Wasatch Peak Academy

Charter schools are a combination of public and private school idea. A charter school receives public money, but is governed by a local School Board that is comprised of community leaders and parent. Charter schools give parents a choice in public education for their child. For a comparison of Charter Schools to Public and Private Schools, click here.

How are charter schools financed?

Charter schools are financed through public money, similar to other public schools. Most of the funding comes from the state government. Additional funding for special programs comes from the federal government.

A charter school may not charge tuition or require students or parents to make donations. Charter schools are also subject to the same rules regarding school fees as other public schools.

What is the Wasatch Peak Academy?

Wasatch Peak Academy is a public charter school in North Salt Lake for students in grades K-6

Wasatch Peak Academy focuses on three areas:

	Leveled Learning
	Service Learning
	Spanish Instruction

Leveled Learning – Students are grouped according to their abilities in Math and Reading. Grouping students with similar abilities provides the appropriate level of challenge and educational instruction for each student

Service Learning – We believe that children learn through service. A service learning program provides educational experiences that are integrated into the student’s academic curriculum, providing structured time for a student to think, talk, and write about what the student did during the service activity. The interaction of knowledge and skills with experience is key to the learning process. Service to the community gives students the opportunity to grow intellectually as well as socially, and develop a civic responsibility that will follow them throughout their lifetimes

Spanish Instruction - Wasatch Peak Academy’s commitment to a dual language learning program demonstrates its firm belief that learning more than one language is important for every child. Learning two languages promotes cognitive growth in children and can be a marketable skill to them later in life. It also creates an opportunity for increased cultural sensitivity and heightened understanding of the global nature of human relations. Students participate in Spanish classes and other cultural events, exposing the child to multiple educational disciplines in both languages

This dual-language program is different than bilingual instruction. In bilingual programs, bilingual teachers and guides are available to respond to a child in whichever language the child is most comfortable. Used by itself, the bilingual approach limits exposure of a child to a new language while creating few incentives for learning it. It is the mission of Wasatch Peak Academy that the child is educated in both languages by being exposed to both English and Spanish in multiple contexts.

Where is the school located?

Wasatch Peak Academy is located in the Foxboro neighborhood of North Salt Lake, Utah.

414 N. Cutler Drive
North Salt Lake City, UT 84054

Is transportation provided?

No. Transportation to and from school is the responsibility of each family. We can assist you in finding other families in your area to carpool with. Please fill out a Carpool Form to share your carpool availability with other parents.

If I don't live in Davis County, can my child still attend?

Yes, It doesn’t matter which school district you live in as long as you can provide your own transportation to and from school each day

How can I be more involved in my child's education at Wasatch Peak Academy?

Parents of students attending Wasatch Peak Academy are each a voting member of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). The membership elects a President and President Elect, who then appoint a Secretary and Treasurer, completing the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee solicits chairs for committees such as fundraising, volunteerism, school involvement, and others. In addition to the Executive Committee and the Committee Chairs, we need parents to participate as committee members and classroom volunteers. The president of the PTO also serves as a member of the Wasatch Peak Academy Board of Directors, which is directly responsible for governing the school and creating school policy.

All parents are encouraged to volunteer at least thirty hours per academic year. The PTO recruits a volunteer motivator from each class who disseminates information on volunteer opportunities. The motivator keeps in mind varying work schedules for parents, thus making the appropriate recommendations. There are many volunteer opportunities, even for parents who have young kids at home or parents who work full-time. Please watch the Volunteer link for more information.

Parents are encouraged to participate in the service-learning projects, which is an integral part of our curriculum. We believe that helping our students to become civic minded citizens is largely dependent on how parents model civic-minded actions to their children; therefore, parent participation is a vital component to our program. Parents with varying talents and skills are encouraged to administer before and after school clubs.

What is service learning?

Service-Learning is not an add-on or additional program. The following definition is from the National Service-Learning Exchange: "Service-learning is a method of teaching that enriches learning by engaging students in meaningful service to their schools or communities through careful integration with established curricula." We believe that children learn through service. A service learning program provides educational experiences that are integrated into the student’s academic curriculum providing structured time for a student to think, talk, and write about what the student did during the service activity. The interaction of knowledge and skills with experience is key to the learning process. Service to the community will allow students the opportunity to grow intellectually as well as socially, and develop a civic responsibility that will follow them throughout their lifetimes.

