FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We are pleased to offer answers to some of the most common inquiries we receive about our school. We recognize that selecting a school for your child is a significant decision, and we aim to provide you with all the necessary details to make the best choice for your family. Please review the questions below, and if you require further assistance, please contact info@goasa.org or call 602-257-1444.
CHARTER SCHOOL MODEL & FUNDING
WHAT IS A CHARTER SCHOOL?
- Charter schools are state-funded, independently run schools created through legislation in 1994, to innovate within the public school system and provide options for public school families. (ASA was among the first charter schools in Arizona!) Charter schools are a Public Private Partnership and are authorized and monitored by the State Board for Charter Schools. This unique operation model gives charter schools more control over curricula, staffing, and budgeting than traditional district schools. Charter Schools are required to adhere to academic state standards and are audited yearly for financial accountability, operational performance, and academic achievement.
IS ASA CONSIDERED PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SCHOOL?
- ASA is a public charter school. As such, we are open to all students and must follow state academic standards.
IS ASA PUBLICALLY OR PRIVATELY FUNDED?
- ASA is both publicly and privately funded! The State of Arizona provides approximately $9 million annually, based on actual enrollment for the year. This public funding supports 100% of academic instructional expenses, general and administrative expenses, facility and technology expenses, and ONLY 50% of the instructional expenses for performing arts.
- To sustain the performing arts program, we must privately raise $1 million to bridge the funding gap to support the seven arts disciplines. The school relies on the generosity of parents, families, individual donors, the business community, and foundations to continue offering its performing arts program. Fundraising is a necessity at ASA; it’s not an extra. The Development & Marketing Department oversees fundraising efforts for the performing arts program primarily through the Annual Fund Campaign, Corporation and Foundation Grants, Department Series, Signature Series, and Showcase Sponsorship/Tickets.
- ASA also raises funds to support its extracurricular clubs and character-building programming through the Arizona Public School Tax Credit. This state program allows Arizona taxpayers to contribute to the tax credit fund and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state taxes. Married couples can donate up to $400, and single filers can donate up to $200. Consult your tax professional for more information. NOTE: Tax Credit dollars at ASA support extracurricular clubs and activities and character-building classes. Tax credit funds do NOT support the performing arts program.
IS ASA TUITION-FREE?
- Yes. ASA is a tuition-free public charter school that is donation-dependent. We rely on financial support from our families and community members to maintain our extensive performing arts programming, which is essential to ASA’s dual-focused core curriculum. Arizona School for the Arts is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and contributions are tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor with specific questions.
ARE THERE FEES INVOLVED IN ATTENDING ASA?
Yes. As described in the Community Handbook, an Annual Activity Fee (AAF) is assessed for each student to support programs and activities such as performances (some exclusions apply), supplemental in-school presentations/concerts/assemblies, extra-curricular social and school-wide events and activities, school ID, and a daily student planner. Once your enrollment has been completed and reviewed, you will pay the AAF using SchoolPay. The Annual Activity Fee (AAF) is $350 per new incoming student; Households with more than two students will cap off at $700. The AAF must be fully paid via SchoolPay account by April 15th, before the school year your student is enrolling.
The School often recommends school supplies for students in both academic and arts classes, which may include students’ dance/choral/theatre attire, musical instruments, and supporting equipment. Performance attire must meet the criteria set by the specific department to perform. Students may be assessed a periodic costume fee for various performances. Some costs may be associated with special items (t-shirts, gear, etc.) or opportunities (i.e., travel).
** The Community Handbook includes a fee schedule. The Board recognizes the need for student fees to fund certain school activities that public funds do not fully fund. It also acknowledges that some students may be unable to pay these fees. No student will be denied access to equal education because of non-payment of these supplemental charges due to financial need (i.e. NSLP Indicator 1 or Indicator 2). To obtain a fee waiver based on need, families should email payments@goasa.org.
ACADEMICS
DOES ASA OFFER ADVANCED STUDY COURSEWORK IN MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL?
- Yes! Every student at ASA is on a path to prepare for college or conservatory success. That’s our mission! ASA’s comprehensive academic program is comprised of college preparatory coursework, including standard and honors tracks, advanced placement (AP) classes, and college credit courses.
- More information about our middle and high school academic programs is on our dedicated web pages below. This FAQ section provides more about the performing arts coursework.
Middle School Academic Program
High School Academic Program
HOW MUCH HOMEWORK DO STUDENTS RECEIVE?
