FAQ

What is a charter school?

A charter school is an independently run public school. Charter schools are granted greater flexibility in their operations. However, in return for this flexibility charter schools are must perform at a higher level of standard for test scores and graduation rates. If student performance falls below the standards set in the charter, the school may be closed by the New York State department of Education – Charter School Division. In New York State, charter schools must have their charters renewed every five years.

What grades are offered at Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School?

During 2011-2012 Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School will serve K,1,2,5 through 12 grade. 2013 SASCS will have 3rd graders and by September of 2014 Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School will be serving all grades K – 12.

What type of diploma can my child receive at Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School?

Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School is licensed by the New York State Board of Regents to award the following diplomas upon successful completion of all requirements:
    •    New York State Regents Diploma
    •    New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation
    •    New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation and Honors

Is there a cost to attend your school?

Charter schools are tuition-free, like all public schools. All students, regardless of background, are eligible to submit an application for the lottery. The only cost associated with our school is the uniform. Every student must wear the school shirt and navy blue pants (or skirt of knee length for girls). Each student is able to purchase 3 shirts for $15.00 at the beginning of each school year. Additional shirts are $15.00 each. We also have hooded sweat shirts, t-shirts, and shorts available in our main office.

How many students are in each class at Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School?

Each class has approximately 20 students with 60 students in each grade. Some high school elective classes may contain up to 24 students and some up to 12. Smaller class size enables more one on one time between the teacher and students. Our charter restricts our enrollment, once we reach our maximum enrollment all applications will be placed on our waiting list.

I cannot find a copy of the Student Handbook how can I get a copy?

The student handbook is located in the front of the student planner that is given to each student at the start of the school year.
If you cannot find the planner, a copy of the student handbook is located on our website. To get to the handbook, click “About SASCS” – then click “Policies & Regulations” – then click “Concise Student Guidelines” – then click “Student Handbook”.

I do not have a copy of the school lunch menu, how can I get a copy?

The school lunch menu is located on our website. To get to the menu, click “About SASCS” – then click “Policies & Regulations” – then click “Concise Student Guidelines” – then click “Lunch Menu”.

How can I find out about school closings such as holidays and early dismissal days?

All school closings, holidays and early dismissal days are listed on the school calendar that was issued at the beginning of the school year. If you do not have one please contact the main office for another copy, or visit our website. To get to the academic calendar click on “About SASCS” – then click “Policies & Regulations” – then click “Concise Student Guidelines” – then click “Academic Calendar”.

When there is a school closing due to inclement weather conditions, how can I find out if SASCS is closed?

School closings will be announced on all local television stations. If Syracuse City School District is closed, SASCS will also be closed.

If my child is already in school and there is a closing due to inclement weather or any other school emergency, how can I find out if and when the school will be closing?

Early closings will be announced on all local television stations. You may also call the main office to confirm dismissal time.

What should I do if my child is going to be absent from school?

If your child will be absent due to illness or injury please call the main office as soon as possible. The office will notify your child’s teachers of the absence.
If your child will only miss part of the school day due to an appointment (e.g. doctor, dentist, etc.) please sign your child into or out of school in the main office. The office will notify your child’s teachers of the absence.

If my child is absent from school, how can I get missed assignments?

If your child is absent for only one day all missed assignments may be obtained from each teacher upon your child’s return to school. Your child may also stay after school to work with his/her teachers to make up any missed work.
If your child will be absent for several days, arrangements can be made to have work sent home, or picked up in the main office. Please contact the main office for more information.
If your child will be absent for an extended period of time (e.g. more than one week due to an injury or extended illness) please contact our guidance department to set up home-bound tutoring.

At what age(s) must you file working papers?

Working papers are required for minors aged 14 through 18.

How can my child obtain working papers?

Working papers can be obtained from the college guidance office.

What is required to obtain working papers?

A completed application signed by the parent/guardian must be submitted, along with a copy of a physical exam given within one year of the application date. A copy of the child’s birth certificate to verify age is also required. These will be kept on file at the school should duplicate working papers be required.

If a minor is working more than one job, do they need working papers to be filed at each place of employment?

Yes, each individual employer must have a copy of the working papers on file. If your child needs additional copies they may obtain them from the college guidance office. If the physical exam on file is over one year old, another physical exam must be given prior to obtaining working papers.

How can I transfer my child to SASCS?

You must first fill out an application. Applications are available in our main office, via mail, or on our web site. To access our on line application go to “Apply On Line”.
Once an application is received, you will be contacted as to what other paperwork is needed. Acceptance is based on seat availability.

What age must my child be in order to register for Kindergarten?