Can you give a concrete example of service learning?

Judy Drummond and her class at Horace Mann Academic Middle School decided to address a shortage of accredited history in the Mission District of San Francisco. They did this by talking to the very people who influenced the community’s development. Driving down Valencia Street, you can't miss their documentation, a brightly colored mural depicting 28 “heroes” of the District, including political and community activists, educators, artists, a policeman and a firefighter. Partnering with a professional mural artist, students wrote a project budget using math and multiplication tables, helped develop grant proposals for funding using writing and research skills, learned interview techniques from an investigative reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle, practiced phone skills by inviting community members to speak to the class, worked on multiple writing competencies by compiling biographies and writing letters to community members, and used their math skills again in creating graphs that allowed their smaller drawings to be represented in proportion on larger mural panels. Alex, a student participant, says it changed the way he thinks and acts toward others. “Because of this project, I know people in my neighborhood better. If I see something happen in my community, I will react.”

Is the core curriculum taught in Spanish?

No, the core curriculum is taught in English. Spanish is taught to the students, and they get some exposure to Spanish every day. Wasatch Peak Academy’s commitment to a dual language learning program demonstrates its firm belief that learning more than one language is important for every child. Learning two languages promotes cognitive growth in children and can be a marketable skill to them later in life. It also creates an opportunity for increased cultural sensitivity and heightened understanding of the global nature of human relations

Spanish is the most prominent second language in Utah. Wasatch Peak Academy has a high number of qualified teachers fluent in both English and Spanish

Is there direct instruction all the time?

Direct instruction takes place part of the day, but we also emphasize instruction using the principles of multiple intelligences. More information can be found online.

What are the multiple intelligences?

Verbal-Linguistic	The ability to use words and language.
Logical-Mathematical	The capacity for inductive and deductive thinking and reasoning, as well as the use of numbers and the recognition of abstract patterns.
Visual-Spatial	The ability to visualize objects and spatial dimensions, and create internal images and pictures.
Body-Kinesthetic	The wisdom of the body and the ability to control physical motion.
Musical-Rhythmic	The ability to recognize tonal patterns and sounds, as well as a sensitivity to rhythms and beats.
Interpersonal	The capacity for person-to-person communications and relationships.
Intrapersonal	The spiritual, inner states of being, self-reflection, and awareness.

May a charter school limit its enrollment to certain students?

No. A charter school is part of the public education system and must be open to all students, without discrimination, on the same basis as other public schools. If the number of students applying to enroll in a charter school exceeds the capacity of the school or of programs, classes, or grade levels within the school, then those students to be admitted are chosen at random from among the applicants.

Does Wasatch Peak Academy have a dress code policy?

Yes. In addition to Davis School District's Student Dress and Grooming Expectations, students are required to adhere to the Dress Code Policy. Parents are expected to follow the Dress Code Policy. All dress code regulations are detailed in the Parent Handbook as well. Teachers are required to wear professional dress.

Are charter schools subject to the same laws and regulations as other public schools?

As a general rule, yes. Laws and regulations relating to religion in the schools, school fees and tuition, health and safety, civil rights, annual reports, prohibitions against advocacy of unlawful behavior, screening of potential employees or volunteers for competency and fitness, and most other matters are the same for both charter schools and other public schools. The State Board may waive any of its rules for a charter school or other public school, if the school applies for a waiver and the State Board finds that the waiver would not violate applicable law or cause harm to students or the school. A charter school is exempt from existing negotiated agreements relating to the hiring, employment, and dismissal of employees. A charter school’s governing body may determine the level of compensation and the terms and conditions of employment for its employees. Charter schools may only employ educators who hold valid teaching certificates or who meet State Board requirements for alternative certification or authorization.

How are charter schools held accountable for what they do?

A charter school must make the same annual reports as other public schools, including an annual financial audit and monthly budget report. Additionally, the charter school must participate in the statewide testing programs. Charter schools submit all reports to the Utah State Board of Education.

Are the teachers certified?

