Frequently Asked Questions
How often are report cards issued?
Report cards for students in grades K-5 are issued three times per school year in grades K-5 and four times per year in grades 6-12.
How often are conferences held?
Conferences are held two times each year in the Lower School: at the end of the first and third marking periods. Conferences in the Middle School are held once a year in December. Conferences in the Upper School are held as needed.
What happens when it snows or there is inclement weather that may lead to a school closing?
When weather conditions make it necessary to close school, delay opening, or close early, we will activate our emergency notification system. We use the home phone number provided on a student's emergency card for this system unless notified otherwise. We will also send an email notification. If you would like the school to use a different phone number or an email address for this service, please contact School Receptionist Lisa Schapel. Student absences or late arrivals will be excused if a parent determines that the weather is unsafe for driving. When the Academy is required to close early for reasons such as inclement weather, the After School Program will not be available.
Snow closings, delays, and cancellations are announced in the following places:
The Today at FA page of the school website
The Academy's phone message (press 1)
93.3 WFLS, B101.5, 95.9 WGRQ, Thunder 104.5, and fredericksburg.com
How does lunch work?
Lunch can be purchased for students in advance (please click here for the Lunch Orders page) or students may bring their lunch. In the Upper School, the FA Cafe offers several hot lunch options and a la carte items on a daily basis (students may preorder or pay cash). The Parent-Faculty Association sponsors Hot Dog Lunches each Friday for the Lower and Middle Schools, which can be ordered through the Lunch Order Form. Lower School students may purchase lunchtime milk on a yearly basis. Parents are asked not to bring special or fast-food lunches to school for their children, except for a special occasion when the entire class is included.
How can I get a message to my child during the day?
The Academy's policy regarding communication between students and parents during the school day is geared to promote student responsibility and to protect teaching time from unnecessary interruption. Parents who need to leave a message for a student should call the school or drop off a written note. Messages will be delivered to students. Messages related to carpool arrangements should be delivered as early as possible, preferably by noon. Emergency messages may be directed to students through the appropriate Division Head. Students in the Lower School will not be allowed to call home for forgotten homework or other materials. Middle School students may use the phone located on the desk outside the registrar's office. Middle School students may not use cell phones during the school day. Upper School students may use their cell phones during their lunch and activity periods only.
What is the FA Weekly and how do I get it?
The FA Weekly is the Academy's weekly eNewsletter, which is emailed to parents each Friday. It is very important that we have your correct email address in our database for this purpose and for emailed "parent updates" on specific topics. If you would like to update your email address or confirm that the school has it, please contact Carol Weissman at cweissman@fredericksburgacademy.org
