1. Are you a public school?
   Yes.   A. D. Henderson University School (ADHUS) is organized as a public school within a unique and separate school district; it is not part of the Palm Beach County School System.  Henderson School is recognized as a unit of Florida Atlantic University School District # 72, under the College of Education’s administrative oversight.



2. Why do University Schools exist?
   University schools in Florida are authorized to provide excellent instruction for grades K-12 and university students, support university research efforts, and test educational reforms for Florida schools.  Students and teachers at ADHUS are expected to participate in observation, research, demonstration and similar activities.



3. What is your tuition?
   ADHUS is a public school and thus does not charge tuition. Florida Statutes authorize university lab schools to charge an “activity fee” to be used for non-instructional student activities including: extra-curricular activities, sports, field trips, and other student related costs. The current activity fee charges are provided in the school handbook.  Students participating in the free lunch program pay no activity fee and students participating in the reduced lunch program pay 50% of the activity fee charge.



4. What age does my child have to be to start kindergarten?
   Florida law requires all students to be 5 years old on or before September 1st. Children must be 4 years old on or before September 1st to be eligible to be included in the lottery for the following school year.



5. Does A.D. Henderson University School provide transportation?  
   No.  By state statute, the school does not provide transportation.  Many families carpool and improved public transportation is envisioned for the university and school.
   


6. What is the curriculum design at A.D. Henderson University School?
   Henderson’s curriculum is consistent with the grade-level state and national standards. Henderson students participate in FCAT and related state assessments. Teachers are encouraged to utilize the newest and most effective research-based instruction in their classrooms. All students are expected to meet and surpass high-level academic benchmarks and grade level expectations each year.



7. Does ADHUS have the accommodations to support Exceptional Student Education (ESE) or have a Gifted Program?
   ADHUS currently provides Speech and Language and Varying Exceptionalities programs.  Varying Exceptionalities includes Specific Learning Disabilities and other categories of disabilities.  These programs are designed as inclusive and consultative. The school does not operate a separate Gifted Program; however the school is actively planning for an inclusive advanced academics support program that is envisioned for implementation in school year 2008-09.



8. What is the earliest time that students can be dropped off in the morning? By what time must they be picked up in the afternoon?
   Please see the school handbook for additional details on this issue.  Students may NOT be dropped off in the morning before 7:30 am. All students must be picked up in the afternoon within 30 minutes of the end of the school day, but no later than 3:15pm.  To ensure the safety of ADHUS students, any students on campus after 3:15pm will be escorted to the Late Pick Up Program and the family of the child will be assessed a fee of $20.00 per occurrence. Middle and high school students attend from 8:00am – 2:45pm.  Elementary school student’s day is 8:00am - 2:30pm.
   
9. Does ADHUS have an After School Program?
   Yes. The ADHUS After School Program operates from the end of the school day until 6:00pm, except on certain days as shown on the After School Program schedule each year.



10. Can we visit the school as a potential parent?
    The school as a rule does not allow visits until your child has been invited to attend. At that time, you may visit the school as part of your decision-making process.



11. How do I enroll my child at A. D. Henderson University School?
    We have admission by lottery. Applications are available On-line at this site from July 1st through December 31st. Your child must be 4 years of age on or before September 1st of the year you actually apply in order to complete the application.
     


12. What are the demographic lottery factors used?
    ADHUS must have a representative mix of different kinds of students because of its statutory research requirement.  ADHUS uses student characteristics of gender, race, family income and student ability to match the school’s student demographic profile to that of the state. ADHUS is sensitive to family issues, thus a preference is granted to siblings of current students or ADHUS employees when an opening occurs in the appropriate demographic group for that grade level.



13. When will we hear if our child has been selected for the following school year?
    Parents and guardians of selected kindergarten students will be notified by April each year. Parents or guardians of students in grades 1-8 will be notified as openings occur.



14. Do I have to fill out a new application each year?
    Yes.   In June of each year, ADHUS purges the application data base.  Applications are purged every year. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to reapply each year on this school web site www.adhus.fau.edu.
    


15. What if my child is selected?
    If your child’s application is selected, a reasonable attempt will be made to contact you by phone and/or e-mail. Your applications should be updated if any contact or other application information changes to insure that ADHUS has the most current and correct information. If your child is selected, but the school is unable to contact you within a reasonable time, the school will need to select another student’s name.
     


16. If my child’s application is selected does that guarantee their brothers and sisters automatic enrollment as well?
    No. Siblings are given admission preference based upon space availability and student demographics. The school will accommodate siblings as soon as appropriate space becomes available.


17. Do FAU students, faculty or staff, alumni have any special consideration in the lottery process?
    No. All lottery applications are randomly selected from a demographically sorted pool regardless of the family’s FAU status.
    
18. What if I want information about FAU High School?
    You may access the FAU High School website at www.fauhigh.edu or use the tab on the top of this page .
    
    
19. What if I need more information?  You may call the school office at (561) 297-3970 Monday-Friday, 7:30-4:00pm… Or visit our website at www.adhus.fau.edu.

Thank you for your interest in ADHUS!