Your QUestions, ANswered
Family Frequently Asked Questions
We're here to make finding the information you need as easy as possible! Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about life at Paramount Schools of Excellence, including school policies, student resources, family support services, and other helpful information to keep your family informed and connected.
Family Resources & Support
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Are school meals free?
Yes. Breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost for all students. Weekly menus are posted online, and students may also bring a lunch from home.
Is before- and after-school care available?
Yes. Most campuses offer care through community partners: YMCA at Brookside and Cottage Home, Tiny Explorers after school at Girls IN STEM Academy, Tori's Tots at Andrew J. Brown Academy, and the Boys & Girls Clubs at South Bend. Englewood offers free before-school care from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. and after-school care through INSPIRE. Paramount Lafayette has several options, so contact the front office. Details and sign-up links are on our Transportation & Before/After Care page.
Do students wear uniforms?
Yes. At most campuses, students wear polo shirts in their grade color (gray for K–2, light blue for 3–4, navy for 5–8) with khaki pants, knee-length shorts, a jumper or a skirt. Students in grades 3–8 may also wear navy pants or shorts. Closed-toe tennis shoes are required. Girls IN STEM Academy, Andrew J. Brown Academy and South Bend have their own dress codes, which are on our Policies & Handbooks page. Families who need help with uniform costs can contact their school's FACT team.
What are the school hours?
Hours vary by campus and are listed on each school's page. Classes at most campuses begin at 8:00 a.m. On early release days, school ends at about 2:15 p.m., and on late start days, classes begin at 10:00 a.m.
Do you support students with IEPs or special education needs?
Yes. Every Paramount school supports students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans. Services include special education, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy.
Do you support students who are learning English?
Yes. Our Multilingual Learner (MLL) program supports students and their parents. Many family documents, such as supply lists and the attendance policy, are available in Spanish and Haitian Creole.
Do you have a gifted or high-ability program?
Yes. All kindergarten, 2nd grade and 5th grade students are screened for high-ability services during the second semester, and any student can be assessed when their classroom data supports it. Students identified as high ability receive enrichment beyond the standard curriculum.
Are there fees for books or school supplies?
There is no tuition. Families provide basic school supplies from a grade-level supply list posted each summer. If a school-owned book is lost or damaged, families pay for the replacement. Limited financial help for field trips, uniforms and supplies is available through each school's FACT team.
What curriculum does Paramount use?
Every Paramount school uses the same approach, built on the Core Knowledge curriculum and aligned to Indiana academic standards. Students in grades K–5 use Open Court Reading, and students in grades 6–8 use HMH Into Literature. Extra reading and math support comes from programs such as IXL and Newsela.
Can students bring cell phones to school?
Cell phones, smartwatches and other personal devices are not allowed during the school day. If a student uses one, it is held and returned at the end of the day.
How will I get updates from my child's school?
Paramount uses ParentSquare for announcements, reminders and school closings, and the PowerSchool parent portal for grades and attendance. Schools also send a monthly newsletter.
Do you offer clubs, sports and after-school activities?
Yes. Paramount offers after-school clubs, enrichment, athletics and free on-campus tutoring. Online Academy students can also join clubs and athletics at Paramount campuses.