Frequently Asked Questions
Do the students in the Academy feel included in The Cushman School?
Yes. Due to the nature of The Cushman School and its' fluid schedule, it is not unusual for students to leave the Academy and join their "team class" during the course of the day. Our students also participate with their "team class" for fieldtrips, parties and special events as part of our general curriculum. Also, because of our commitment to teach the virtue of courtesy, we encourage all students to be courteous with each other throughout each day.
How much homework is assigned each night?
The goal of homework is to teach a student responsibility and provide drill and practice of material that needs to be committed to memory or as a supplement to reinforce skills learned in the classroom. Students are assigned small amounts of homework each night, typically 10 minutes per grade level (eg. 3rd graders will have 30 minutes) and are expected to return their homework each day. Reading is also assigned 20 minutes nightly. Reading can be done with parents or independently. The homework process is very organized and each student has a planner and homework folder for which they are responsible for bringing to and from school daily.
How long do students attend the LCA?
The goal of the Academy is to quickly remediate each student and return them to the general education program at The Cushman School. The time varies for each student and is dependent on a child's progress and individual learning style. Careful evaluation by the child's team determines the appropriate time for mainstreaming. We strive to set each child up for success and work closely with the family to ensure that the transition is made at the right time.
What is the process when a child is mainstreamed into the general education classes from the LCA?
The overall goal of mainstreaming is to set up the best possible plan for each student to be successful. This usually occurs when the student's team feels that it is time to mainstream, and a transition plan is discussed. Timing is a critical factor when making such a transition. The transition plan varies depending on each student. At times, partial mainstreaming is implemented, whereby a student becomes part of a 'team class' for one subject. Alternatively, the student may be fully mainstreamed but require additional support.
How often are parent/teacher conferences?
The goal of the Academy is to quickly remediate each student and return them to the general education program at The Cushman School. The time varies for each student and is dependent on a child's progress and individual learning style. Careful evaluation by the child's team determines the appropriate time for mainstreaming. We strive to set each child up for success and work closely with the family to ensure that the transition is made at the right time.
Do you accept McKay Scholarship?
Yes, we accept the McKay Scholarship. Students who are currently enrolled in the Florida Public School System and have an IEP may be eligible to apply for the McKay Scholarship through Dade County Public Schools: www.floridaschoolchoice.org.
Are children in the LCA able to participate in all extracurricular activities and sports?
Yes. All LCA students may participate in extracurricular activities like student council, after school clubs, sports, music, etc.