Frequently Asked Question - American Renaissance School

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a charter school?

A charter school is a public school, which operates independently of existing public schools in its area. Charter schools encourage the use of unique and innovative teaching methods to improve learning experiences for all students.

Since charter schools are public schools, they are tuition free, with funding coming directly from federal, state, and local taxes. Charter schools receive funds for operating expenses from the state, but do not receive capital/building funds. For more information, visit http://www.ncpublicschools.org/charterschools/.

ARS is a public charter school and therefore required to use a lottery system to admit students. Our Enrollment Application is available in January and our lottery is held in March. For further details, please visit our Enrollment page.

Do you offer Athletics?

Yes, American Renaissance School (ARS) offers a variety of athletic programs for both K-6 and middle school students. The sports available include:
– Basketball
– Baseball
– Football/Flag Football
– Soccer
– Volleyball
– Track
– Wrestling
– Cheerleading

Sports at American Renaissance School are managed by the ARS Youth Athletic Association (ARSYAA). The ARSYAA is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to promoting fun and safe enrichment opportunities for K-6 youth at American Renaissance School through athletic programs for young boys and girls.

If you have any further questions or would like more information about our athletic offerings, please feel free to contact Tracy Sain at arsyaapresident@gmail.com.

Can I make a donation to ARS?

ARS welcomes public and private assistance in our efforts to fund our school. For further details on how you can contribute,
please visit our Support page.

Do you provide bus transportation?

Limited transportation is required for students in need. Cluster stops are utilized around the city of Statesville for our students. For more questions about transportation, contact our Transportation Director, Tai McMiller.

Do you provide care for students
before and after school?

ARS does provide before and after school care to our students on a first come/first serve basis. For more information,
see the Parent Resources page.

Do you Participate in the National
School Lunch Program?

The ARS Elementary building does not have a cafeteria, while the Middle building does have a cafeteria space. Students can bring in their own lunches or order lunches from our monthly lunch menu. For more information, visit the Parent Resources page.

What is your inclement weather policy?

During times of inclement weather, we communicate our operating hours via Facebook, website, and email messages as well as through local news outlets. To view inclement weather our policy, please see our Student/Parent Handbook.

Do you offer Gifted Education?

We are currently developing and implementing an Academically or Intellectually Gifted program to provide opportunities for advanced enrichment inside and outside the classroom for identified students. If you are interested in learning or or volunteering to provide enrichment opportunities, please contact Tracy Turner at turnert@arsnc.org or 704-878-6009.

What is the discipline policy?

ARS uses PBIS – Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. For more information, refer to www.PBIS.org.

What is the parent role at ARS?

Parents play a vital role at ARS. Learning should continue outside of our school buildings and we expect parents to encourage learning
at home. Support from our parents is essential for the teachers and the school as a whole. We have many opportunities for parents, grandparents, and other members of our extended ARS family to support our school. See the Support page for more information on
these opportunities.

How do you communicate with parents?

We utilize an email and phone message system called SchoolMessenger. At the beginning of each school year, we ask that you fill out a form providing your contact information and indicate which form of communication you prefer. We will make every effort to ensure we communicate administrative information to you via your preferred method. Teachers may also use email, PowerSchool, or Canvas.

Do you offer services for EC?

How do you identify students for EC services? We offer EC programs from separate adaptive learning classrooms to regular services through an inclusion model. We offer Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Vision Impaired services to meet our students’ needs.

How do I enroll my child in ARS?

American Renaissance School is a tuition-free public school dedicated to the success of all students. Admission is open to any North Carolina resident of proper age unless demand exceeds the number of spaces permitted in a charter school agreement with the State.

An application must be submitted for the siblings of current students if the siblings are not currently attending ARS; however, returning students themselves do NOT need to reapply.

What is meant by "looping"? What are the benefits?

ARS utilizes a looping system in grades K-1. This means that in these first two grades, the students remain with their classmates and their teacher during these years. By staying with the same teacher for a looping cycle, students are able to develop a deeper relationship with their teacher and students in their class, and this in turn, positively impacts their learning. This multiple year experience enables the teacher to get to know students well, as learners, so they can successfully and appropriately challenge them in all academic areas while eliminating wasteful time that is taken to “learn” each student from year to year.