frequently asked
questions
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If you have never homeschooled before it is likely you have some questions! We may not have thought of everything, but we know what parents ask of us and here are some of the most asked questions for parents considering a school for their homeschool education partner.
If we have not covered your question, call our offices and we will get you the answers to your questions. We want to be your school of choice and to do that you need all your questions answered. |
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QUESTIONS AT NFC ACADEMY
When Does The School Year Begin?
NFC Academy students may start anytime of the year as NFC Academy is in session all twelve months of the year. All students who start a new year out at NFC Academy have a school year of 180 school-days to meet the hour/day requirements of a school year. Students who transfer to NFC Academy in their first semester have a similar school year prorated on the work transferred to NFC Academy.
Do Parents Construct The Daily Lesson Plans?
In our online program for grades 3-12 NFC Academy manages and directs the lesson plans for each subject as a part of the computerized program. The daily lesson assignments will be automatically updated by the computer each day and are based on the students 180 day school year.
Students enrolled in our K-5 print program have the NFC Academy Daily Lesson Planner which lays out each day’s assignments to be completed based upon a school year of 180 school-days.
Students enrolled in our K-5 print program have the NFC Academy Daily Lesson Planner which lays out each day’s assignments to be completed based upon a school year of 180 school-days.
How Much Time Does The Student Have To Complete The Course Work?
Each student in K-12 have a 180 school-day school year to complete their work. Extensions of the school year may be granted. The policy for extensions is for up to two months which would make a full calendar year. There is no additional tuition charge for students for a one month extension. Students needing a final month extension can be granted the extension and there is no additional tuition charge for those in both the Print Program (K-5) and the Homeschool Edition online grades 3-8. Families will be charged the standard tuition rate for students in the Homeschool Advantage Program (NFC Academy teachers are the primary teachers) for the second extension.
How Long Does The Enrollment Process Take?
Once the decision is made by the parent to enroll and the application is completed and received by the Academy the next step is getting previous school records to the Academy. Typically, the process takes 1-2 weeks, but in August and September it may take longer because the increase number of enrollments made during those months. Once we have all the needed academic records the process moves rather quickly.
Are There Age Limits For Enrollment In NFC Academy?
NFC Academy has established age guidelines for students entering school based upon the traditional school age expectations. Students entering kindergarten should reach their 5th birthday by September 1 as they start. Students can start their senior year at a maximum age of 20. These guidelines are provided for parents to understand if they should at a later date enroll their children in a traditional school. Any exceptions to the age for entering school would require the Academy's approval and parent's written request along with academic supporting information. Typically, exceptions would be made based upon weeks or a few months of age difference to our standards, not years.
What About Transfer Credit Into NFC Academy?
NFC Academy is a fully accredited school by Cognia, the Middle States Commissions on Secondary and Elementary Schools and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. The Academy accepts credits from regionally accredited schools at face value. Additionally, credits are accepted from schools accredited by FACCS (Florida Association of Colleges and Schools), ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International), and other schools with a relationship as a member of the National Council of Private School Accreditation (NCPSA).
Homeschool students from unaccredited programs will have their work/credit accepted after a review of the curriculum and details provided to the Academy. A student accepted from unaccredited programs will have their previous work validated by successful completion of the next semesters work at NFC Academy.
Homeschool students from unaccredited programs will have their work/credit accepted after a review of the curriculum and details provided to the Academy. A student accepted from unaccredited programs will have their previous work validated by successful completion of the next semesters work at NFC Academy.
What About Credit Earned Through Home Schools Or Schools That Are Not Accredited?
Credits are accepted two ways from home school students. If they were registered under an umbrella association the credits are typically accepted as received. Other home school students and students from non-accredited schools have their credits accepted through a portfolio development using curriculum, grades, and testing information from the homeschool or school that is not an accredited program. The NFC Academy Admissions Office will provide you with forms to complete to make this process simple and easy.
What Determines Grade Placement?
A student is placed in a grade based upon the records received from their previous school. Included in materials should be report cards and recent standardized test results. All students will need to submit a birth certificate along with their academic record. Some students whose records may not be complete may take a diagnostic test that will help make the placement in the curriculum.
Is There A Payment Plan For Tuition?
There are several payment options for all of our programs including a monthly payment option. K-12 parents may select the option of paying by the month with payments divided over 10 months, semi-annual payments, or an annual payment. There is a modest reduction in tuition cost when selecting the semi-annual or annual payment options. Those in our K-5 Book Program using the monthly payment option will need to set up their Auto-Pay account with NFC Academy
Do I Need To Be With My Child All Day While He Or She Is Doing Schoolwork?
Distance learning is a partnership between parents, students, and your teacher(s) at NFC Academy. While all parents doing home school are involved with their children in unique ways, those parents who select the NFC Academy Home School Edition (grades 3-7 only) with the parent as the primary teacher will have to spend significant amounts of time working with your child. While you have support from your Resource Assistant, they will not be involved in the daily work with the curriculum.
Those parents in the K-5 book curriculum program are the primary teacher and will be involved daily as the primary teacher. While you will not be in "school" all day, the time you invest will be substantial requiring your face-to-face work with your child.
