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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a charter school?
A charter school is an agreement between the State Board of Education and the Charter holders (parents, teachers, community members) to operate a school.

What is the history of Jean Massieu Academy?
JMA was approved as an open-enrollment charter school by the State Board of Education (SBOE).  We are subject to all the policies and regulations of the SBOE.
The JMA charter is an agreement between the SBOE and the Jean Massieu Foundation to operate a school.  We opened our doors for the first time on August 11, 1999 with 23 students enrolled and ended the 1999-2000 school year with 55 students enrolled.  At the beginning of the 2000-2001 school year , we began with approximately 80 students and ended this past school year with over 100 students. We currently have over 150 students enrolled.    We feel that our tremendous growth is testimony of our dedication and commitment to the educational excellence of our students.

Are Hearing students allowed to enroll at JMA?
As an open enrollment charter, we also have approximately a third of our student population who are not deaf or hard of hearing.  All students and staff are required to use sign language at all times.  The great advantage of JMA is our environment of total communication access.  Because everyone uses sign language, there is no barrier to communication. Our Language and Communication Policy ensures that sign language is used at all times on campus.    Most of our hearing students who enroll already know sign language.  They may have deaf parents or deaf siblings or have had contacts with deaf individuals before.

Are JMA teachers certified?
We employ mainly certified teachers.

Is there be a sports program?
JMA has several sports programs, including Girls’ Volleyball, Boys’ Basketball.

Will high school students receive credits towards graduation?
As a Texas public school, we are a fully accredited program.  All our high school students receive credit for completed coursework toward graduation.

Is there a tuition fee charged?
Because we are a Texas public school, there is no tuition fee charged.  We receive state monies for each student who attends

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is provided.  There is no charge for use of transportation service.  Parents are requested to complete a transportation request form and comply with the transportation policy as set by the school.

Are school uniforms required?
Students in Grades K-12 are required to wear school uniforms.  Strict observance of the school uniform policy is enforced. Navy Blue polo shirts must be worn on field trips.  No other shirts will be allowed.  A copy of the uniform policy is available from the school office.  Only pre-kindergarten students are exempted from wearing school uniforms.

Are IEP goals developed for special education students?
Yes, JMA complies with IDEA regulations which require that all special education students have IEP goals.

What curriculum is used?
The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills ( TEKS ) curriculum is used.  The TEKS curriculum is supplemented with information and history related to Deaf Heritage and Deaf individuals.

Are state assessments provided annually?
Both the TAKS and SDAA assessments are given to students in Grades 3-8.  Exit-level tests are given beginning in the 9th grade. The type of assessment given is determined by the ARD committee for special educational students.

How is JMA funded?
Like traditional public schools, we receive state monies for each student who attends.  The only exception is that we do not receive state funds for building and rental expenses.

We have received donations from the Challenge Foundation to purchase science lab materials, SRA reading materials, and the Accelerated Reader.    In the past, we have received donations from Tandy Corporation, Microsoft, the Pate Foundation, Capital Gains Groups, in addition to many individual contributions.    All donations should be made to the Jean Massieu Foundation, our 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

Is there a PTA?
The JMA PTA organization was established in the fall of 2000.  Membership dues are $6.00 per person. Membership is open to any interested persons, including parents, staff, family members, and community members.

What is our geographical boundary?
Our geographical boundary encompasses a ten county area, including Tarrant, Dallas, Rockwall, Hurst, Parker, Collin, Ellis, Denton, Kaufman, and Johnson counties.  Students who reside within one of these ten counties are eligible for enrollment at JMA.

How may I enroll my child?
You may enroll your child at JMA at any time.  Just contact the school office at (817) 460-0396 or e-mail to request an enrollment packet.