Ignite Frequently Asked Questions
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Are meals served at the school?
Currently, meals are not provided at the school. This may change over time. We ask that families refrain from bringing anything with peanuts.
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Will the district provide transportation to/from the school?
The District does not provide transportation to or from Ignite Family Academy.
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What is the difference between homeschooling and attending an ALE?
Families who file a declaration of intent to provide home-based instruction (i.e. homeschooling) are in charge of their student’s learning experience. They are in the driver’s seat, so to speak.
Families who enroll in an ALE understand that the learning experiences are supervised, monitored, assessed, and evaluated by a certificated teacher.
In a family partnership program like Ignite, the school partners with the family to individualize the student’s learning plan per the needs of the student and the family.
Please reference the Ignite Family Academy Statement of Understanding
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How are students in special education served?
Families who provide at-home instruction through Ignite can receive special education services from their neighborhood school. IFA can also share enrollment if your student receives services through our district’s Special Education department. If your student has an IEP or you think could qualify for one, and you are interested in determining if IFA can support the IEP and the needs of your student, please contact us.
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Is there a counselor on site?
Currently, IFA does not have a counselor. This may change as the program grows.
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Can a student participate in sports and extracurricular activities?
IFA currently does not offer any sports programs. Extracurricular activities will be considered as the program grows and on a needed basis.
Ignite students may also participate in athletics and extracurricular activities at their neighborhood school.
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Does Ignite have clubs?
Clubs may be offered throughout the year, led by Ignite staff or families, based on student and family interest.
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What assessments are students required to take?
State law requires that all students are assessed, even those who are participating in at-home instruction with Ignite (please see RCW 28A.200.010). There are several options for assessment. We can assist with this. Students enrolled in IFA for more than 80 hours per month during any given month are required to take the state assessment (SBAC).
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Have another question?
Have a question we didn't answer? Please email IFAoffice@nthurston.k12.wa.us
Coming to Campus FAQ
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Can I be in the classroom with my child?
- Due to our small classroom sizes and spacing issues with Covid, we will not allow parents/guardians in the classroom with students unless absolutely necessary.
- Necessity will be determined by the teacher and/or admin.
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How many adults may accompany students into the building?
- Due to spacing, we will only allow one parent/guardian on campus per student (or per family of students).
- This only covers adults and does not apply to your younger children.
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Do I need to wear a mask?
Not at this time. The Washington State Department of Health and Thurston County Public Health do not currently require masking. However, this may change at any time and we will keep families updated of any changes affecting our school.
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Can I bring my non-enrolled children with me into the building?
- Your children who are not school age (5 and under) may come with their parent/guardian. Children must be supervised at all times by the adult.
- Children who do not belong to you may not attend Ignite Family Academy at this time.
- If you have older children not enrolled at Ignite (example: a high schooler), they may come to Ignite with you. However, they must complete a volunteer application and also have a Covid vaccination on file if over the age of 12 (they follow the same process as adults for vaccination and volunteer approval).
