Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT WAKE PREPARATORY ACADEMY & OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT
What is a Charter School?
In North Carolina, charter schools are public schools of choice that are authorized by the State Board of Education and operated by an independent non-profit boards of directors. State and local tax dollars are the primary funding sources for charter schools, which have open enrollment and cannot discriminate in admissions, associate with any religion or religious group, or charge tuition. Charter schools operate with freedom from many of the regulations that govern district schools, but charter schools are held accountable through the State assessment and accountability system. http://www.ncpublicschools.org/charterschools/.
Wake Preparatory Academy has been approved by the State Board of Education and as a non-profit corporation has filed to the IRS and is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization. WPA is a tuition-free charter school that will initially serve students in grades K-11.
In North Carolina, charter schools are public schools of choice that are authorized by the State Board of Education and operated by an independent non-profit boards of directors. State and local tax dollars are the primary funding sources for charter schools, which have open enrollment and cannot discriminate in admissions, associate with any religion or religious group, or charge tuition. Charter schools operate with freedom from many of the regulations that govern district schools, but charter schools are held accountable through the State assessment and accountability system. http://www.ncpublicschools.org/charterschools/.
Wake Preparatory Academy has been approved by the State Board of Education and as a non-profit corporation has filed to the IRS and is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization. WPA is a tuition-free charter school that will initially serve students in grades K-11.
How is WPA Different From Other School Districts?
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CHOICE
As a public school of choice, WPA was created for a single purpose: to support the family. We are proud to be the choice of thousands of North Carolina families. Our charter allows us the flexibility to deliver exactly what families want - the best educational experience in a moral and wholesome environment. |
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ENVIRONMENT
At WPA, we believe that the right environment accelerates learning; that's why we teach our RAISE leadership values (Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, Excellence) at every grade level. These values help us maintain a moral and wholesome environment which enhances a student's overall experience. |
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ACADEMICS
With our blend of Project-based learning and Back to Basics instruction, WPA offers a unique learning environment that utilizes data-driven instruction in an accelerated curriculum. Our faculty of credentialed teachers and leaders is focused on helping every student succeed and be prepared for college, career, and beyond. |
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CHARTER FUNDING
A major difference between WPA and district schools is funding. WPA is funded based on enrollment levels; we receive funding from the state on a per pupil basis. In contrast, district schools are funded from sources not available to WPA. For example, in addition to state funding, districts receive money from local property taxes, levies and voter-approved overrides. Districts are subsidized further for construction, repairs, transportation, and debt financing. WPA will absorb these costs without the benefit of any of these additional sources. Despite less funding, WPA students experience faster growth rates in learning and achievement, and teachers and administrators are paid competitive wages, all because there is less red tape when the inefficiencies of government are removed from the school. |
How is WPA Different From Other Charter Schools?
The State Board of Education approved Wake Preparatory Academy on July 11, 2019. We will break ground to begin building our new facilities on approximately 40 acres of land after the purchase, providing beautiful, new classrooms fully equipped to help our students receive the education they deserve—no making do with renovated office spaces or abandoned storefronts. We will also have room for sports fields.
The State Board of Education approved Wake Preparatory Academy on July 11, 2019. We will break ground to begin building our new facilities on approximately 40 acres of land after the purchase, providing beautiful, new classrooms fully equipped to help our students receive the education they deserve—no making do with renovated office spaces or abandoned storefronts. We will also have room for sports fields.
- Speaking of sports, WPA will offer a full range of sports and extracurricular activities.
- While charter schools are not required to provide transportation to and from school, WPA wants to remove as many barriers to our great school as possible. Therefore, we are committed to providing buses that service two to three “WPA Bus Stops” in public locations. These spots will be selected based on their proximity to a majority of students who have a need for transportation services.
- WPA will also offer a free and/or reduced lunch to qualifying students, ensuring that hunger won’t be a barrier to education at our school.
- WPA will have a certified nurse on campus to assist our students with their medications, illnesses, and health and wellness checks.
- We create a moral and wholesome environment evident not only in our classrooms, but also anywhere on our campus. Because our proprietary RAISE (Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence) curriculum is integrated into our lessons at all grades, students learn in a distraction free environment and take those lessons with them when they leave WPA’s grounds.
Is WPA a Non-Profit Organization?
Yes! Wake Preparatory Academy was approved on July 11, 2019. Now that the State Board of Education has approved WPA, it will become a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which required that its officers, directors, or any other private individuals receive no unfair earnings. Additionally, a non-profit organization can not be owned by any individual. WPA is proud of the fact that its unpaid Board of Directors is independent and extremely qualified. WPA exists for the purpose of providing a challenging, individualized education program with a moral focus while preparing its students to graduate from high school with paths to acceptance and success in college, a career and beyond.
