Family Support Frequently Asked Questions

Q1:      Will more in residence classes be offered in Rota?
A:         Yes, if there is sufficient need.

Q2:      Will we be available for the NCPACE programs?
A:         Yes.

Q3:      Is tuition assistance available in Rota?
A:         Yes

Q4:      Is My CAA available in Rota?
A:         Yes, if you meet the standard eligibility requirements.

Q5:      Are Spanish classes available with the colleges?
A:         University of Maryland University College offers Spanish language courses face-to-face as well as online.

Q6:      Can my high school student take courses at one of the colleges offered with the Navy College Office?
A:         There are some restrictions, but it is possible.  You should check with each institution (CTC, ERAU, or UMUC) to determine what the specific requirements are.

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Questions and Answers

Q1:      Will I have the option of moving my family after the first patrol?
A:         Yes

Q2:      Can non-dependent family members (i.e. grandparents, etc.) use MAC flights to visit me in Rota?
A:         No. Only military and their dependants can fly on MAC flights.

Q3:      Is there a fleet and family support center located on Naval Station Rota?
A:         Yes.

Q4:      What forms of child care/ day care are provided by the base?
A:         Full Time, Part Time, Spanish Immersion and Pre-school programming at CDC for ages 6 weeks -5 years of age. Before and After Care, Summer Camp, Holiday Support offered at School Age Care for Kinder-6^th. Open Recreation Teen Center for grades 7^th-12^th.

Q5:      What services does the Child Development Center provide for my children?
A:         Full time, part time, Spanish immersion and pre-school programming at CDC for ages 6 weeks -5 years of age.

Q6:      Is there a fully stocked Commissary on the Naval Station?
A:         Rota’s commissary, offers nearly 10,000 grocery and miscellaneous items and has a full-service deli/bakery.  Rotisserie chicken, Panini sandwiches, several hot foods, deli meat and cheese trays and self service fruit and vegetable salad bar are available.

Q7:      Is there a fully stocked Navy Exchange on the Naval Station?
A:         Rota’s main Navy Exchange complex, which opened in 2007, is centrally located on the base.  The Navy Exchange carries clothing for the entire family, giftware, shoes, books and magazines, DVDs and CDs, uniforms, electronics, furniture, sporting goods, jewelry and housewares.  Additionally, contract vendors in the NEX complex include a floral shop, barber shop and beauty salon, optometrist, photo studio, Subway sandwich shop and Cafe Andalucia.  Call 727-2391 for more information. 

Q8:      Where can I shop if the Commissary or NEX are closed or do not have the items which I am looking for?
A:         Though the commissary stocks most everything needed, off-base supermarkets, or “supermercados,” are plentiful and provide a rich selection of local and international food items.  Some of the freshest produce and fish can be found there and their hours are typically from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. every day but Sunday.  Special features may include a full aisle of various olive oils and wine selections. These in-town stores also carry many European products not found in American supermarkets. Shopping at supermercados means you need to learn how to read product labels in Spanish; however, it is easy to accomplish.  In the Rota area, the main supermercados are Mercadona, Carrefour, Champions and Supersol. The El Paseo mall in nearby El Puerto de Santa Maria has a Carrefour with products similar to a Walmart or Target, in addition to its grocery section.  There are several other supermarkets in town as well as stores of all types.  Most neighborhoods also have a “mom-and-pop” grocer.  These are the places to find fresh fruit and vegetables, not to mention friendly conversation, and perhaps a sample of the day’s melon or ham (‘jamon’). 

Q9:      Are schools located on base?
A:         Yes

Q10:    Is there a school for all ages of children (kindergarten-12^th grade) provided on base?
A:         DoDDS Europe provides educational programming for grades kindergarten-12^th grade. DoDDS Europe also has programming in the areas of Pre-School for Children with Disabilities and Sure Start.  Additional criteria must be met to be enrolled in these programs.

Q11:    Can my children attend a local school not located on the Naval Base?
A:         Yes.  For more guidance and information on this matter contact the FFSC at DSN 314-727-3232.

Q12:    Will a school bus bring my kids to and from school if we live off-base or on-base?
A:         School bussing is available for DoD dependents residing in Las Flores housing on Base and in the area immediately outside of the base to include Rota, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Costa Ballena, and the southern portion of Chipiona. You will receive more details on the bus commuting zone when inprocessing with the housing office.

Q13:    What extracurricular activates are there for my kids provided by the schools or out in town?
A:         The DGF schools offer after school programming throughout the school year for varied ages and grade levels.  More information can be found at http://www.rota-hs.eu.dodea.edu/activities.htm and  http://www.rota-es.eu.dodea.edu/Activities.htm.  After school athletics for middle school and elementary school age students are the responsibility of Child and Youth Services.  Their website is http://www.rotamwr.com/index.php?cID=237 . Additional clubs and activities on the local economy are available through the local city hall and at the following link.   http://www.aytorota.es/web/cdw_index.php?ts=1&cod=922

Q14:    When is registration due for schools/day care and how would I pay it in advance?
A:         DGF Elementary and Middle High School register students throughout the school year.  It takes 48 hours to place an elementary student into the classroom and should be one of the first processes completed when you arrive.  Packets can be provided by contacting the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at SLORota@eu.navy.mil along with additional guidance on PCSing students.  Middle High School students will need an appointment with the school registrar.  Please contact the SLO at SLORota@eu.navy.mil for guidance and additional information. CYP centers can also partially register children in their programs prior to your arrival.  Contact the SLO at SLORota@eu.navy.mil for guidance on registration and paperwork. Spanish school systems have different registration processes and additional guidance is provided by FFSC at DSN 314-727-3232.

Q15:    Can you transfer credits from the US?
A:         Credits received at an accredited school in the U.S. will be accepted with DGF.

Q16:    Are there advance classes that can be taken?
A:         Honors History and English are offered in 9^th and 10^th grade.  Various Advanced Placement (AP) classes are offered in 11^th and 12^th grade.  Speak to the guidance counselor when registering for additional information on the program.

Q17:    How does my child apply for colleges from the US?
A:         The application process is the same as from stateside based on the school requirements.  DGF the SLO and CYP support the student through this process by providing counseling support, college day events and online webinar and scholarship resources to students and parents throughout the year.

Q18:    Is it possible to start school in the middle of the year?
A:         Yes but grade level of the child is important to the transferability of class work. The guidance counselor will be your best resource when determining if semester timing is supportive of your child’s education.

Q19:    Is their school system set up like ours (Elementary school 1-5, Junior high 6-8, High School 9-12)
A:         Elementary provides (PSCD, SS & K-6^th). Middle provides for 7^th & 8^th grade. High school provides for 9^th – 12^th grades

Q20:    Are ACT/SAT tests offered?
A:         Yes.  The school’s guidance counselor will provide guidance on what test your child requires and the dates is will be given.

Q21:    Is English the prominent language on base?
A:         Yes.

Q22:    Is there a way to evaluate the quality of the DOD school on base?
A:         DGF Elementary and Middle/High Schools are accredited through Advanced ED, which is the world's largest education community that provides quality assurance services to schools. Parents can find out details on Advanced ED and its accreditation procedures/standards at www.advanc-ed.org.

Q23:    Is there a Navy College on base?
A:         Yes.

Q24:    What schools are offered through the Navy College?
A:         There are four colleges/universities offering programs through the European Tri-services contract:  Central Texas College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Maryland University College, and University of Oklahoma.

Q25:    I’m taking classes at Tidewater Community College, can I transfer those to a school in Rota?
A:         Most likely, depending on applicability of courses and grades.