SSA FAQ

School starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m.

Sarasota Suncoast Academy is a K–8 public charter school in Sarasota, Florida. Since 2004, SSA has offered an education built on the Responsive Classroom approach to teaching and learning. Learn more about our school.

Start with our Enrollment Information page to learn about eligibility and the lottery process. Then complete the Elementary Enrollment or Middle Grades Enrollment form.

Charter schools are public schools that operate under a performance contract, or a “charter,” which frees them from many regulations created for traditional public schools while holding them accountable for academic and financial results. The charter contract between the charter school governing board and the sponsor details the school’s mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment, and ways to measure success. The length of time for which charters are granted varies, but most are granted for five years.

The Florida Legislature, in authorizing the creation of public charter schools, established the following guiding principles: high standards of student achievement while increasing parental choice; the alignment of responsibility with accountability; and ensuring parents receive information on reading levels and learning gains of their children. Charter schools are intended to improve student learning; increase learning opportunities with special emphasis on low-performing students and reading; and measure learning outcomes. Charter schools may create innovative measurement tools; provide competition to stimulate improvement in traditional schools; expand capacity of the public school system; and mitigate the educational impact created by the development of new residential units.

Yes. SSA provides before-care and after-care services. Visit our Extended Care page for hours, rates, registration information, and contact details.

The dress code varies by grade level. Visit our Parent Page for the dress code that applies to your child.

As part of their SSA family agreement, families commit to volunteer hours each school year. The requirement depends on the grade levels of the students in your family:

• Elementary only: 20 hours per family.
• Middle Grades only: 10 hours per family.
• Both Elementary and Middle Grades: 20 hours per family.

• Email info@suncoastacademy.org or find a staff member’s email in our Faculty Directory.
• Call (941) 924-4242.
• Visit our Contact Us page to schedule a tour or ask about enrollment.

PT4SO brings families and school staff together to support SSA students and strengthen our school community. Visit the PT4SO page for meetings, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved.

Elementary breakfast costs $1.50, and lunch costs $2.75. Middle Grades breakfast costs $2.00, and lunch costs $3.00.

View the Sarasota County Schools lunch menus. Menus are subject to change.

Call our main office at (941) 924-4242.

SSA’s sports program has four seasons: fall, winter, early spring, and late spring. Visit our Athletics page for sports, schedules, and registration information.

Students should not have cell phones on campus. If a student has a cell phone, it must not be used on campus or on the school bus and must remain hidden in their backpack throughout the day. Parents and family members should not use cell phones in the car line or in classrooms while students are present.

Portable classrooms have individual unisex restrooms, and the main building has gender-specific restrooms.

Review our Arrival and Dismissal Procedures for your child’s grade level.

Visit our Sponsorship Opportunities page to explore the options and complete a sponsorship form.

Ask your homeroom teacher about ways to volunteer, or visit the PT4SO page for school events and volunteer opportunities. Your family’s required hours depend on your students’ grade levels, as described in the volunteer hour policy above.

SSA does not use lockers. Students are expected to keep their personal belongings with them.