Skip to Content

FAQ

  1. Q: Does it cost anything to go to A3?
    A: No, A3 is a PUBLIC high school and part of Springfield Public Schools
  2. Q: Is A3 an alternative school?
    A: A3 is not an alternative school. It is a small, public school that issues a standard diploma. For this reason, A3 will abide by all standard diploma laws and regulations regarding the issuing of credits and having highly qualified teachers.
  3. Q: Will students be able to get the classes they need for college?
    A: A3 is designed to graduate ALL kids college-ready for four year universities. Our graduation standards are the Oregon State College entrance minimums. This isn’t to say, however, that there will be lots of class choices beyond those minimums. For examples, college entrance only requires two years of foreign language. We will only offer 2 years of Spanish (with parts of the proficiency component woven into a number of projects). Students who want more Spanish will need to take courses outside of A3, either at SHS or THS or at LCC/UO. The same will hold true with science, math, or other academics that are beyond the scope of the Oregon college entrance minimums.
  4. Q: Can students that enroll in A3 participate in athletics and other activities at THS or SHS?
    A: This answer is governed by state law that makes it clear that students who attend small schools or are home schooled, may participate in activities not offered at their school of enrollment. This doesn’t mean they get special treatment though. They’ll be required to try out just like any one else.
    That being said, the A3 staff will encourage students to participate in few activities off the A3 campus. If a kid values being a three season athlete or vast involvement in a variety of social activities, they probably should attend a large high school. A3 students focus on post high school goals, not on vast social opportunities.
  5. Q: Is A3 only for high achieving arts kids?
    A: No. Fact is A3 is for anyone, but not necessarily everyone. We’ll work with a wide spectrum of kids; from highly academically functioning to special ed, from rich to poor, from all ethnicities.
  6. Q: Do you have to be a Springfield resident to attend A3?
    A: No. Though preference is given to Springfield citizens, nearly 20% of the current A3 student body comes from outside the district. Students from outside of Springfield will need to apply for an intradistrict transfer, available from the SPS curriculum office.