Important Application Notes

1. The application must be complete by Thursday, January 21st, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.
2. All components of the online application checklist must be completed before the campus visit can be scheduled. Only fully completed applications will be considered for enrollment. While the campus visit must be scheduled before the deadline, the actual visit will take place during the month of February. If you miss your scheduled campus visit your application will be withdrawn.
3. If your child needs internet access or assistance in completing the application, you or your child can call and schedule an appointment during our Extended School Day to utilize the school’s technology lab. The Extended School Day runs from Tuesday to Thursday from 2:30pm to 5:00pm.
4. This application requires a time investment on the part of the applicant and their parent. Please review the checklist of required elements and budget your time accordingly.
5. The teacher reference forms must be faxed or mailed directly to the school from the referring party. Only reference forms from certified teachers will be accepted unless a waiver is granted by the GCA administration.
6. Part of the application process requires that your child write and submit an electronically scored essay describing a positive memorable day at school. The essay requirements, along with writing tips, can be found under the GCA Online Essay section within the checklist.
7. The following checklist items must be turned in before the application deadline:
   a. 2009-2010 1st quarter report card
   b. 2009 FCAT Scores (Reading and Math)
   c. Field Activity Participation Contract
   d. Release of Student Information
   e. Volunteers in Education Registration
   f. School Board of Hernando County Student Registration
   g. Home Language Survey
   h. Florida Department of Education Demographics Survey
   i. Parent Volunteer Agreement
8. The following checklist items will be completed online with your electronic signature as acknowledgement:
   a. Fee Schedule Affidavit
   b. Network and Internet Use Affidavit
   c. Attendance Affidavit
   d. ESE/Transportation/Promotion Affidavit
   e. Student Information Form
9. The following checklist items will contain a quiz or other scoring method to help open a dialogue between you and your child concerning the rules, economy system, volunteerism and other school policies. Please note that you will have two attempts to score a 100% on the quizzes before your account is locked out. At that point, please call the school and we will re-set the test for you. As long as you and your child read the documents, you should have no difficulty in achieving a 100% on the first attempt.
   a. Rules and Routines
   b. Economy System
   c. Volunteer Requirement
   d. Dues and Fees
10. One checklist requirement is a science interest survey. This survey is designed to discover the areas of science that interest your child the most as GCA’s academic program strongly emphasizes science, mathematics, and technology.

What is the mission of Gulf Coast Academy?
Gulf Coast Academy of Science and Technology is committed to providing a unique education through weekly field experiences integrated with a hands-on advanced middle school curriculum.

What is a Charter School?
Charter schools are public schools that operate under a performance contract, or a “charter”, which frees them from most rules and state statutes created for traditional public schools. As part of the contract, charter schools are held strictly accountable for academic and financial results.
Charter schools were created to:
· improve student learning and academic achievement.
· increase learning opportunities for students.
· encourage the use of innovative learning methods.
· require the measurement of learning outcomes.

Which grade levels are offered?
The Gulf Coast Academy of Science and Technology is a middle school, therefore we offer a 3 year program for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.

Does GCA charge tuition?
No, as a public middle school, GCA does not charge tuition.

Does my child have to take a test to qualify for GCA admission?
No test is required for admission, just an interest in science and technology.

How can I enroll my child?
To begin the enrollment process, click here.

Does GCA offer a comprehensive educational program?
Yes! - GCA offers an enhanced educational program including Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Technology, and a physically challenging Field Activity Program.
Please click HERE for more information about the educational program.

What is expected of GCA parents?
Parents are expected to: support the mission of the school; meet quarterly with the GCA staff to discuss their child’s progress; contribute time and/or talent to the school; assist with certain homework assignments; keep appointments; ensure uninterrupted attendance; participate in all student-parent events; and support the teachers and administration.

Can GCA students participate in middle school athletic programs?
Yes, through our arrangements with the Hernando County School Board, GCA students may participate in the sporting programs offered by their zoned county middle school. Currently middle schools offer softball (girls), basketball, track, football, tennis, volleyball (girls), golf, and cheerleading.

Are GCA students required to wear uniforms?
While uniforms are not required, GCA does have a conservative dress code which prohibits clothing which is distracting or disruptive. GCA students are required to wear a “team shirt” on their field activity day. A detailed dress code policy is outlined in the Rules and Routines.

How do I contact Gulf Coast Academy?
Address: 10444 Tillery Road, Spring Hill, Florida 34608
Phone: 352-688-5092
Fax: 352-688-5095
E-Mail: info@gulfcoastacademy.org
Web: http://www.gulfcoastacademy.org