Phoenix Learning Center

What grades does Phoenix Learning Center serve? We offer grades K-6.  There are other Julian Charter School programs which offer grades 7-12.

Is the program open to anyone? Julian Charter School is a public school open to all California residents.

What are the program's hours? Classes are held from 8:15-2:45, Monday through Thursday.  Friday is a home school day.

Will you ever go to five days? Julian is a is a home school based charter, and therefore cannot offer a five day a week on-site program.

Where are you located? We are located at the Coastal Christian Center at 777 Santa Fe Drive in Encinitas.

Is there a playground? The students have access to a gymnasium and a grassy field for lunch recess.

How much recess time do students get each day? Students have a 15 minute morning break and a 45 minute lunch period, 30 minutes of which is devoted to play time.

Is there a lunch program? There is no lunch program offered.  All students must bring a lunch each day.

Is there PE? Students complete their PE requirements at home, and keep a log of their activities each month.  K-5 students are required to do a minimum of 400 minutes per month; 6th graders must complete 800 minutes.

Do you offer art and music in the classroom? Art and music are incorporated into the curriculum, but there are definitely programs at other schools which offer more extensive art curricula.

What is the class size? Classes are currently capped at 20 students in grades K-2 and 22 in grades 3-6.  We have no plans to offer more than one class per grade.

Is there tuition? No.  Julian Charter School is a public charter school funded by the state of California and free to its students.

What do I need to do to apply? Please contact the office for an enrollment request form for the current school year.

Can I sign up for next year now? We will begin taking enrollment requests for the 2010-11 school year in the spring.  If there are more requests than we have spaces available, we will do a lottery on or about May 1st.

How much homework is there? Homework varies by grade, but is generally less than other public schools.  The exception is the Friday work, which is meant to be a full day's school work, generally 4-5 hours.

I've never homeschooled.  Can I do this Friday thing? Most parents find that the grow to enjoy being involved with their child's learning.  If you find yourself easily frustrated when helping your child with homework, or if your child resists cooperating with you regarding school work, a traditional five day program may work better for your family.

What makes your program different? Our academically rigorous, differentiated curriculum was designed to meet the California GATE standards and to challenge all students as if they are gifted.

Will my child succeed in your program? Each child is different, but in general, bright, self-motivated, curious kids excel with our methods of teaching.  Students who have trouble working independently and students who do not activiely enjoy challenging work may find more success in another program.