Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first day of school for Optima Classical Academy at Estero?
Coming Soon!
Where can I find the school calendar?
Coming soon!
What are Optima Classical Academy at Estero’s school hours and drop-off/pick-up times?
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Students who need to arrive prior to 7:30 a.m. will have the opportunity to join the Before Care program. Children should not be dropped off before 7:30 a.m. unless they are in the Before Care program. Afternoon pickup (carline) will start lining up at 2:30 p.m., no earlier. After Care will end at 6:00 p.m.
What safety and security plan is in place for the school?
Optima Classical Academy at Estero will have full-time security on the school grounds. A Visitor Management Software system will also be in place to perform background checks for all visitors to the school campus. We have consulted with a Safety and Security Task Force made up of former law enforcement and other security experts. The school will have a Threat Assessment Team and an Active Assailant Team, ensuring procedures are in place and effective in the case of an emergency. Monthly random Emergency Drills for all teams, teachers, staff and students will be held.
What is Optima Classical Academy at Estero’s uniform policy?
Our Uniform Policy page will have all uniform information once finalized.
Will Optima Classical Academy at Estero have a Before and After Care Program?
Before Care and After Care will be offered in the school building. Specific details will be announced as soon as possible. It will be open Monday through Friday at 6:30 a.m. Pickup will be by 6:00 p.m.
Will Optima Classical Academy at Estero offer food service?
Yes, we will offer both breakfast and lunch to all students as well as participating in the Free and Reduced meal programs. You will be able to use the MySchoolBucks payment program to add money to your student's meal account.
Are there any OCAE transportation options available?
No, there will not be any bus transportation available.
What is the Optima Classical Academy at Estero Supply Program?
Optima Classical Academy at Estero parents and guardians can avoid school supply shopping and ensure that our teachers and students have an efficient and uniform supply of necessary items for the classroom. The traditional way of searching for specific school supplies on each teacher’s list takes time and it is estimated that purchasing these items separately averages around $75.00.
Our School Supply Program requests a donation of $50.00 per child to cover all consumable supplies required for the school year. This includes tissues, sanitizer, markers, crayons, paper, pencils, composition notebooks, folders, planners, etc. Most families will make this contribution during the registration process. If all parents contribute to this program, we can continue it every year, and ensure that the students have the supplies that they need without the need for parents or staff to shop for supplies.
Will Optima Classical Academy at Estero offer any sports programs and clubs?
We plan to have both sports and clubs! A choice of clubs for students of all grades will be developed after school is in session. We will have athletics at both the middle and high school levels. It is our goal to field teams in cross country, track, basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball and more. Much is contingent on the interest of the student population. We will most likely conduct an informational survey before school starts to monitor that interest level.
Are Optima Classical Academy at Estero teachers certified? What about class sizes and teacher-to-class ratios?
Our teachers are certified just like other public schools. We generally follow the state class size guidelines and ratios for an average of 18 for K-3, 22 for 4-8, and 25 for 9-12.
What role does technology play in Estero Classical curriculum?
Computers or other electronic devices are not used in the OCAE classrooms. Some required state testing will be accomplished on computers and for the upper school, computer labs may be used for compositions and term papers. Teachers will have all the latest technology at their disposal to do their jobs.
Do scholars have recess and physical education?
Yes, all scholars will have either recess or PE daily.
Does Optima Classical Academy at Estero have programs for special education?
OCAE will serve students with EP as well as IEPs and 504s. We will provide other services such as speech therapy, as determined by student needs. Every student will be evaluated for special services at the start of the school year, in addition to review of existing EP, IEP and 504 plans by our Student Services Director. Students with special needs can attend OCAE if they can spend at least 80% of their time in the regular classroom.
Are art and music part of the Optima Classical Academy at Estero curriculum?
All scholars will have at least weekly instruction in both art and music.
What is the Optima Classical Academy at Estero plan for foreign language instruction?
Foreign language instruction starts in Kindergarten. Spanish for Grades K-2. Latin starts in 3rd grade.
Is there anything I can do to help?
There will be volunteer opportunities. There is a form on our website to sign up under the Giving tab.
Who can I contact if I have other specific questions?
- For questions related to academics, student services, teachers, curriculum, schedules, instructional positions, and uniforms, please email us at info@esteroclassical.org.
- For questions related to lottery applications, enrollment and registration, please email our Registrar at info@esteroclassical.org.
- Have a question that doesn't fit any of the above? Please send your question(s) to info@esteroclassical.org and we'll get it to the right staff member to answer them.