PRAXIS Program

Have you been told your child is:

• Underachieving or not living up to his or her “potential?”1
• Lazy
• Hyperactive?

• Inattentive?
• Unmotivated?
• Unable to concentrate?

Does your child:

How our program is unique:

• Lessons are taught kinesthetically as often as possible.
• Use of manipulatives and real-world objects
• Hands-on experiences in the field and community
• Encouraged to explore and discover
• Alternative “testing” (Oral, projects, movement, portfolio or other authentic assessments)
• Students are taught strategies that complement their learning style
• Relevant, real-life application stressed
• Engagement in cooperative learning tasks

Our goal is to allow the student to learn primarily by differentiated instruction while not neglecting visual and auditory modes.

Students are expected to be self-motivated and take responsibility for their own learning.

Class layout is open to allow for lessons and activities needing space for movement

Students are permitted to:

• chew gum as well as have drinks and/or snacks during class
• listen to music on MP3 players during independent work time
• have objects to provide tactile stimulation while processing auditory and/or visual information
• advocate for their own learning
• stand or move while working or taking assessments

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where did you get the name Praxis?

According to the American Heritage Dictionary online, Praxis is derived from the Greek word meaning “to do.” That is, praxis means to learn by doing or practice.

Will my child be “labeled” or feel “different?”

When a student is experiencing repeated failure or frustration in a traditional classroom environment, he or she is already “labeled” and feeling “different.” Unfortunately, oftentimes the label a student receives in that circumstance may be “lazy,” “unmotivated,” or a “behavioral problem”. In actuality the student may be acting out due to real frustrations and/or learning issues that the Praxis program can address!

Will my child’s transcript indicate he or she was in the Praxis program or had special accommodations while at NCS?

In rare instances, a student may have an asterisk indicating that he or she received modifications beyond the norm. In all other instances, transcripts for Praxis students read just like any other NCS transcript. For instance, if your child takes Algebra 1, her transcript will read “Algebra I,” just like all other NCS graduates.

Will my child be prepared and/or be able to attend college?

While no program alone can guarantee a student’s acceptance into the college of his or her choice, the Praxis program is utilizing the very same curriculum as the traditional program, just taught in ways to meet the diverse needs of our learners. With the right attitude, work ethic, and diligence, students in the Praxis program can be, and have been, accepted to various universities and colleges (for example: SPC, Liberty University, Rollins, and USF).

If the Praxis program uses the same curriculum as the traditional program, why enroll my student in Praxis? Why not have my student take traditional classes?

So glad you asked! Any plant can survive in the desert for a time, but a cactus is made to grow there. We wouldn’t plant a rose bush in the desert, right? In a similar fashion, we like to think of the Praxis program as providing the right soil (environment) to allow the student to flourish! There are several good reasons to enroll in the Praxis Program: smaller class sizes (which means more individualized attention for the student), flexible pacing of curriculum according to the needs/feel of each class, experiential learning opportunities, alternative means of assessment, and specialized training of teachers to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Does my son or daughter have to be enrolled in the Praxis Program full-time?

The nice thing about the structure of the Praxis Program is students have the flexibility to take all or some of their core classes in Praxis (English, math, science, Bible, and social science). If a student is strong in a particular area, he or she can take that subject in the traditional program while taking other courses in Praxis. Likewise, if a student only needs assistance in English, he can take that one subject in Praxis and take the remainder of his courses in the traditional program. Outside of core subjects, students are enrolled in the traditional program for PE, foreign language, and elective courses.

Do you accept the McKay scholarship?

Absolutely!! To find out more about the qualifications for a McKay scholarship, click on this link: http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org/ Then click on the link for the McKay Scholarship.

Is it true there is an additional fee for students to participate in the Praxis Program?

Currently, there is an additional fee of $350 per Praxis class per year or $1000 to enroll full-time per year (3+ classes). The additional fee helps offset the ability to offer smaller class sizes and more individualized instruction to the students. (Please note: At a family’s request, the payment can be made in two installments). Contact Gale Church gale.church@nck12.com for financial information and tuition questions.

The Praxis Program sounds like a perfect fit for my child! How do I get him or her enrolled?

Click on this link to find a checklist to help walk you through our admissions process.

Who can I contact for more information or specific questions?

For more information on registering at NCS, please contact our Admissions Director, Mrs. Randilyn Farrell. For questions regarding the Praxis Program, please contact our Praxis Coordinator, Deirdre Dempsey.

Application Process:

NCS/PRAXIS Program Admissions Checklist

• Shadow Praxis student (if not already done so)
• Request and submit NCS application & fee ($100 non-refundable)
• Schedule your student for the Gibson Cognitive Skills Test (GCS Test) – currently offered free at NCS as part of the application process to the PRAXIS program.
• Medical release form – completely filled out and signed
• Photocopy of student’s Birth certificate – legal certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
• Copy of Social Security Card.
• Florida Health Forms 680 (immunization certificate) and 3040 (physical examination) –may be obtained from the school the student is now attending or from your pediatrician’s office. Out of state students – All students entering the Florida school system for the FIRST time must fill out HRS Form 680 and HRS Form 3040 within one month of the enrollment Transfer/In State students – If your child has had a physical exam during the year previous to application at NCS, and if a completed physician’s exam for that physical can be provided, the HRS form 680 will be the only form needed. NOTE: ALL students planning to participate in sports must have a current sports physical.
• Request prior and current school transcripts to be sent to NCS.
• Copy of most current Report Card.
• Request prior standardized tests for at least the last three academic years (PSATs,SATs, and/or FCAT) to be sent to NCS.
• McKay Scholarship paperwork (if applicable)
• Teacher recommendation form current school
• School recommendation form – completed by a school administratoror teacher from your current and previous school.
• Copies of Functional Behavioral Assessment (if transferring from public school)
• Have your student’s current teachers, guidance counselor or dean, and principal complete the enclosed Behavioral Assessment forms (feel free to make as many copies as necessary).
• Please ask them to return the forms to NCS.
• Review NCS handbook for students.

Contact Information: