Frequently Asked Questions

(dates in red apply to the year 2010)

Q.  How long is our commitment?

A.  You and your child will sign a one year commitment contract if you are selected by lottery and accepted into The Academy after the interview.

Q.  What happens at the interview?

A.  The Academy fosters collaboration and accountability. We are looking for responsible learners. Academy teachers ask questions to determine the commitment of students and parents to join The Academy.

Q.  How does the lottery work?

A.  The need for a lottery is based on the fact that we have more applications than positions available in The Academy. We attach a number to all applications. We draw numbers randomly. All applicants are contacted by March 5, 2010 for notification of status for interviews. Students not selected in the lottery are placed on a waiting list. All Los Penasquitos Elementary Academy students, and siblings of current Academy students, automatically qualify for an interview.

Q.  What is "more time?" How is The Academy schedule different?

A.  A 10 day summer session (6/14-6/25) and a one hour longer regular school day (M-Th) give Academy students more instructional time than other PUSD students. Math classes are one and one-half periods long with the remaining 24 minutes being dedicated to "Raider Time" supporting the Language Arts curriculum. Academy students end their school day at 3:27 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Q.  How is the Academy at BMMS similar/different from the Los Penasquitos Academy?

A.  The philosophy, pillars, and goals are similar. The middle school experience is different than elementary school by virtue of the fact it is a different level. Students have 4-6 teachers and travel to different classrooms. They have an elective and lunch with the regular school.

Q.  What do parent volunteers do?

A.  In order to meet your 20 hour volunteer commitment, we have many activities both within the classroom and outside of class. These choices may include: classroom helper, field trip chaperone, Science Olympiad coach, Math Field Day coach, fundraising participation, special event coordinator/helper, Career Day presenter, website and newsletter publisher, PE aide (afternoon), and many positions to assist the entire population at BMMS (dance chaperone, library aide, student store, campus lunch supervision, PTSA, before school programs, game room, etc.).

Q.  Will there be bus transportation for us?

A.  Transportation may be cut district wide. Therefore, we strongly encourage car pooling. To help facilitate car pool connections, we will have a table set up at the "Meet and Greet" night Wednesday, April 28th.

Q.  Will after school care be provided?

A.  Yes, by the YMCA on the BMMS campus. We will provide applications for this free service at the "Meet and Greet" on Wednesday, April 28th.

Q.  What music choices will we have?

A.  Music elective (band, orchestra, chorus) is a mandatory elective for all 6th grade Academy students. Educational studies confirm that music learning improves math and science scores. Your child must have some experience (5th grade band) playing a musical instrument to be involved in the band or orchestra programs.

Q.  Please explain how math placements are made.

A.  Students are placed according to district guidelines using MAP and CST scores. Academy scheduling does not allow for remedial math classes. Remedial students will be expected to work extra hard to grasp the standard curriculum.