Frequently Asked Questions
Answers for Students and Families
We have gathered answers to frequently asked questions about River City Science Academy and the charter school experience.
Use the categories below to learn more about enrollment, tuition, eligibility, academics, school policies, campus resources, and student support.
Browse Questions by Topic
Select a campus to review school information, grade levels, enrollment resources, and application options.
Charter School Basics
Access updates and information for RCSA Elementary families.
Admission & Enrollment
View school and classroom updates for grades 6–12.
Campuses & Grade Levels
Stay informed with campus news, updates, and resources.
Academics & Programs
Access school information and classroom communication.
Student Life & Policies
View announcements and resources for Mandarin families.
Family Support
Connect with school updates and important campus information.
What are charter schools?
Charter schools are non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations that have a contract or charter to provide the same educational services to students as district public schools. They are nonsectarian public schools that operate with freedom from many of the regulations that apply to traditional public schools.
The “charters” establishing such schools are performance contracts detailing the schools’ mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment, and ways to measure success. The length of time for which charters are granted can vary from three to 15 years. At the end of the term, the entity granting the charter may renew the school’s contract.
Charter schools are accountable to their sponsor, usually a state or local school board, to produce positive academic results and adhere to the charter contract. The basic concept of charter schools is that they exercise increased autonomy in return for this accountability. They are accountable for both academic results and fiscal practices to several groups: the sponsor that grants them, the parents who choose them and the public that funds them.
Does RCSA charge tuition?
No. River City Science Academy campuses are tuition-free public charter schools. Families are not charged tuition for their student’s regular educational program.
Are charter schools public schools?
Yes. Charter schools are public schools of choice. RCSA serves eligible students through publicly funded charter school campuses while maintaining its STEM-focused educational mission.
Are RCSA teachers certified?
RCSA employs qualified educators and staff to provide instruction and student support. Teacher certification and qualification requirements depend on the position, subject area, grade level, and applicable Florida education requirements.
How are charter schools evaluated?
Charter schools are evaluated through academic performance, school accountability measures, operational requirements, financial oversight, and the terms of their approved charter agreements. RCSA also publishes school grades, performance information, campus capacity, and academic results for families.
Who is eligible to apply?
Students who are eligible to attend traditional Duval County public schools may apply to RCSA. Out-of-county students may also apply through controlled open enrollment, although placement depends on available capacity and applicable enrollment priorities.
How do I submit an application?
Families should select the appropriate RCSA campus and complete the online application during the published application period. Application deadlines, lottery dates, registration dates, and campus-specific instructions are announced through RCSA and individual campus websites.
Does submitting an application guarantee enrollment?
No. Submitting an application does not guarantee admission, placement, or enrollment. Placement depends on eligibility, available seats, applicable enrollment priorities, lottery results when required, and completion of all enrollment requirements.
When is a lottery required?
A lottery may be conducted when the number of eligible applications received by the deadline exceeds the number of available seats for a campus, program, class, or grade level. If applications do not exceed anticipated availability, a public lottery is not required for that grade.
How does the waitlist work?
After available seats are filled, remaining eligible applicants may be placed on a waiting list. Applications received after the open-enrollment period are generally added to the bottom of the applicable waiting list in the order received. Families may be contacted when a seat becomes available.
Does an application carry over to the next school year?
No. Applications from a previous school year do not remain valid, automatically roll over, or transfer to the following year’s lottery or waiting list. Families must submit a new application for each new enrollment period.
Which grades are offered at each campus?
RCSA currently lists the following campus grade levels:
- RCSA Elementary: Grades K–5
- RCSA Middle-High: Grades 6–12
- RCSA Innovation: Grades K–8
- RCSA Mandarin: Grades K–8
- RCSA Intracoastal: Grades K–8
- RCSA Southeast: Grades K–8
Grade configurations and availability should be confirmed before applying.
How do I choose the right campus?
