Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Whitney M. Young Academy located?
- How long is the school day?
- Do you serve breakfast and lunch?
- I noticed you do not have teachers, but Learning Coaches. What is a Learning Coach?
- While I love the idea of a Learning Coach, I would also like some traditional teaching as well, is that possible?
- My student has an IEP, can they still attend?
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Where is Whitney M. Young Academy located?
Answer
Great question! Whitney M. Young Academy is not one school, but a series of micro-schools.
The neat aspect of WMYA is that education happens anywhere, and by anywhere, we mean it! WMYA has partnered with churches, community centers and other agencies in your neighborhood to host our school, your school, in their spaces.
To ensure that our schools are always close to home (one mile or closer), we do not open up a new micro-school unless we have sufficient students from the community enrolled.
If there is not enough demand in your area, we will also coordinate transportation to ensure your child can attend the nearest location.
Regardless of the location, each micro-school meets all safety and health requirements outlined by the Florida Department of Education.
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How long is the school day?
Answer
School hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For parents in need of before or after school care, we are working with community partners to ensure this can be provided. Please let us know on your application if you will need this service.
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Do you serve breakfast and lunch?
Answer
Yes! WMYA is working diligently to get certified by the State of Florida to serve free and reduced breakfast and lunch for our students. We expect this certification to be approved by fall 2021.
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I noticed you do not have teachers, but Learning Coaches. What is a Learning Coach?
Answer
At WMYA, we are moving beyond the traditional model where a teacher is only present to lecture to his or her students. Our Learning Coaches are present to facilitate learning, but more importantly, empower and encourage our students to engage in the subjects that interest them, all while meeting the Department of Education standards.
All Learning Coaches are certified through our curriculum as well as are hired with the strictest of standards, passing all background and drug checks.
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While I love the idea of a Learning Coach, I would also like some traditional teaching as well, is that possible?
Answer
While the Learning Coach is responsible for the classroom on a day-to-day basis, we do have certified teachers on staff who monitor all our students' academic progress. They provide expertise and any intervention, if needed.
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My student has an IEP, can they still attend?
Answer
Due to the intimate nature of WMYA, each student file is reviewed before acceptance. Please send your students IEP to [email protected] with “IEP” in the subject line for our staff to review.
We are currently accepting students with certain IEPs and in the coming months, we intend to accept all students with IEPs. However, we must review each IEP to ensure WMYA can fully support your child.