent School District (ISD) in which they reside.
Q. Can I enroll my child at Westlake Academy?
A. Westlake Academy is an open-enrollment public charter- a public school of choice. Residents of Westlake are admitted automatically if desired, and remaining spaces are filled by public lottery held in February for those students that reside in the TEA approved secondary boundaries. Those approved boundaries as of June 1, 2008 are: Birdville ISD, Carroll ISD, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Keller ISD, Lewisville ISD, Northwest ISD, HEB ISD, Decatur ISD, Paradise ISD, Boyd ISD, Weatherford ISD, Krum ISD, Ponder ISD, Denton ISD, Little Elm ISD, Argyle ISD, Frisco ISD, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Grand Prairie ISD, Duncanville ISD, Lake Dallas ISD, Springtown ISD, Azle ISD, Coppell ISD, Irving ISD, Arlington ISD, Fort Worth ISD, Eagle Mt-Saginaw ISD, Highland Park ISD, Garland ISD and McKinney ISD.
Q. What are the vaccination requirements in the State of Texas?
A. TX State Vaccine Requirements for Students www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/docs/school/6-14_2010-2011.pdf
FAQ's on Immunization Requirements for School Admittance www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/docs/school/E11-13160.pdf
Requesting Official Immunization Exemption Affidavits www.ImmunizeTexas.com
Q. What grade levels are there at Westlake Academy?
A. Westlake Academy is a K through 12 school.
Q. What is the student/teacher ratio?
A. Westlake Academy has a student teacher ratio of 1 to 20.
Q. How do I apply my child for the lottery drawing? How often?
A. Beginning on December 1st of every year, Westlake Academy begins to take applications for students desiring to participate in the lottery. You can find the student application online at the end of November. All applications are due by January 31st, and the lottery is held in February. Each February the lottery is repeated and the waiting lists are re-set. An application must be submitted each year.
Q. Can I take a tour of the school?
A. The academy typically does a public tour monthly, excluding summer months. Check the Westlake Academy website ( www.westlakeacademy.org ) for the next available public tour.
Q. How can I get information regarding the school lunch program?
A. If your child has food allergies, please inform the school. Please monitor the lunch menu carefully and do not purchase any meals that contain allergens that may be harmful to your child. Westlake Academy school lunches are catered through a company called VICTUAL. Registration forms may be picked up/dropped off in the PYP Front Office.
After you have received and entered the registration information into the system, you will receive an email with a login ID and an internet address (URL). You may then go on to the online system to create your account where you will be asked to fill in your address, set your own password, login, and determine how you would like to be contacted.
Victual: 817-485-7755
walter@usvictual.com
Q. How can I get information regarding school uniforms?
A. Please refer to page 37 (Uniform Policy) of the electronic Parent/Student Handbook located on our website: www.westlakeacademy.org .
School uniforms are purchased through Parker Uniforms. They are located at:
3001 Hwy 121 #286
Euless, Texas 76039
You can also view and purchase school uniforms online at:
www.parkersu.com
Web ID Code: FW382853
For any further questions, please contact the Westlake Academy Office from 7:30am to 4:00pm at 817-490-5757.
Q. How can I find information regarding the Strings Program?
A. The Strings Program at Westlake Academy includes all students in grades 2 through 5.The student may choose from the following instruments: violin, viola or cello. Young Musicians is a trusted business that is recommended for all your music supplies. They offer instrument packages for sale or rent. Their website is ymonline.com and their phone number is (817) 741-3838. New students need to call YM in advance to schedule an appointment to be sized for an instrument.
It is the student's responsibility to come prepared to class with their instrument and book. Weekly theory assignments are given, along with a practice log, requiring a parent's signature.
Lisa Redding is the Instructor. Please feel free to contact Lisa Redding with any questions at lredding@westlakeacademy.org.