- Homework is a valuable tool at every grade level. It reinforces concepts taught during the school day and nurtures good time management and organizational skills. The amount of homework assigned varies based on the grade level and the individual student.
- As students should typically expect about ______________.
WHAT ARE THIRD-QUARTER PRESENTATIONS (3QP)
- One of the foundational academic experiences is to provide students with specialized learning opportunities to become experts in curricular themes. Students participate in an annual project known as the Third Quarter Presentation (3QP) starting in 5th grade, which is mandatory for grades 5 through 12. Seniors’ 3QP serves as their Capstone Project.
- The process involves selecting a topic, formulating a thesis, developing a research question, assessing resources, conducting research analysis, and organizing information.
- The project helps students acquire skills such as public speaking and creating visual presentations. It is considered the most influential and significant experience for alumni, preparing students for post-secondary education and distinguishing them in college and conservatory admissions.
WHAT ARE ADVISORY/LIFE SKILLS CLASSES (GRADES 5, 6) AND COLLEGE READINESS SEMINARS (GRADES 7 – 8)?
- This course, formerly Life Skills, is a foundational class that aims to provide students with academic skills and lifelong communication tools and practices. Through a hands-on approach, students will develop crucial skills and habits such as time management, organization, project planning, study skills, and a full range of additional executive functioning skills.
- Students will acquire the necessary skills to communicate and integrate into an academic world for high school and college preparedness.
- Finally, students will spend time with multiple levels of career exploration and prepare for a high school experience culminating in their application to college, university, or conservatory. Our college counselor also supports this class.
STUDENT SUCCESS
HOW DO I ASSESS WHETHER MY STUDENT IS READY FOR ASA’S RIGOROUS COLLEGE PREPARTORY PROGRAM?
- As a parent, you may wonder how to evaluate whether your student is prepared for ASA’s rigorous college preparatory program. Students who thrive in ASA’s environment typically demonstrate proficiency in grade-level skills and show openness to being challenged.
- Additionally, those who actively engage in learning through dialogue, discussion, self-advocacy, and discipline tend to adjust well to ASA’s academic setting.
- Successful ASA students often exhibit traits such as thinking deeply, asking questions, enjoying school, and having an intrinsic desire for learning. They also demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence and are willing to persevere through complex problems.
IS TUTORING OR HOMEWORK HELP AVAILABLE?
- Yes! We have various opportunities for small group and 1:1 assistance for our students. A few weeks into the school year, Grade-Level Teams will have created their “Lunch Q&A” schedule, which is set days on which students can go to a classroom teacher for support and assistance. This is also a great time to connect if your student is absent from class or to make up work.
- Some teachers will also provide 9th-hour tutoring geared more toward our HS students. These schedules are TBD and based on data collected in the first quarter. Subject focus is typically Math and ELA.
- We have several Honors Societies in which we can pair up an upper-grade student with your student for 1:1 peer support.
WHAT IS SUMMER BRIDGE?
- Summer Bridge is ASA’s two-week summer program open to new incoming ASA students in the 5th and 6th grades. This program includes all academic classes and a general music session. Your student will make long-lasting friendships, become familiar with the campus, and build leadership skills to foster independence and mentorship with future peers. Students will also perform at the end of the session for parents and staff!
- Summer Bridge is typically held the first two weeks in June (Monday through Friday, 9 AM – 2 PM). Registration and information are generally emailed to parents and shared at the Annual Parent Meeting for incoming families in May.
COLLEGE AND CONSERVATORY PREPARATION
DOES ASA HAVE HONORS-LEVEL COURSES?
- Yes, ASA has honors-level courses. Please refer to the Course Catalog for more information. Description of Standard vs. Honors Track?
DOES ASA OFFER ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) COURSES?
- Yes, students enrolled in AP classes receive an additional 1.0 to their class grade. For example, a student earning an A in an AP course would earn a 5.0 instead of a 4.0 in the particular class. ASA currently offers:
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP Literature and Composition
- AP Pre-Calculus
- AP Statistics
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Chemistry
- AP Environmental Science
- AP Biology
- AP World History, Modern
- AP U.S. History
- AP American Government & Economics
DOES ASA OFFER DUAL-ENROLLMENT COURSES?
- High school students can earn high school and college credit during regular school hours when passing a dual enrollment course with a C- or higher. ASA courses available for dual enrollment may vary. Students who take these courses must request their college transcript from the respective school, as the ASA transcript does not specify dual enrollment courses. All questions, fees, and paperwork regarding dual enrollment are handled by the respective college partner, such as Phoenix College.
