Q.
Are SOTA and SAMi Public Schools?
A.
Yes, we are part
of the Tacoma School District
Q.
How much does it cost to go here?
A.
SAMi and SOTA are both public schools, so there is not a tuition. However, each year we go on an all-school retreat
for the first three days of school. This retreat generally costs $150. Scholarships and reduced prices are available
for students who receive free / reduced meals.
Q.
Will students be well-prepared for college by going to science and art based high schools?
A.
Yes! Every class at SAMi and SOTA is taught rigorously. We provide all math, science, English, and history classes
taught at traditional high schools. Students who attend SOTA and SAMi have the opportunity to earn more credits than
those students who attend traditional highschools because of our blocked schedule. Students take up to 8 classes
per semester. We currently are offering College classes at both SOTA and SAMi for credit through the University of
Washington and Tacoma Community College.
Q.
How many high school credits are needed to graduate from SOTA and SAMi?
A.
Like all Tacoma Public Schools, the high school graduation requirement is 24 credits.
Q.
Can students continue doing sports when they come to SAMi and SOTA?
A.
Yes, students can take an early dismissal if the sport requires and play the sport through their home high school.
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from sports practices and events.
Q.
Where are SOTA and SAMi classes located?
A.
Classes at SAMi are located throughout Point Defiance Park. Students regularly access the Park facilities such as the
Pagoda, Lodge, Gardens, Fort Niqually, Metro Parks Greenhouse, and the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.
A.
SOTA classes are located in several buildings in downtown Tacoma:
• 1102 A Street #200 (on the corner of 11th and A Street) --Administrative offices, Planning Center, Spanish, and Humanities.
• 1950 Pacific Ave. -- Math, Science, and Visual Arts classes.
• 1117 Broadway (Ted Brown building) -- Performing Arts
We also have classes at partnered facilities such as the University of Washington Tacoma, Tacoma Art Museum,
Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, and Museum of Glass.
Q.
What is Mini-Term?
A.
At SOTA and SAMi our first semester is from September to December, followed by mini-term, a three-week
long period of time during which students take an interdisciplinary workshop class, participate in internships or partici-
pate in our Service and Study Trips. Most freshmen and sophomores participate in workshop classes. Junior and senior
students have the option to participate in our Internship program with one of our communit partners or travel with the
Service and Study program. SOTA and SAMi also offer a one-week June mini-term to students.
Q.
How long are the winter, spring and summer breaks?
A.
The school year calendar for SOTA and SAMi differs slightly from the Tacoma Public Schools calendar. The winter break is
three weeks long, spring break is two weeks long, and summer break from the mid-June to the end of August. To see a
copy of the current school-year calendar, please visit www.tsota.org or www.tsami.org
Q.
How do students travel to and from school?
A.
All students have the option to take public transportation. SOTA and SAMi students receive a Pierce Transit bus pass
(ORCA card) each month free of charge. SAMi students are also able to take one of three school bus shuttles to Point
Defiance Park from NorthEast Tacoma, Tacoma Community College transit center, and downtown Tacoma at 10th &
Commerce.
Q.
Can students continue take classes at other Tacoma High Schools?
A.
No, Because our schedules and breaks are different.
Q.
How can families get involved in the SOTA and SAMi community?
A.
We strongly encourage family involvement and view families as essential elements in student education. Families are
invited into the schools regularly, can join and volunteer for a variety of events. throughout the year. Families are
encouraged to play a very active role at the school.
Q.
What is the daily schedule?
A.
SAMi and SOTA offer eight classes per semester to students, plus a mentor group class. The daily schedule is:
Monday/Wednesday
Tuesday/Thursday
Friday
1st Period 8:15-9:35
5th Period 8:15-9:35
Staff Meeting 8:00-10:45
2nd Period 9:50-11:10
6th Period 9:50-11:10
Mentor Project Groups 10:45-12:15
Lunch 11:10-11:55
Lunch 11:10-11:55
Lunch 12:15-1:00
3rd Period 11:55-1:15
7th Period 11:55-1:15
Showcase, Class Breakouts, Workshops
4th Period 1:30-2:50
8th Period 1:30-2:50
or more MPG 1:00-2:50
Q.
