FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about Pearl Creek STEAM school!
Admission
1. In order for applicants to familiarize themselves with PCSC’s philosophy and criteria, prospective families will be encouraged to attend an orientation.
2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) will read, complete, and sign the PCSC application.
3. If more students apply than can be accommodated within a grade level, applicants will be drawn by weighted lottery for admission.
Before/After Care
Our before and after-school care in partnership with ThrivAlaska and our after-school club program provides increased accessibility to the STEAM model for working families.
Nutrition
School lunches are provided by FNSB Nutrition Services.
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Check out the 2024-25 FNSB Charter School Menu HERE.
Transportation
​PCSC is committed to pursuing long-term solutions that prevent transportation from being a barrier to attendance. For year one our transportation policy will utilize district transportation as described in the FNSBSD policy BP 3540. This policy offers transportation to charter students along existing bus routes on a space-available basis. We will work closely with the FNSBSD to maximize the number of students served by this option.
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Before and after-school care will also be offered through our partnership with ThrivAlaska.
Student with Disabilities
Pearl Creek is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment and will admit students with special needs in compliance with state and federal regulations. Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans will be accommodated.
Budget & Funding
Charter schools in Alaska are public schools that are funded through Base Student Allocation (BSA), grants, and private donations. ​
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Charter schools provide a portion of funds to the school district to cover administrative costs.
Family Involvement
Families will be required to contribute volunteer hours. Flexible opportunities will be offered.
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In the event a family is unable to volunteer, a "Volunteer Bank" will be established. Family who are able to volunteer excess hours can donate to the Volunteer Bank for others to draw from if necessary.
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Class Sizes
PCSC shall maintain the following pupil teacher ratio unless the APC and Principal approves a new ratio.
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18 : 1 - Kindergarten
22 : 1 - 1st-3rd Grade
24 : 1 - 4th-5th and 6th-8th Grade
Grade Levels
Depending on community interest and building capacity, PCSC will open as K-6 and expand to offer 7th grade in 2027-2028, and 8th grade in 2028-2029.