Frequently asked questions
If you have additional questions, we’d love to answer those for you.
Who can enroll in Hope Academy?
Hope Academy of Northwest Arkansas is available for children who have experienced consistent and pervasive trauma. It is open to children throughout Northwest Arkansas. Hope Academy is not a school for the residents of the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter but rather an expansion of the Shelter’s programs to serve kids in crisis. Refer to the ACE Quiz for specific types of trauma.
What ages/grades will you serve?
During the 2023/2024 school year, we will serve students in grades K-4. Each grade level will have one classroom with a maximum of 10 students.
Is Hope Academy part of Bentonville Public Schools?
No, Hope Academy is a charter school independent from any of the Northwest Arkansas school districts.
Does Hope Academy only accept children from the Bentonville School District?
No, Hope Academy can serve children from throughout Northwest Arkansas regardless of the school district in which they reside.
What type of transportation will be available for the students?
At this time, we are not able to provide transportation for students.
Are there any associated costs to the parents/guardians?
Hope Academy is an open-enrollment, tuition-free, public charter school so there are no costs to the families.
What makes Hope Academy different from a public school?
Hope Academy will have a student to teacher ratio of 10:1 with two paraprofessionals in each classroom. Students and families at Hope Academy will have greater access to social workers, counselors and therapists. We will also have a greater capacity to provide high level and individualized support to families.
Faculty and Staff will be trained in evidence based programs geared toward management of behaviors that occur as a result of trauma. They will work closely with families to introduce the same behavior management programs to ensure consistency at home and at school.
Will any additional services be available to the students at the school?
All student services required by the state of Arkansas will be provided. This includes occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, special education, dyslexia support, English Language Learners, etc.
How do I enroll my child in Hope Academy?
Complete the application form found on the Hope Academy website. Open enrollment occurs in January/February prior to the school year for which you are enrolling. If more than 10 students per grade level enroll, a lottery will be conducted by an independent third party to place the students. Any students not placed after the open enrollment period will be added to the waiting list.
Will breakfast and lunch be provided?
Yes, students at Hope Academy will receive breakfast and lunch daily at no extra charge.
Will interpreters be available?
We will not have full-time interpreters on staff but will provide them as needed.