FAQs

What is a charter school?

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools of choice financed through local state and federal funds, but which are independent of local school boards. Each charter school has its own unique mission that reflects the desires of the school's founding individuals. Charter schools are fully accountable, must meet the educational needs of their students, and must achieve the goals laid out in their charter.

What makes Mystic Valley unique?

Mystic Valley provides equitable opportunities for all students to acquire a world-class education. Parents and students can expect a rigorous academic program, a safe and secure campus, a strong Code of Values and dedicated, enthusiastic teachers committed to providing the best possible learning enviroment for our students.

How do I apply for admission?

Mystic Valley has three admission lotteries each year. They are held in November, April and July. The November lottery is the only one where children are admitted. The other two add to existing waiting lists. There are currently approximately 1,200 students enrolled at the school and over  1,900 students on the waiting list. To apply for next years kindergarten class a child must be 5 years old on September 1, 2009. Mystic Valley does not accept new students after the fifth grade.

What are the school's hours?

The school’s instructional day begins promptly at 8:00AM and ends at 3:30PM, Monday through Friday.  We offer a longer school day (7-1/2 hours) and school year (200 instructional days) than traditional district schools. As a result when compared to district public schools, students will receive more than three additional “years” of instruction from kindergarten through grade 12.

What is the school's mission?

The Mission of the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School is to provide the opportunity of a world class education characterized by a well mannered, disciplined and structured academic climate. Central to Mystic Valley's academic environment is the incorporation of selected core virtues and the fundamental ideals of our American Culture, which are embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

What can my child expect during their first year of school?

Mystic Valley believes that a strong academic curriculum in Kindergarten is essential in getting children the basic skills needed to reach their academic potential. As a result, we are a 100% academic Kindergarten with 2 and ½ hours of Reading/Language Arts and 70 minutes of math every day. The rest of the day is geared around a structured environment that keeps the children engaged in academic endeavors, except for lunch and recess. There are no naps or rest periods.

Who runs the school?

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the governance of the school and ensuring that the school remains true to its organizing charter. This Board is comprised of parents and community leaders that were/are dissatisfied with the educational choices available to parents in our community. Of our 5 Board Members, 4 are parents of current students. The Board determines the policies of the school and it is the responsibility of the administrative team to ensure these are enacted on a daily basis. The Board typically meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month and their meetings are open to the public.

How secure is the school?

The K-8 school campus is comprised of two adjacent buildings. We have installed cameras and electromagnetic locking systems on entry doors of both buildings. Children are escorted between buildings by staff members. Recess is held in one of two fenced in yards on both sides of the annex building. The high school campus is made up of two buildings that are connected by a secure hallway. All entrances are secured by electromagnetic locking systems. All staff members as well as volunteers have CORI (background) checks performed.

What kind of meals does the school serve?

The school contracts with a vendor to provide hot meals. Mystic Valley participates in the federally sponsored School Breakfast and Lunch Program. This is a program in which families determined to be in need qualify for Free or Reduced meals. Tickets for meals/milks are pre-sold to parents (tickets are not sold to children) and are available in either office. Meals at the lower school are eaten in the classrooms under the supervision of the teacher. In the upper school meals are eaten in the cafeteria.

Is the staff qualified to teach my child?

Yes, not only does the staff meet the requirements of the Department of Education, but every member of the staff goes through a rigorous screening process to ensure that they agree with the philosophy of the school, which is to challenge each student academically in a structured but affirmative way. All staff members report back at least 7 days before the start of school for additional training on the different curricula’s used by the school, as well as training in other important areas.

Does the school provide Special Education services?

Being a public school, Mystic Valley is required to meet the needs of each student, except in extreme circumstances. We have our own staff of 8 special education instructional staff members.We also outsource with vendors to provide psychological services as well as the various therapies, i.e. speech, occupational and physical therapy.

What about non-academic opportunities for my child?

Mystic Valley is by far the most aggressive area charter school in providing families extra-curricular opportunities for their child. We offer a wide range of athletic programs (ex. football, hockey, basketball, crew and swimming) across many different grade levels. In addition, Mystic Valley offers a number of non-athletic programs and groups to our students (ex. Key club, Science Olympiad, drama, band and chess club).

What is Direct Instruction?

Direct Instruction (DI) is a research based model for teaching that emphasizes well-developed clearly designed lessons presented in small learning increments. The key beliefs of DI are that teachers are responsible for student learning and that curriculum design is a key factor in student achievement. DI is a highly structured method of instruction which features a well-sequenced plan of instruction for reading and language. As DI is based on the mastery of learning philosophy, students are grouped and advance according to their individual abilities and progress.

What is "Core Knowledge"?

The "Core Knowledge" movement is an educational reform based on the premise that a grade-by-grade core of common learning is necessary to ensure a sound and fair elementary education. The movement was started by Professor E. D. Hirsch, Jr., author of Cultural Literacy and The Schools We Need and Why We Don't Have Them, and is based on a large body of research in cognitive psychology, as well as a careful examination of several of the world's fairest and most effective school systems. Professor Hirsch has argued that, for the sake of academic excellence, greater fairness, and higher literacy, early schooling should provide a solid, specific, shared core curriculum in order to help children establish strong foundations of knowledge. After wide consultation, the content of this core curriculum has been outlined in two books — the Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence and the Core Knowledge Sequence, K–8 — that state explicitly what students should learn at each grade level. Currently, hundreds of schools and thousands of dedicated educators are participating in this school reform movement throughout the United States.

What is the International Baccalaureate?

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) is a non-profit educational foundation which grew out of efforts to establish a common curriculum and a university entry credential that are recognized world wide. The IB offers the prestigious IB Diploma for the final two years of secondary education and is known throughout the world as one of the most outstanding university preparation programs. The IB places an emphasis on analytical thinking and writing skills and features a demanding curriculum infused with a global focus.

Why is the school called "Mystic Valley"?

In 1629 a section of hilly woodlands north of the Mystic River was purchased from the Pawtucket Indians and called Mystic Side. By 1649 the residents of Mystic Side petioned the General Court to let them form a separate township to be called Malden. Residents of Malden played an early and pivotal role in the development of the country. In fact, in May of 1776 Malden became the first town in the colonies to petition the colonial governament to secede from England! The Mystic River was a critical means of commerce and travel during the area's development and so it is fitting that the school takes its name from this historic geographic feature.

Is there transportation available?

The School Bus Policy states that in order to qualify for bus service, the student must live 1.5 linear miles or more from the school and reside in our sending district which is made up of the cities of Everett, Malden, Medford,Melrose, Stoneham and Wakefield. Please note that the measurement is "as the crow flies" and not according to directions obtained by mapquest or like websites. This year the school is using 8 buses to provide transportation to 850 children.