Faq

A charter school is a public school of choice that is publicly funded and independently operated. Charter schools have the autonomy to establish many of their own policies related to curriculum delivery, parent involvement, discipline, and special programs. As public education institutions, charter schools must maintain accountability academically, financially, and in all areas of legal and safety compliance.

Each charter school is different. Charter schools are operated by independent boards, and each charter school organization has its own philosophy, vision, and focus that determine the type of experience students and families have. Some charter schools focus on dual-language programs, performing arts, STEM, or other specialized programs.

At Somerset Academy Little Rock, we emphasize hands-on learning and strive to connect academic concepts to real-world applications. Students are encouraged to explore, ask questions, solve problems, and apply what they learn beyond the classroom.

Somerset Academy Little Rock has a strong academic focus and believes that each student should have the opportunity to learn at a pace and level appropriate to his or her needs. We strive to individualize our program to meet each child's learning needs. Our educational philosophy is based on the following principles:

• Somerset Academy believes that a school should be a place where students love to learn, teachers love to teach, and parents are a key part of the educational process.
• We believe that students work “up” to high standards and therefore set high expectations for all of our students.
• We believe in a “teaching by doing” approach to instruction that incorporates hands-on activities across subject areas, with an emphasis on science and real-world learning.
• We believe that all students can learn.
• We believe that each learner is unique. Therefore, we structure our academic program to meet the needs of individual learners and provide opportunities for students with different learning styles and academic levels to succeed.
• We implement a well-rounded academic program with a strong college- and career-preparatory focus.
• We involve our students in community projects and other experiences that help them connect learning to the real world, both locally and globally.
• We believe learning should be fun!

We encourage families to learn more about Somerset Academy Little Rock and get to know our team. We are always happy to answer questions about our school and educational program.

No. Since charter schools are publicly funded public schools, students attend tuition-free.

Somerset Academy Little Rock will open with grades K-2 and add one elementary grade level each year until reaching K-5. In Year 6, we will open the middle school with Grade 6 and add one middle school grade level each year until reaching Grades 6-8.

Opening Year: Grades K-2

Year 2: Grades K-3

Year 3: Grades K-4

Year 4: Grades K-5

Year 5: Grades K-5

Year 6: Grades K-5 and Grade 6

Year 7: Grades K-5 and Grades 6-7

Year 8: Grades K-5 and Grades 6-8

Somerset Academy was founded in 1997 by parents and community members who wanted a school that maintained a strong neighborhood-school feel through an open-door policy, strong parent involvement, personalized academic programming, and creative, hands-on instruction.

Today, Somerset Academy serves families through a growing network of public charter schools. Somerset Academy Little Rock brings that educational philosophy to Arkansas with a focus on academic excellence, individualized learning, hands-on experiences, and strong family involvement.

Visit the Somerset Academy website for more information about our schools and educational philosophy.

Yes. Our teachers and administrators are qualified and meet the applicable Arkansas requirements for educator licensure and certification. Teachers are qualified to provide instruction in their assigned subject areas and grade levels.

Yes. Students are required to wear the Somerset Academy Little Rock uniform.

• Shirts must be tucked in with a dark brown or black belt.
• Shoes: No skate sneakers (Heelys), light-up shoes, open-toe sandals, platform shoes, or slip-on sneakers will be permitted.
• Specific Physical Education uniforms, Spirit Shirts for Fridays and field trips, and cold-weather clothing will also be required.
• Additional uniform specifications will be available on the Somerset Academy Little Rock website.

Transportation services will be communicated by Somerset Academy Little Rock prior to the opening of school. Families will receive information regarding available transportation options, arrival procedures, dismissal procedures, and parent drop-off and pick-up.

Yes. Somerset Academy Little Rock will provide school meal services in accordance with applicable Arkansas requirements. Information about breakfast, lunch, meal prices, and free and reduced-price meal eligibility will be provided to families before the start of the school year.

Yes. Public charter schools are accountable to the state for academic performance and receive the same state accountability measures applicable to other public schools. Somerset Academy Little Rock will monitor student achievement closely and use academic data to support student growth and continuous improvement.

School performance information will be made available through the appropriate Arkansas education accountability resources and the Somerset Academy Little Rock website.

Somerset Academy schools maintain accreditation and/or pursue accreditation as applicable to the school and governing organization.

Somerset Academy Little Rock will establish its own school calendar in accordance with applicable Arkansas requirements. The school calendar will be posted on the Somerset Academy Little Rock website and provided to families before the beginning of each school year.

Somerset Academy Little Rock's school hours will be announced before the opening of school. The schedule is expected to be similar to surrounding Little Rock public schools, with the final arrival and dismissal times published on the school website and school calendar.

Somerset Academy Little Rock plans to offer before- and after-school care. Additional information regarding program availability, hours, fees, registration, homework assistance, recreation, and enrichment activities will be provided to families.

Somerset Academy has a strong belief in the power of parent involvement. The formula “parent + teachers = students = partners in excellence” is a fundamental building block of our school program.

Parents can get involved in many ways, including joining a Parent Advisory Council (PAC), volunteering in classrooms, assisting with school events and activities, supporting field trips, participating in fundraising and book fairs, and helping with other school-wide programs.

We believe that strong family involvement helps create a positive school culture and gives parents meaningful opportunities to contribute to the success of their children and the school community.

Continue to check the Somerset Academy Little Rock website and social media channels for updates about enrollment, school programs, events, staffing, and the opening of the school.

Families may also contact the Somerset Academy Little Rock front office with questions about enrollment, academics, transportation, uniforms, or other school-related matters.

The primary goal of any school is to educate children. To accomplish that goal, a school must have a strong, structured, and spiraling curriculum that meets the needs of students at different academic levels and with different learning styles.

Somerset Academy Little Rock will provide a well-rounded academic program that includes traditional and alternative approaches to instruction. Our curriculum will be aligned with the Arkansas Academic Standards and applicable state requirements.

By incorporating multiple instructional approaches and learning opportunities, we believe we can create the best possible program for each individual learner while making learning engaging, meaningful, and enjoyable.

Yes. Somerset Academy Little Rock will provide students with technological resources to enhance their learning experience. Technology, computer-based resources, web-based programs, and classroom technology will be used to support instruction, collaboration, research, creativity, and student learning.

Yes. Somerset Academy Little Rock will provide services and learning opportunities for students who qualify for gifted education services in accordance with Arkansas requirements and the student's identified educational needs.

Yes. As a public charter school, Somerset Academy Little Rock provides special education services and works with students and families to meet the needs identified in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Families should provide a copy of the student's current IEP during the enrollment process and meet with the appropriate special education staff and/or administrative team to discuss the student's needs and services.

Yes. Somerset Academy Little Rock will provide appropriate language-development services and support for students who are English learners. Families may meet with the appropriate school staff to discuss their child's language-development needs and available services.

Yes. Somerset Academy Little Rock plans to offer a variety of special-area classes and electives. These may include Physical Education, Art, Music, Library/Research, STEAM, Character Education, and Computers. Offerings may vary by grade level and school year.

Extracurricular programs are driven by student and parent interest and may be determined on a year-to-year basis. Somerset Academy Little Rock plans to provide opportunities for students to participate in clubs, activities, athletics, and other enrichment experiences as the school grows.

Yes. As a public school, Somerset Academy Little Rock is accountable to the state and must administer required Arkansas state assessments. We prepare students throughout the school year by teaching the Arkansas Academic Standards and providing a strong instructional program. We do not believe in simply “teaching to the test.” A variety of assessment methods are used to monitor student learning and growth.