According to New York State Education Department a child must have their 5th birthday by December 1 of the school year.
For example: your child’s 5th birthday will be November 3, 2011. You may enroll your child for the 2011 -2012 school year.
Another example: your child’s 5th birthday will be December 20, 2011. You will have to wait for the 2012 -2013 school year to enroll your child.

How can I help out at the school?

There are several ways to help out at SASCS. We have a PTO which meets at the school every month. Their schedule is posted on our website.
At the elementary level, you may contact your child’s teacher about helping out in the classroom.
At the middle school and high school level you may contact our director, Mr. Tolga Hayali, to set up times to volunteer at the school.
To help out at sporting events, please contact our athletic director, Mr. Onur Gokce.

Do you provide transportation and breakfast and lunch?

Transportation to our school is provided by your home district. For example, if you live in the Syracuse City School District, SCSD pupil transportation will bus your child to our school. If you live outside the Syracuse City School District, you must contact your home school district’s pupil transportation department as some districts require a form to be filled out by the parent regarding transportation. Our school offers free and reduced price lunch to all eligible students. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to fill out an application every year as the standards change. Breakfast is provided to our elementary students.

My child has an IEP or receiving other special services, can you accommodate his/her needs?

Yes. We accommodate all children and their individual learning needs. Our resource coordinator will require a copy of your child’s IEP or 504 plan in order to schedule them accordingly. You can request your child’s current school to send us a copy if you do not have a current copy at home.

Does Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School offer tutoring?

Yes, we have a tutoring program at our school. Every student is eligible for extra help on an as needed basis. All of our teacher stay after school for extra help, or for students to make up missed work. A schedule of which teachers are staying on which days will be made available at the beginning of each school year.
We do not have a “late bus”. Student’s who stay after school must either be picked up by a family member or ride CENTRO. Student’s who will be riding CENTRO will be given a single ride pass by the school at the end of the tutoring schedule.

Is there a school uniform?

Yes. Every student is required to wear the school shirt and navy blue pants (or a skirt of knee length for girls). Jeans and leggings that look like jeans are not allowed. Pants must be dress slacks or cotton twill. School shirts are available in short or long sleeve. Shorts are permitted in warm weather, however, they must be of modest length (no “hot pants” or short shorts). Students are permitted to wear a hooded sweat shirt of navy blue, maroon, or black that is free of any writing or designs. Hooded sweat shirts with the school name are available in the main office. We also offer t-shirts and shorts for physical education classes. A price list follows:

School shirt - $15.00 each (one time offer of 3 for $15 to each student at the beginning of each school year)
Hooded sweat shirt - $25.00 each
Athletic t-shirts (blue or white) – $10.00 each
Athletic shorts (blue only) – $10.00 each
Book bag – $5.00 each
Book bag set (contains one t-shirt, one pair of short, and the book bag) - $20.00

How do I apply to Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School?

There are a few ways you can apply to our school. One way is by visiting the “Perspective Students” section on our web site. Follow the links to the online application. Be sure to select the appropriate school year and grade level you are applying for. Another way is to call the school and request an application in the mail. And finally, you may stop by our school any time Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm and pick up an application in our main office.

Besides an application, what other documents do I need?

Besides a completed application, the following documents are required –

A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate
The most recent report card to verify grade applying for
A high school transcript with regents scores (if applicable)
Proof of residency in Onondaga County (driver’s license, phone bill, etc.)
Copy of IEP or 504 plan (if applicable)
Copy of immunization record
Copy of physical exam (done within one year of the school year applying for)
Locator Test*
Informational Meeting**

*Every applicant is required to take a locator test. This is a 40 question multiple choice test that we use with the applicant’s report card to identify weak and/or strong areas. STUDENT’S DO NOT NEED TO PASS THIS EXAM TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR ENROLLMENT.
**Every applicant is required to meet with an administrator prior to enrollment. Items discussed are as follows:

Dress code
Daily schedule
Student code of conduct
Disciplinary measures
After School Activities
Competitions and Fairs

Eligibility

Any child who lives in Onondaga County is eligible to attend our school. Applicants are accepted on the basis of availability. Current students have first chance at a seat for the following school year.

To Apply for Admission

Applications may be submitted online, in person, or through the mail. Available spots will be filled using a lottery system. Only student files that are complete will be included in the lottery.

Further Information

If you have further questions about enrolling your child at Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School, please email info@sascs.org or call 315-428-8997 Monday through Friday between 9:00am and 4:00pm.

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Our Mission

Our Mission

Building on the triad of student-teacher-parent relationships,

SASCS will provide support, challenges and opportunities,

and instill the necessary skills and knowledge,

to enable students to reach their highest potential in

college career and citizenship.