| Frequently Asked Questions |
|
|
| Below you will find answers to some of the most comment questions we receive here at Realms. If you still cannot find your answer, please do not hesitate to contact us. |
It is not our purpose to be a school for “problem kids,” and our teachers have no special training for working with behavioral or emotional issues or learning disabilities. One of our guiding principles is “Students have the right to learn and teachers have the right to teach.” Behavior that impacts other students’ ability to learn or a teacher's ability to teach is not accepted. We are a school that works on the fundamental premise that the students are here because they want to be here.
That said, we also know that behavior problems can be a logical response for many bright young people who find themselves in an educational situation that fails to meet their needs. Some students who have had behavioral problems in another school setting are able to function well at Realms because they are engaged, challenged, accepted, or simply no longer bored. We also know that it is common for some very bright students to have exceptional intellectual development and below-age social or emotional development.
We believe that our small class sizes, close relationships with teachers, an emphasis on respect and acceptance, and plentiful opportunities in the outdoor program, as well as active classrooms for meaningful interaction with others, provide the ideal environment for these bright students to develop socially and emotionally.
In the Lower and Middle School, classes are limited to 14 students per each full-time teacher. On occasion, a class might grow by 1-3 students, with the addition of a teacher’s aide. The Upper School has a total enrollment of between 35-40; academic classes typically average between 5 to 10 students and never exceed 14.
In the Lower School, students take field trips as often as once a week. The activities on field trips might be outdoor activities (hiking, climbing, an outdoor science activity) or a non-outdoor activity related to an area of study in the class. Beginning in 1st or 2nd grade, classes typically do an overnight trip during the year. The length of trips increases as students get older. Middle School students do a 3-6 day backpacking trip in the fall as well as a 2-4 week trip in the spring.
The Upper School students do a 10-day backpacking trip, a month long trip in the spring, usually to another country, and 2-3 shorter trips during the year, as well. The activities in the Outdoor Program can include hiking, rock climbing, caving, boating, biking, and more. Outdoor experiences are designed to build particular social, emotional, and academic skills, which make the program meaningful to students individually as well as enhancing their entire educational experience.
Yes, but exceptions are made occasionally for unique situations that might arise.
Students may be eligible for the Special Needs (Carson Smith) Scholarship. For further information, please visit www.schools.utah.gov/admin/specialneeds.htm.
Loans may be available through an organization (not affiliated with Realms) called prepGATE. For more information, please visit their web site at www.prepgate.com.
For financial assistance from Realms of Inquiry, a partial waiver may be granted on a per case basis by the Board of Trustees. For more information, please contact Laurie Bragg, Head of School.
Realms assesses a Program Fee and a Textbook Fee in addition to tuition. Since these costs vary from grade to grade and year to year, please find details on our Admissions/Tuition & School Hours page.
Costs associated with the following Realms activities are also not included in tuition rates, and are the responsibility of parents:

