Frequently Asked Questions
General School Questions
Q: What are the school hours for students?
A: 9:10 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Q: Is there a supervised before or after school care program?
A: Yes, the All-Stars Program, afterschool care for a minimal cost.
Q: What is the cost of the school lunch?
A: $2.50
Q: Is there a breakfast program?
A: Yes. We have a free breakfast program for all students.
Q: What special programs does this school offer?
A: This school is an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Magnet School. We offer the study of a wide range of world languages. They include Spanish S, Spanish FL, Italian, and French. Students can earn up to two high school credits in the advanced language program.
Q: Does this school offer special programs for exceptional students?
A: Ponce offers a full-time gifted program (with students taking self-contained language arts, mathematics, science, and humanities classes with other gifted students), a special education program for students with emotional disabilities, and a comprehensive academic program for students with varying exceptionalities.
Q: Has this school earned any recent awards or recognition?
A: Ponce de Leon Middle School achieved an “A” Grade of accountability by the Florida Department of Education for its academic performance during the 2017-2018 school year. The school has earned the Governor’s Gold Award and Silver Award for academic performance. Ponce has been recognized with the Five Star Community Service Award. The school has also been honored as a Magnet School of Excellence in 2017 and a Magnet School of Distinction in 2018 by Magnet Schools of America for its outstanding performance of its Magnet Program.
Q: Does this school have a dress code policy?
A: Yes. This school has adopted a mandatory uniform policy. The official school uniform consists of White or Navy (Dark Blue) Polo Shirts with school logo and Navy or Khaki Shorts or Pants.
Magnet Program Questions
Q: What is the International Education Program at Ponce?
A: Ponce de Leon Middle is an all magnet school for International Education. Ponce de Leon offers an approach to teaching and learning that embraces yet transcends the focus on traditional school subjects. Students study five core subject areas, language arts, mathematics, sciences, humanities and modern foreign languages (they can select from Spanish, French or Italian) Students in the program may choose an elective from the fields of technology, the arts, and physical education. The program emphasizes the interrelatedness of these areas of the curriculum, thereby advancing a holistic view of knowledge.
Q: Who needs to apply to the International Education Program at Ponce?
A: Any student currently enrolled in grades fifth or sixth wishing to enter our award winning school that does not live within the attendance boundaries of Ponce de Leon Middle School. If you have questions regarding our attendance boundaries please contact Marlene Ramos at 305.661.1611 ext. 2212. All applications must be received in our magnet office postmarked before January 15, 2017.
Q: How are students selected for this magnet program?
A: All students must submit a complete application by January 15th to be considered for admission. Eligibility will then be determined by a standard review of the submitted application. If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of available spaces in the program, a random selection process will be utilized.
Q: How is transportation provided to students who attend the magnet program at Ponce Middle?
A: School Board rule 6Gx13-6A.46 established guidelines, which provide bus transportation only for magnet students who reside within the attendance boundaries of designated transportation service zones. To find out whether you live within one of this transportation service zones please contact Marlene Ramos, Magnet Lead Teacher at 305.661.1611 ext. 2212
Q: What makes Ponce the best choice for middle school?
A: The nurturing atmosphere at Ponce makes it perfect for middle school age children. Everyone at Ponce strives for academic excellence, students learn to respect cultural differences and celebrate diversity while promoting values common to all civilized societies.
Q: Where do I go if I need more information?
A: The Parent Information Center is located in 100 Building. This information center is staffed Magnet Lead Teacher. Information/Services available at the Parent Information Center include the following:
Academic Information
Parent/Student Handbook Code of Student Conduct
School Information
School Performance Excellence Plan (SPEP)
Curriculum Bulletin
Magnet Information
School Tours