Yes! Wake Preparatory Academy was approved on July 11, 2019. Now that the State Board of Education has approved WPA, it will become a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which required that its officers, directors, or any other private individuals receive no unfair earnings. Additionally, a non-profit organization can not be owned by any individual. WPA is proud of the fact that its unpaid Board of Directors is independent and extremely qualified. WPA exists for the purpose of providing a challenging, individualized education program with a moral focus while preparing its students to graduate from high school with paths to acceptance and success in college, a career and beyond.
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Who Can Receive an Education at WPA?
Any student who is eligible to attend a public school in NC is able to apply at WPA. If we receive more applications than seats available, we will hold a lottery to fill the spots in the most equitable manner. Our lottery will be “weighted,” meaning that we reserve a certain percentage of spots to make sure that WPA accurately represents the demographics of the neighborhoods it serves. |
& How is WPA Run?
WPA is run by an independent board comprised of Wake & Franklin County residents with areas of expertise in education, finance, non-profit organization, real estate, and business development. To help WPA achieve its goals, WPA contracts with the EMO, Charter One, LLC for administrative and support services.
Charter One is accountable to the WPA Board who, in turn, is accountable to the State of North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and the North Carolina Office of Charter Schools for the performance and operations of WPA.
WPA is run by an independent board comprised of Wake & Franklin County residents with areas of expertise in education, finance, non-profit organization, real estate, and business development. To help WPA achieve its goals, WPA contracts with the EMO, Charter One, LLC for administrative and support services.
Charter One is accountable to the WPA Board who, in turn, is accountable to the State of North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and the North Carolina Office of Charter Schools for the performance and operations of WPA.
What is an EMO?
An Education Management Organization (EMO) is an entity that contracts with a charter school to provide administrative and support services to the school. These organizations often provide back-office functions so that Charters can take advantage of economies of scale. EMOs offer a wide range of support services including HR, Marketing, IT, Professional Development and Training, Curriculum Development, Transportation, Food Services, etc., and can play an important role in the scalability of a Charter by enabling the replication of models that work, creating economies of scale, and building support structures for schools they serve.
An Education Management Organization (EMO) is an entity that contracts with a charter school to provide administrative and support services to the school. These organizations often provide back-office functions so that Charters can take advantage of economies of scale. EMOs offer a wide range of support services including HR, Marketing, IT, Professional Development and Training, Curriculum Development, Transportation, Food Services, etc., and can play an important role in the scalability of a Charter by enabling the replication of models that work, creating economies of scale, and building support structures for schools they serve.
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Why Did WPA Select Charter One?
The WPA Board selected Charter One after vetting several other potential EMOs. The WPA Board felt that Charter One’s services were aligned with WPA’s mission and vision. They also felt that Charter One’s experience and success operating K-12 model campuses is unparalleled. Charter One is a team of highly skilled individuals with expertise in the operation of charter schools. Charter One provides support and administrative services in the areas of Human Resources, Computer Information Systems, Finance & Accounting, Student Information Systems, Professional Development & Training, Marketing, Transportation, and more. WPA pays Charter One an Administrative Service Fee (ASF) for services provided. |
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How Much Need/Interest is There in Another Charter School in Wake County?
WAITLISTS - According to nearby charter schools, there are approximately 8,000 - 10,000 students on charter school waitlists in North Wake County.
WAITLISTS - According to nearby charter schools, there are approximately 8,000 - 10,000 students on charter school waitlists in North Wake County.
- According to WCPSS Student Assignment webpage:
- 21 Capped Schools in Wake County:
- “Capped Elementary Schools: Baileywick, Cedar Fork, Combs, Fuquay-Varina, Harris Creek, Highcroft Drive, Holly Grove, Hortons Creek, Mills Park, Oakview, Olive Chapel, Rogers Lane, Scotts Ridge, Sycamore Creek, Vance, Weatherstone, Willow Springs, Yates Mill
- Capped Middle Schools: Mills Park
- Capped High Schools: Heritage, Panther Creek
- 21 Capped Schools in Wake County:
- According to the WCPSS 2019 Facilities Utilization Report:
- 126 schools are above 100% overcrowding of their facility (not including trailers).
- 87 schools are above 100% overcrowding of their facility (including trailers).
WPA Information
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WHERE WILL WPA BE LOCATED?
WPA will finalize the purchase of property and announce its location. Our plan is to locate in Wake Forest. |
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WILL WPA GO THROUGH 12TH GRADE?
Yes! While we are opening with kindergarten through 11th grade in 2021, we will add a grade each year. By 2022, we will serve all grades on one campus! |
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HOW CAN I RECEIVE UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT WPA?
To stay abreast of all our developments, please join our interest list! |
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HOW CAN I SHOW MY SUPPORT FOR WPA?
Share Wake Preparatory Academy's website on social media and tell your friends! |
