Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plato
Academy?
Plato Academy is a
Pinellas County charter school. Charter schools are
public schools that operate under a performance
contract, or a “charter” which frees them from most
rules and state statutes created for traditional public
schools. As part of the contract, charter schools are
held strictly accountable for academic performance.
In essence, Charter schools are Private schools with the
exception of funding and accountability provided by
local and federal government.
What is the
purpose of charter schools?
Statutory provisions
require charter schools to fulfill the following
purposes: improve student learning and academic
achievement, increase learning opportunities for all
students and encourage the use of innovative learning
methods. Additionally, statutory provisions
authorize charter schools to create innovative
measurement tools and provide rigorous competition
within the public school district in order to stimulate
continued improvement in all public schools.
Who can attend?
Kindergarteners must be 5
on or before September 1st. Incoming first,
second, third and fourth graders may transfer easily from their
current schools. We offer grades Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3
and 4 for
the 2006-2007 school year. For the 2007-2008 school
year, we will add 5th grade. Pre-kindergarten is
offered for 3-5 year olds (must be potty
trained).
When can I
enroll my child?
School begins on
August 2006. Since space is limited,
parents must enroll their children
directly with Plato Academy,
rather than with the Choice center.
Registration Information
Where are you
located?
Plato Academy is located
at 401 South Old Coachman Road, Clearwater, FL, next to
the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, just off
Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., one block West of US 19 (behind the
Tampa Tribune building and Chick-Fil-A The facilities
include beautiful classrooms, a new playground area,
full size gymnasium, and cafeteria.
Location Map.
What is Plato
Academy's mission?
To educate children to become responsible, ethical, proper, respectful, valuable and self-reliant members of society. The mission of the Plato
Academy is to encourage critical analytical thinking
skills by engaging the students in Socratic discussion.
This is the oldest and still most powerful teaching
tactic for fostering critical thinking. Using the
Socratic Method, teachers focus on giving students
questions-not answers. The Plato Academy will use this
method throughout the curricula to gain authentic
student assessment and learning and increase readiness
in reading, writing, math, and science.
What is
the philosophy behind Plato Academy?
Plato Academy is based
upon innovative education methods and the study of the
Greek language and culture as a basis, connection, and
reinforcement of academic subjects. It includes a
multicultural focus in skills and content areas in order
to help students achieve academic excellence, acquire a
lifestyle of learning, and develop a life-long love for
reading, experimenting, problem solving, and independent
thinking.
Why Greek?
Learning a second language
in elementary school is almost second nature to
children. More importantly, being able to communicate
and function in Greek, the language that is the basis
for math, science, English, history, literature, and
other academic subjects, will enable students to excel
throughout school, college, and future professions.
Doctors, nurses, lawyers, educators, clergymen,
engineers, scientists, and business professionals will
affirm that a second language, especially Greek, is a
valuable asset. Learning Greek at a young age sharpens
the mind by enhancing reading ability and mathematical
computation. Greek will also serve as a springboard to
other languages. Learning Greek will have a significant
impact on children’s academic success in middle school,
high school, college, and the business world.
What is your
discipline policy?
Plato Academy has a very
strict but fair discipline policy. Appropriate behavior will
ensure uninterrupted teaching and will encourage an
atmosphere conducive to learning. Consequences
including out of school suspension and possible
expulsion are assessed for noncompliance.
Is there a
dress code for students?
We
have a mandatory uniform policy. Consequences are
assessed for noncompliance.
What is the
average class size?
Our classes average 18
students. The individualized attention that students
receive in small class sizes will help the children
succeed and will comply with the No Child Left Behind
legislation.
Community
Involvement?
Members of the community
at large participate in various aspects of campus life
and projects. The parents are accountable for the
success of their children. Plato Academy is a division
of the Panhellenic Federation of Florida which is
composed of many Greek American societies whose main purpose
is to promote education. As such, Plato Academy
receives support from many Americans of Greek descent
and philhellenes from Pinellas County and around the
world.
Is Plato affiliated with a religious
entity?
The
Plato Academy is not affiliated or connected with a
religious entity. The Academy will have a
multi-cultural and interdisciplinary focus in academia
and campus life.
Why Plato Academy Click here to view(.pdf file)
Parent Student
Handbook
Click here to
view(.pdf file)
School Brochure
Click here to view(.pdf file)