DO YOU OFFER COLLEGE COUNSELING?
- Yes. ASA’s college counselor offers counseling services to help students and their families navigate the college and/or conservatory process. The counselor works closely with each student to understand their unique interests, values, and career goals. Our resources cover various topics: self-assessment, time management, standardized testing, college selection, applications, interview guidance, and financial aid/scholarships.
- The goal is to equip students with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their post-secondary education options.
DO ASA GRADUATES RECEIVE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS?
- Yes! ASA’s college counselor provides resources and guidance to help students find scholarship opportunities.
- Additionally, ASA is proud to count National Merit Scholars, Flinn Scholars, and U.S. Presidential Scholars among its graduates!
WHAT COLLEGES DO ASA GRADUATES ATTEND?
- ASA takes pride in its students’ achievements, especially regarding college acceptance. We counsel students to consider the schools or programs that closely match their interests and aspirations.
- ASA students are accepted and attend some of the most prestigious colleges, universities, and conservatories nationwide and internationally, including Bard College, Berklee College of Music, Boston University, Brown University, California Polytechnic, Columbia University, Duke University, Georgetown University, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, Oberlin College and Conservatory, Pomona College, Princeton University, Stanford University, Tufts University, University of Michigan, University of Southern California, Vasser College, Vanderbilt, Virginia Teach, Washington University in St. Louis, Yale University, Arizona Honors Colleges at Arizona State University, The University of Arizona, and Northern University.
View recent college acceptances at goasa.org/achievements
SCHOOL LIFE & EXTRACURRICULAR CLUBS
WHAT ARE SCHOOL HOURS?
- The campus opens at 7:20 AM. ASA is not responsible for any student before that time.
- The first bell rings at 7:45 AM.
- Students are released immediately after their last class, which ends at 3:20 PM for non-9th-hour students and ends at 4:20 PM for 9th-hour classes.
- Early dismissal days for all students is 11:25 AM.
- Students must leave the ASA campus within 15 minutes of the end of their last class. Parents who do not pick up their student within the 15-minute window will be assessed the $65 late fee.
WHAT IS THE SCHOOL-YEAR CALENDAR?
- ASA’s academic and performing arts performance calendars are posted online: goasa.org/calendars.
DO YOU HAVE BEFORE-SCHOOL AND AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS?
- ASA does not offer a before-school care program. However, we offer an on-campus after-school program (Homework Hour) that serves parents/guardians whose days end later than the school’s end time.
- The “Homework Hour” program is fee-based and for students in 5th—8th grades. It runs Monday through Friday from 3:25 to 4:20 p.m. There is no “Homework Hour” on early release days.
- “Homework Hour” is structured as a supervised, quiet study time. Students will have a designated classroom to complete their homework, read, or receive assistance from an instructor as needed.
- Fee: $100/month or drop-in fee $25/day.
- Several ASA families who need extended after-school care use the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA as after-school care for their students. They have great programs for school-aged kids and offer tuition aid for those who qualify. You can sign up directly with the YMCA if you want your child to attend. The facilities may offer transportation if enough students attend these off-campus after-care programs! Please visit the “Forms & Resources” page under the For Parents section of goasa.org for YMCA sign-up.
WHAT LUNCH OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT ASA?
- ASA participates in the National School Lunch Program. As part of this program, the school offers healthy meals for purchase every school day, including free or reduced-priced, depending on qualifications. We ask that all our families participate in applying for this program regardless of their qualifications at goasa.org/meals. More information about our lunch program is provided to families at registration.
- Students may also opt to bring their lunches from home.
- Students enjoy the meals during designated lunch periods in our outdoor Student Quad and Ramadas.
- ASA does not have an indoor cafeteria. However, during heat or weather advisory days, students will be provided instructions on where to enjoy their meals in indoor classrooms.
- ASA is a closed campus for 5th-11th graders; Seniors are allowed to go off-campus during their lunch period and must sign out and back into campus.
DO YOU PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION?
- No. ASA does not provide transportation for students to and from school. However, ASA can provide a carpool list for parents/guardians to set up a carpool. Many students at ASA use the light rail and city bus system to get to school. The light rail stop is located two blocks from campus.
DO YOU PROVIDE LOCKERS?
- There are a limited number of lockers available to students. Currently, 7th, 8th, and 12th grade students who take dance and specific band instruments receive a locker. This is subject to change based on student needs. Students eligible for a locker will be notified.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ON SCHOOL POLICIES?
WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR CLUBS & ACTIVITIES DO YOU OFFER?
- We have an active student body with many middle school and high school extracurricular clubs to choose from, including student government, leadership clubs, student unions, student-initiated interest clubs, and competitive clubs such as Mock Trial, Model UN, Robotics, and Cross Country teams! Students can also propose a new club with the support of a faculty advisor in the Fall.
- Middle School Clubs (some exceptions) typically begin in the 2nd quarter, while High School Clubs (some exceptions) begin in the 1st quarter. Students can preview and sign up for clubs at the MS Club Fair in October and the HS Club Fair in August.
WHAT ATHLETIC OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?
- ASA offers Cross Country for all students in Grades 5-12.
- Aside from providing sports equipment during lunch, ASA students may be eligible to play for a Canyon Athletic Association member district with a letter from ASA. There are 269 Amateur Athletic Union clubs within 25 miles of ASA for students interested in club sports. For students interested in city leagues, “Phoenix Plays” youth sports programs include basketball, soccer, baseball, football, hockey, and volleyball. Other cities offer similar programs.
ENROLLMENT
ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES FOR ENROLLMENT?
- ASA is a college preparatory and performing arts school. Students should be at or above their academic grade level and interested in studying the performing arts.
DO I NEED TO LIVE IN A CERTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ENROLL MY CHILD AT ASA?
- ASA is not restricted by school district boundaries. Students are simply required to provide proof of Arizona residency before attending.
HOW DO THE LOTTERY AND WAITLIST WORK?
- ASA enrolls students in accordance with ARS §15-184. ASA enrolls eligible new students who submit a timely application by lottery and program availability unless the number of applicants exceeds the capacity of a program, class, grade level, or building. Current ASA students and siblings of current students or alumni have enrollment preferences. Information about re-enrollment is shared with families in the spring.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO APPLY?
- We strongly recommend applying during the lottery enrollment period. Applications for the lottery are accepted each year between October and January for the following school year. The lottery occurs at the January Board Meeting. Often, we receive more applications than spots available, and a grade-specific waitlist is created based on lottery numbers.
- After the lottery, the application portal will re-open, and applications may be taken on a first-come, first-served basis and placed below lottery applicants. Visit goasa.org/applynow for more information.
HOW DO I APPLY?
- Online application (electronic form ONLY) will be available beginning October 1, 2024.
- All applications and required paperwork must be 100% complete to be included in the lottery.
- If you need assistance with the online application process, please email admissions@goasa.org or call 602-257-1444 x1122.
- Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 pm on January 21, 2025, before the January 27, 2025 Board of Directors meeting, when the lottery is conducted.
WHICH APPLICANTS NEED A LOTTERY NUMBER?
- Students who have never applied to ASA.
- Students who applied to ASA and declined or did not respond to an offer of enrollment.
- Students who applied after the January lottery did not receive a lottery number. Even though they are on the current waitlist, they are not considered rollover students and must re-apply.
- Students who withdrew from ASA previously and now wish to reapply.
I HAVE SEVERAL STUDENTS APPLYING TO ASA THIS YEAR. DO THEY ALL RECEIVE A SEPARATE LOTTERY NUMBER? HOW DOES SIBLING PREFERENCE WORK?
- One lottery number is issued for each applicant in a family.
- Once one family sibling is enrolled, the remaining siblings receive sibling preference for enrollment and will be placed above rollover and new lottery applicants.
MY ROLLOVER STUDENT HAS A SIBLING. DO THEY NEED TO APPLY AND RECEIVE A LOTTERY NUMBER?
- Yes. All new applicants will get a lottery number. This means that a sibling of a current rollover student will get a lottery number. As soon as one of the siblings is accepted, the other sibling will receive sibling status and be placed above rollover and new lottery applicants. However, we issue the new sibling his/her own lottery number so that this student has an equal opportunity for admission.
WHICH APPLICANTS DO NOT NEED A LOTTERY NUMBER?
- Children of faculty, staff, and board members
- Siblings of current ASA students OR siblings of ASA graduated alumni
- Applicants on the waitlist for the current year will automatically retain their position on the waitlist and will be placed before new lottery applicants for the upcoming school year.
HOW AND WHEN WILL I FIND OUT MY LOTTERY NUMBER?
- The lottery numbers for eligible applicants will be drawn at the Board of Directors meeting in January. Although this meeting is open to the public, no lottery information is shared.