What are Fridays all about, and what is MPG?
A.
Fridays at SOTA and SAMi are not like every normal day at the school: they are formed around our Mentor
Project Groups (MPGs). An MPG consists of one mentor teacher and about 20 students. Mentor Groups meet every
Friday and work on the projects that serve both the school community and the extended
community in the city. Additionally through mentor group, students prepare for post-high school life, and receive help
and support from their mentor teacher and fellow mentor group students.
Q.
How does the attendance work?
A.
Missing classes at SOTA and SAMi is difficult, because classes are offered every other day. We encourage all students to be
in school daily and to take vacations during school breaks. Friday mornings are great times for dental and medical
appointments, since school does not begin until 10:45am. Should a student be absent, it is the students’ responsibility
to contact the teacher ahead of time if they know they are going to be absent. If a student is sick, students must bring a
note either before or after missing the particular classes and should ask for a re-entry slip.
Q.
Will my child be safe walking around the downtown and Point Defience Park?
A.
Yes. We require that students walk in groups around campus. We have a SOTA Liaison,
who is our “good cop” to help to keep all students safe. The downtown community also provides the
bike patrol to police the area. Around the University of Washington Tacoma campus there are UWT security
guards. We have Metro Park Patrol at Point Defience Park, as well as a shuttle bus to move students throught
the park system. Phone numbers for assistance are located on every student’s ID Card in case of an emergency.
At SAMi and SOTA we ask that students move through the downtown and park community safely and respectfully.
Because we value our partnerships within the local business area, we expect students to behave in a way
that only reflects positively on the schools.
P:
¿Es SAMI una escuela pública?
R:
Sí, somos una parte del distrito escolar de Tacoma.
P:
¿Cuánto cuesta para asistir a SAMI?
R:
Es gratis porque SAMI es una escuela pública. Empecemos el año escolar con un retiro por dos días y el retiro
cuesta $150. Ofrecemos becas para las familias que las necesiten.
P:
¿Cada estudiante es preparado para la universidad después de asistir a SAMI?
R:
¡Sí! Damos clases avanzadas incluyendo las clases de arte.
P:
¿Cuántos créditos son necesarios para graduarse de SAMI?
R:
Igual que los otros colegios en Tacoma, los estudiantes necesitan 24 créditos para graduarse.
P:
¿Los estudiantes pueden jugar deportes si asistan a SAMI?
R:
Sí, los estudiantes pueden jugar cualquier deporte en la escuela más cerca de su casa.
P:
¿Dónde están las clases?
R:
Las clases están en Point Defiance, el parque en el noroeste de Tacoma. Los estudiantes usan salónes de clases
móviles, el zoológico, la playa, y el Pagoda.
P:
¿Cómo llegan los estudiantes a la escuela cada día?
R:
Cada estudiante usa transportación pública. Los estudiantes reciben una tarjeta de Pierce Transit comprado por el
distrito.
P:
¿Cuántos maestros y administradores hay?
R:
Hay 14 maestros y 5 directores y administradores.
P:
¿Qué es el horario diario para SAMI?
R:
Tenemos los periódos 1-4 los lunes y los miércoles y periódos 5-8
los martes y los jueves, y los viernes tenemos los
mentor project groups. El día escolar empieza a las 8:20 y termina a las 2:45.
P:
¿Cómo ofrece SAMI oportunidades que los otros colegios no pueden ofrecer?
R:
Porque solamente hay 300 estudiantes en cada nivel de SAMI, podemos enfocarnos en el bienestar de cada
estudiante.
P:
¿Cuántas semanas son los descansos del invierno, la primavera y el verano?
R:
El descanso del invierno es 3 semanas. Lo de la primavera es 2 semanas. El descanso del verano es 3 meses
como cada otra escuela. El calendario escolar está en nuestra página del web www.tsami.org.