prep's frequently asked questions

North Pointe's Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distinction of a charter school vs private and public schools?
It has been said that charter schools are the perfect blend between public and private education. In fact, charter
schools are actually privately-run public schools. Each charter school enters into a contract or “charter” with the
state to receive state funds to educate Arizona students. The “charter” specifies a specific educational philosophy
and curriculum that the school will provide. As a charter school, we receive funding directly from the state of
Arizona, so families pay no tuition. However, since charter schools are public schools, they must provide special
education services and they cannot provide religious education. Arizona statutes free charter schools from many of
the bureaucratic regulations associated with the government-run public schools, allowing charter schools to be more
agile and innovative.

Was does NCA accreditation and College Prep really mean?
An accreditation process certifies that a school has met the set of standards set forth by the accrediting agency.
The following explanations are from the NCA CASI website (www.ncacasi.org): Accreditation assures parents and the
public that the school is focused on raising student achievement, providing a safe and enriching learning
environment, and maintaining an efficient and effective operation. Accreditation extends across state lines, assuring
parents and the public that their school adheres to high quality standards based on the latest research and
successful professional practice. NCA CASI schools are required to meet quality standards, engage in a process of
continuous school improvement, and host external review teams to verify the quality of their school. Benefits to the
schools include increased performance, transfer of credits, and access to programs and scholarships.
“College Preparatory Accreditation” is our NCA category of membership. The College Preparatory standards for
accreditation require a solid academic program designed to prepare students for college including a faculty with
more advanced degrees than required by the usual Secondary Accreditation standards.

How does Pointe define Bully Free Zone and what are schools doing to maintain this?
Bullying is absolutely not tolerated at any Pointe school. Our faculty and staff take every opportunity to ensure that
students understand how to treat each other with respect and dignity. We provide supervision during recess, lunch,
and during transition times and vigorously investigate any reports of bullying. Students who are found to be
harassing or bullying other students are given consequences in accordance with the student conduct code.
Students who continue to engage in bullying will be expelled.

Who pays for school?
As a public, charter school we receive money from the state of Arizona. We also receive some federal grants.

How old is the oldest school Pointe operates?
North Pointe Preparatory opened its doors in 2001. Canyon Pointe Academy, formerly known as North Pointe
Academy, opened in August of 2002 and Pinnacle Pointe Academy opened in September of the same year.

When does foreign language begin?
Pointe Schools students are required to study a foreign language in High School, but some students may begin to
take classes in Junior High. For many years we taught Spanish as one of the specials in the elementary school, but
found that there was simply not enough progress to justify the amount of instructional time invested.

How many instructional assistants are there in a classroom?
The kindergarten classes each have one instructional assistant. Our other instructional assistants work with classes
and students on an “as needed” basis.

Is there music instruction – when does it start – what does it consist of?
Pointe Students begin taking music as Kindergarteners. It is one of the “specials” that every class takes (P.E. and
art are the other specials for grades K-5). We follow the Core Knowledge music curriculum to insure that our
students are musically literate. Students are introduced to musical concepts including melody, harmony, rhythm,
and performance. They also become familiar with musical genres and composers. Prep faculty travel to the
elementary schools so that sixth grade students are able to take band twice a week as an elective.

Is there PE everyday?
In our elementary schools PE is one of the specials that every class has on a rotating basis. Students can plan on
having PE twice during most weeks. At the Prep, students may choose to take Fitness or weight training as an
elective.

Is there homework?
Yes, students will have math and reading homework beginning in Kindergarten. By the time a student is in High
School, he/she is also expected to spend time studying and reviewing notes from class. Although the curriculum at
each grade is designed to prepare our students for college, it remains developmentally appropriate. The faculty
works hard to balance rigorous academic expectations with the well-rounded student’s need for extracurricular
involvement and time with family and friends.

How does Pointe teach reading?
We use the phonics-based Spalding program in the elementary grades. This highly structured program equips
students with the tools necessary to become excellent readers. Because it uses all of the child’s senses in the
process of learning to read, Spalding is also known as “The Writing Road to Reading.”

What services are available for students with special needs?
We do provide services to students with special needs. We passionately believe in utilizing inclusion, the philosophy
that students with special needs should remain with their peers as much as possible. As a public school we offer the
full continuum of services as needed for our students’ progress in the general curriculum. At this time, however,
none of our schools has a full-day resource room on campus.

Is after school care available?
Pointe Schools contracts with the YMCA to provide after school care for our elementary students. Information,
including pricing, is available at the school.

Does Pointe provide transportation?
Yes, our fee based bus service allows parents to drop off and pick up a Prep student off at either of the elementary
schools and to drop off and pick up Canyon students at the Prep.

Mow many students are in a class?
Most of our classrooms are designed for 25 students.

What are some of the fun activities for students?
Elementary students enjoy a wide range of activities including field trips, Family Skate Nights, concerts, assemblies,
Storybook Character Day, Field Day, the Annual Block Party, and special events at the Prep. Throughout their time
at the Prep, students are able to enjoy the Back to School Bash, Homecoming, dances, Coffee House Night, spirit
weeks, plays, concerts, assemblies, sporting events, field trips, Prom, the 8th grade trip, the Physics trip, all topped
off by the fabulous Senior Trip to Maui!