- Waitlist positions are automatically generated from the lottery and will be available in your application portal account beginning January 31. You will receive an email with either an offer or a notification that your student is on the waitlist. New offers will be sent weekly after that as spaces become available.
WHEN AND HOW WILL I KNOW THAT THERE IS AN OPENING FOR MY STUDENT(S)?
- Beginning on January 31, offers will be sent to all grade-level applicants if space is available. After that, offers will be sent weekly as spaces become available. Your student will be placed on the waitlist if no space is available. We send offers weekly through the summer until all spaces are filled.
- Once an enrollment offer is received, parents must accept or decline by the deadline indicated in the offer and submit additional records before enrollment and placement are finalized.
- It is the parent’s responsibility to monitor the application portal for changes in waitlist status. Please be aware that there is minimal change during July, and most changes occur in May and August.
HOW MANY OPENINGS ARE AVAILABLE IN A TYPICAL SCHOOL YEAR?
- For 5th grade, ASA enrolls 112 new students.
- Openings for 6th-12th grades vary and are determined by the number of current ASA students who choose to re-enroll.
HOW ARE OPENINGS FILLED?
- Openings in each grade level are offered to applicants who meet the program criteria/ program availability.
IN WHAT ORDER ARE STUDENTS ENROLLED?
- Siblings of current ASA students, siblings of ASA graduates, and children of ASA Board members and ASA faculty and staff receive enrollment preference.
- Rollover waitlist applicants who meet the established criteria will be processed before new lottery applications.
- New applicants that were in the lottery.
- New applicants who submitted an application after the lottery.
IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A STUDENT WITH A HIGHER LOTTERY NUMBER TO RECEIVE AN OFFER FOR ENROLLMENT BEFORE ME? WHAT IMPACTS THE PLACEMENT OF NEWS STUDENTS?
- Yes, it is possible for someone with a higher lottery number to receive an offer for enrollment ahead of you if a space in a program for which your student is not eligible opens up. Students will be placed in the appropriate programs and grade levels for which they have demonstrated eligibility as determined by previous standardized testing, previous school evaluations, and ASA placement tests/arts evaluations.
- “Program” for academic placement means in which class the child will be placed to best meet his/her needs to access the school curriculum. Students must successfully complete the prior grade level with a C- or better in all academic classes to be placed in the next grade level. If a student has not passed the prior grade level, they may be offered a space in the grade level not yet passed.
- “Program” for arts enrollment refers to music, dance, and theatre arts.
- If the student’s first choice for arts is full, the student will be placed in an alternate class.
- The ASA administration has the sole authority to place the student in the appropriate program and grade level for both arts and academic classes according to openings available.
- ASA enrolls students in accordance with ARS 15-184.
ARE PLACEMENT TESTS REQUIRED, AND HOW ARE THEY USED?
- Placement tests are not required to complete the application process.
- If necessary, a student may be required to take a placement test initiated by the school to make educational decisions.
- Placement test results may also be used to provide recommendations to parents to remediate skills if needed before beginning at ASA.
- Students will be placed in the appropriate classes and grade levels for which they have demonstrated eligibility as determined by previous standardized testing, previous school evaluations, and ASA placement tests/ auditions.
- The ASA administration has the sole authority to place the student at the appropriate program and grade level for both arts and academics, according to available openings.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS?
- Students must have successfully completed their prior academic coursework to enroll in the next grade level at ASA.
- Middle School Students:
- Earn C- or higher in all classes (semester/year-end grades)
- No developing or approaching core skill sets (reading, writing, social studies, science, math)
- No Ds (or equivalent)
- No Fs (or equivalent)
- High School Students:
- Completed one full year of English, math, science, social studies, and either Spanish or French for each year of high school.
- Earn C- or higher in all classes (semester/ year-end grades).
- D’s and F’s are not accepted as passing grades at ASA.
- Students may replace a maximum of 2 D’s or F’s by earning a C- or higher in an approved summer class. ASA allows students to make up two credits during summer school. Students who do not complete the required academic coursework with a letter grade of C- or higher may be offered a placement in their current grade level if space is available.
DO I NEED TO SUBMIT A PORTFOLIO OR RESUME FOR MY CHILD?
- No, ASA does not consider portfolios or resumes for enrollment.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE ENROLLMENT POLICIES?
- School Policies, Community Handbooks, and Guidelines can be found in the “For Parents” section of the website under “School Policies.”