Families should consider the student’s requested grade level, campus location, academic interests, programs, transportation needs, and current seat availability. Reviewing campus information or attending an open house can help families identify the most appropriate option.
Can I apply to more than one campus?
Families should follow the current application instructions provided by RCSA. Application procedures may vary by school year, so applicants should confirm whether multiple campus selections are permitted before submitting duplicate applications.
Can I schedule a campus tour?
Campus tours may be available during scheduled open houses, selected tour dates, or by appointment. Availability differs by campus, so families should contact their preferred school for current visit options.
What makes RCSA STEM-focused?
RCSA emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while also supporting critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and real-world learning. STEM opportunities may include advanced coursework, technology, robotics, science activities, mathematics programs, and academic competitions.
Does RCSA offer Advanced Placement courses?
Yes. RCSA’s curriculum includes Advanced Placement opportunities, including courses in areas such as literature, calculus, history, psychology, and science. AP Capstone, Dual Enrollment, and other advanced options are also described within RCSA’s curriculum. Course availability may depend on campus, grade level, eligibility, and scheduling.
Are gifted education and enrichment programs available?
Yes. RCSA describes gifted education, differentiated instruction, enrichment opportunities, advanced coursework, and programs intended to strengthen independent learning and problem-solving skills. Availability and eligibility may vary by campus and grade level.
What academic teams and extracurricular activities are offered?
RCSA students may participate in academic teams and enrichment activities such as Science Olympiad, Math Olympiad, robotics, and other campus-based programs. Elective options may include computer science, robotics, web design, creative writing, psychology, and world languages. Programs vary by campus and school year.
Is there a school uniform requirement?
Yes. RCSA students are expected to follow the uniform and appearance requirements established by their campus. Families should review the current Uniform Policy and contact the campus with questions about approved items or purchasing options.
Does RCSA provide transportation?
Transportation arrangements may vary by campus, route availability, student eligibility, and school year. RCSA specifically states that transportation is the parent’s responsibility for out-of-county students. Families should contact their selected campus for current transportation information.
Are meals available?
Meal services and menus may vary by campus and school year. Families should review the current Lunch and Meal Information page or contact the campus for menus, eligibility information, meal procedures, and dietary accommodation requests.
How can parents access school updates?
Families can use RCSA Connect to access classroom information and updates associated with their student’s campus. Each RCSA campus has its own RCSA Connect access point. Families may also receive communication by email, phone, campus announcements, newsletters, and school websites.
How can families volunteer?
Families can submit a volunteer interest form and select their preferred campus and area of participation. Volunteer opportunities may include school events, classroom support, family engagement activities, and community outreach. Required screening or clearance procedures must be completed before participating when applicable.
How do I contact my student’s campus?
Families should contact the campus their student attends. RCSA publishes separate phone extensions and email addresses for Elementary, Middle-High, Innovation, Mandarin, Intracoastal, and Southeast campuses. The central RCSA phone number is (904) 855-8010.
Where can I submit school feedback?
Questions, suggestions, concerns, compliments, and general feedback can be submitted through the School Feedback page. Messages may be directed to the appropriate campus, department, or staff member for review and response.
How do I access RCSA Connect?
Visit the RCSA Connect page and select the appropriate campus:
- RCSA Connect Elementary
- RCSA Connect Middle-High
- RCSA Connect Innovation
- RCSA Connect Mandarin
- RCSA Connect Intracoastal
- RCSA Connect Southeast
Families may also use the supported mobile application links provided on the RCSA Connect page.
Where can I find school policies and documents?
Policies and public documents are available throughout the RCSA website, including the Uniform Policy, admission information, school capacity, nondiscrimination statement, family resources, governance documents, and campus-specific pages. For a document related to an individual student or campus, families should contact the appropriate school office.
We’re Here to Help
Questions related to a specific student, application, campus, classroom, or school service should be directed to the appropriate RCSA campus or department.