Yes. All teachers are certified by the state. Any specialists or counselors hired also meet all federal and state requirements. See Degrees & Endorsements.

Where do the teachers come from? Do they have tenure?

We advertise open teaching positions in many places. We are committed to having a balance of teachers at all levels in their career. All teachers go through a rigorous interview process before they are offered a position at Wasatch Peak Academy. Anyone interested in working for Wasatch Peak Academy may visit the Careers page for more information. All applicants must be appropriately certified prior to applying.

Who hires the teachers?

The principal sets up and conduct the interviews. A committee including the founding members, parents, the principal, and board members is included in the decision-making process.

When do I find out who the teachers are?

Teacher pictures and biographies are posted on the Faculty page.

Are teachers experienced in traditional education?

By their nature, charter schools attract people who think “outside the box”. The board of directors budgets for teachers to receive more specialized training in service learning in our other curricula, as well as the state programs. We ensure our teachers are current and up-to-date on their licenses, teaching strategies, and information.

What is the biggest challenge to running a charter school? How is this alleviated?

The biggest challenge is to meet all of the state and federal requirements of a charter school. We contract with a management company with a successful track record of managing charter schools to ensure that all state and federal requirements are met.

Is there an early out?

Wasatch Peak Academy has a full school day every day.

Does Wasatch Peak Academy offer day care or after school care?

There are some optional after-school activities, but Wasatch Peak Academy does not provide regular day care or after school care.

Are computers available for the students?

Wasatch Peak Academy uses technology every day in instructing students. Each classroom has two computers for student use and an electronic white board for teacher instruction. We also have a mobile laptop computer lab with 25 laptops that can be used in any classroom.

Do you have school parties and other fun activities?

The PTO organizes many activities both during school and outside of school. For more information about the PTO activities, please visit the PTO page.

Where can I get additional information about charter schools?

Find more information on charter schools at:

www.usoe.k12.ut.us/charterschools
www.uscharterschools.org
www.educationevolving.org
www.charterschoolsusa.com

What is a lottery?

Similar to public schools, Wasatch Peak Academy does not discriminate in its admission policies or practices. Since the number of students that want to attend Wasatch Peak Academy exceeds the school’s capacity, students are admitted on the following basis:

1.	Students currently enrolled are given first priority for the next year
2.	Siblings of current students are given second priority
3.	Other students are randomly selected for enrollment as space permits.

Usually, there is enough space for all current students and siblings. Students that haven’t been enrolled previously are entered into a lottery and are selected randomly for enrollment.

What is my child's chance of being accepted?

The number of openings and the number of applications changes every year, making it difficult to determine the chance of your child being accepted.

How long is the list?

The list changes with each enrollment period as new openings are available and students are accepted.

Where is my child on the list?

Wasatch Peak Academy does not provide this information.

When will I be notified of an open position?

The first open enrollment of the new school year is typically held in January. All students who have applied for the school are notified if they have been accepted or are on the waiting list within 15 days of the Open Enrollment closing. Positions are also filled throughout the school year as they become available. As soon as a position becomes available for your student, you will be notified either by email, phone, or both.

Parents / guardians have 72 hours to accept or reject an open position when it becomes available. It is possible for a position to open during the school year. Parents should consider in advance if they are willing to move their child mid-year or not.

How will I know if my child has been accepted?

You will receive a phone call or email. If you go on vacation, please be sure someone is able to check your messages or email while you are away.

What if I change phone numbers or want to modify my enrollment application?

If you need to update your personal information such as phone number, address, or email address, or if you choose to withdraw your application, please use your confirmation number and log into the enrollment website to make any necessary changes.

Is there anything I can do to improve my child's chance of getting in?

The only way to receive preferential treatment during enrollment is under the following circumstances: (1) a sibling is already attending the school or (2) a parent is a founding board member of the school. Extra volunteer hours, special favors, or donations are not accepted in exchange for special preference.

What if I forgot my confirmation number?

Click the "Resend Confirmation Number" link on the Enrollment page to have it emailed to you.

When the school is at capacity, can I be placed on a waiting list?

Per federal law, the school is not authorized to maintain a waiting list longer than the Open Enrollment period. All students who apply for enrollment must be entered into a lottery for randomized placement into the school as positions become available.