Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any tuition fee?
No. A charter school is a free, public school.
What is a charter school?
Charter schools are privately run, public schools. They operate under a performance contract, or “charter” with the local school board. Most charter schools offer the benefits of a private school education, such as small classes, parent involvement, and individualized programs without the expensive tuition costs of most private schools. There are currently over 300 charter schools operating in Florida, and many more nation-wide. Also, every teacher at NCMS is State Certified in his/her field of teaching.
Who may attend? What is the enrollment process like?
Nature Coast Middle School is open to students in grades 6-8 whose parents / guardians live or work in Levy, Gilchrist, or Dixie county, and who can benefit from the programs offered by our school. The enrollment process is simple: Parents first request an application packet from NCMS, which provides information about our curriculum, programs, and policies. After reviewing the information, parents may complete an application for their child and submit it to our office. After reviewing the application, we will contact you to let you know when your child may begin attending, and to answer any questions you might have. We will also request your child’s records from his / her previous school. Please note that we are unable to admit any student who has been expelled from any public school, or who has a history of serious behavioral or academic problems that would make them unable to function successfully in a regular education classroom.
Do students at NCMS take State Assessments like FAST?
Yes. A charter school is a public school, and students are required to demonstrate proficiency on the FAST ELA, FAST Mathematics, BEST EOCs, and the 8TH Grade Science assessments. The courses at NCMS are based on the B.E.S.T. Benchmarks in Mathematics, Language Arts, Algebra 1, and the Florida State Academic Standards in Science and Social Studies in order to provide students with a quality academic program to prepare them for success on the FAST and Florida State Assessments and their future high school years.
After graduation from NCMS, will my child be able to attend the local public high school?
Absolutely. At NCMS, we strive to provide our students with all the tools they will need to be successful in their future. All courses taken at NCMS are fully transferable to any other public middle or high school.
Will my child be able to participate in sports?
Yes. Like homeschoolers, charter school students are eligible to participate in the extracurricular activities, such as sports, offered by their local public school. Nature Coast also provides an elective class program with many options not offered at other schools.