Lutz Preparatory School Individualized education for all students A private school experience with no tuition

This meeting is the first of four “required” parent information meetings. The goal today is to: * Clear up any misconceptions about the new charter school * Provide information about charter schools in general and Lutz Prep in particular * Allow interested parents a chance to submit an application

The Lutz Preparatory School, Incorporated is a publicly funded Hillsborough County Charter School and as such admits students of any race, color, religion, national origin or ethnic origin.

Mission Statement The mission of Lutz Preparatory School is to provide a creative, nurturing, rigorous academic environment where each student can reach their full potential.

Charter schools in Florida began in 1996 Charter Schools are authorized and funded through local school boards. They operate under a different set of laws which are more flexible and allow local control and an innovative approach to educating children.

A not-for- profit corporation. Lutz Preparatory School was specifically organized to meet the needs of students who are not being challenged in conventional public school classrooms and who were not getting the attention they deserve to develop to the peak of their intellectual ability.

Professional families Working Class families Families on welfare Hart and Risley (1995) a longitudinal study of children and families from three groups: Professional families Working Class families Families on welfare

Professional Families Literacy Skills from ages 2 to 4 Professional Families literacy skills are double Working Families Professional Families literacy skills are four times that of Welfare Families

A student at the 10th percentile reads about 60,000 words a year in 5th grade.

Top level students in 5th grade read over 8,000,000 words a year more than the an average student.

Lutz preparatory school was awarded a charter by Hillsborough County School District on December 7. Lutz Preparatory School is designed to provide individual attention to each child, especially those with advanced literacy skills. Lutz Prep is designed for active, engaged parents who are willing to contribute to the success of their child’s school.

A small neighborhood school A small school with a family environment 224 students in K–5 to start, maximum 290 in 5 years Individual attention for each and every student Thematic Approach

Engaged, motivated students willing to push themselves Co-operative Learning – students gathering people skills needed in the world around them Parents who are involved in their child’s education to include volunteering at the school

The Curriculum Thematic units and a focus on literacy Math Science Social Science Art, music & physical education Second language acquisition Sunshine State Standards met

Active parent participation and enrichment Strong home school communication Online component Homework helper after school Before and after care offered

Additional Information School hours 8:30 to 2:30 Class size amendment – 18, K-3 --- 22, 4 & 5 Cost – This is a publicly funded HCSD school Uniforms FCAT and other assessment Parent volunteer requirement – 20 hours per family

Application/Registration Pasco residents – transfer paperwork required Lottery process 1 & 2 or more Waiting List

Some Key Lottery facts if a lottery is needed The Board must follow Florida statues, Hillsborough County procedures and our specific charter document.

The Board Must "Set a deadline for accepting student applications, which will correspond to the last of four informational meetings within each enrollment phase for the available new spaces during each round of the enrollment processes." You are at the first of four meetings for this first phase. First application deadline 1/31 First public lottery, if necessary, 2/5

"Applications for enrollment will be taken only at the conclusion of these informational sessions for each round of the enrollment and/or lottery process."

"meetings are offered during varied times and days to create equal opportunity for all of those wishing to apply"

Kindergarten through 5th Grade School Capacity There is flexibility on a per class basis, but not on total students. YEAR 1 Kindergarten through 5th Grade 224 students maximum The lottery fills class rather than the school. 290 maximum students in first five years

To register your child Fill out the Application now. It doesn't take much time. Turn in the Application tonight or mail it to Lutz Prep immediately.

After you register Follow The Lutz Prep Family blog daily at http://lutzprep.wordpress.com/ Information will be posted as the parent meeting week progresses.