Those who select the Homeschool Advantage Edition, which includes Academy teacher support, may spend less time with their students, but successful homeschooling must include the home actively involved daily no matter which option. A parent or guardian's committed participation in the Learning Team is essential to making a child's experience a success. The parent or guardian is responsible for setting up and monitoring the developed learning schedule, verifying that course work is being submitted in a satisfactory manner, monitoring student progress, and facilitating a working relationship between the members of the Learning Team. Parental involvement equals success!
Those parents in the K-5 book curriculum program are the primary teacher and will be involved daily as the primary teacher. While you will not be in "school" all day, the time you invest will be substantial requiring your face-to-face work with your child.
Those who select the Homeschool Advantage Edition, which includes Academy teacher support, may spend less time with their students, but successful homeschooling must include the home actively involved daily no matter which option. A parent or guardian's committed participation in the Learning Team is essential to making a child's experience a success. The parent or guardian is responsible for setting up and monitoring the developed learning schedule, verifying that course work is being submitted in a satisfactory manner, monitoring student progress, and facilitating a working relationship between the members of the Learning Team. Parental involvement equals success!
What If My Child Has A Learning Disability? What Kind Of Help Is Available?
Many children who may have been diagnosed as ADD or ADHD can function well in a traditional school and a distance program such as NFC Academy. However, it is important that reading skills and math skills be at a level that allows the student to do the work in their assigned curriculum. NFC Academy does not provide additional assistance for students who may need direct assistance by a teacher and have a problem working as an independent learner successfully.
Will My Child Be Able To Graduate From NFC Academy?
Yes. Students may complete their high school program and graduate from NFC Academy. Starting in the 9th grade each full-time student will have their own Path to Graduation that will include all required courses for graduation as well as electives they may take. Students may take some courses at different grades during their high school years, but all students must meet NFC Academy's requirements for graduation which you can find on this website under the High School Online tab. Each year the student's Path to Graduation is updated. To be eligible to graduate from NFC Academy, seniors must complete their entire senior year as a full-time student at NFC Academy.
Will My Child Take An Annual Achievement Test?
NFC Academy gives the Stanford Achievement Tests typically in April of each year. This test meets most states requirements for annual testing. Students in grades 3-11 will be able to take the test online from a schedule we will provide to you. Students in K-2 will take the test in booklet form using directions from NFC Academy. You will receive a copy of the test results after they have been scored by the testing company.
Taking the annual Stanford Achievement Test is optional for students. It will meet most all states requirements for a standardized test. We recommend you check with your state to see if they require such annual testing.
Even if a state does not require such a test, we recommend you take the test each Spring. Taking the test provides the parents with a recognized test that can help you see how your child is doing related to his or her peers. You can also have some objective tool to measure the academic programs being offered by the school you select.
Taking the annual Stanford Achievement Test is optional for students. It will meet most all states requirements for a standardized test. We recommend you check with your state to see if they require such annual testing.
Even if a state does not require such a test, we recommend you take the test each Spring. Taking the test provides the parents with a recognized test that can help you see how your child is doing related to his or her peers. You can also have some objective tool to measure the academic programs being offered by the school you select.
Does NFC Academy Offer Tuition Discounts?
Yes. Tuition discounts are available for families who enroll student(s) full-time at NFC Academy. Discounts are available for:
- Families With Multiple Children Enrolled At NFC Academy.
- Families Who Are Full-Time Missionaries.
- Our First Responders Which Include Full-Time Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters, Paramedics and EMT's.
- Those In Our Military Both Retired And Those On Active Duty.
- Families Serving Full-Time in Christian Ministry.
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HOMESCHOOL EDIITON 3-7
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HOMESCHOOL ADVANTAGE 3-12
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online program grades 3-12
What Are Your Online Programs Available At NFC Academy?
NFC Academy's Online Program consists of the Homeschool Advantage Program for grades 3-12 and the Homeschool Edition Program for grades 3-7.
The academic programs are the same, but in the Homeschool Advantage Program NFC Academy teachers provide the primary academic support for the students. In the Homeschool Edition program the parent provides the academic support for the student. There is a Homeschool Resource Assistant in the Homeschool Edition program that is available to answer general questions for the parent.
The academic programs are the same, but in the Homeschool Advantage Program NFC Academy teachers provide the primary academic support for the students. In the Homeschool Edition program the parent provides the academic support for the student. There is a Homeschool Resource Assistant in the Homeschool Edition program that is available to answer general questions for the parent.
Are The Online Programs At NFC Academy Accredited?
Yes, both of these online programs are fully accredited along with our Print Program at NFC Academy. NFC Academy is accredited by Cognia, the Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools, and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. As an accredited member of the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, NFC Academy has a formal relationship with the National Association for Private School Accreditation.
How Do I Keep Track Of My Child's Work In The Online Programs?
If you are in the Homeschool Advantage Program you will have your own Parent Portal. You can login from anywhere with your Parent Portal and check your child's progress including each assignment, the amount of work completed in the assignment, the due date of the assignment, the date it was completed and the grade for the assignment.
Parents who are in the Homeschool Edition will have general teacher access and be able to see all assignments and grades as they are completed.
Parents who are in the Homeschool Edition will have general teacher access and be able to see all assignments and grades as they are completed.
Do I Have To Buy Equipment For Science Experiments?
No equipment or supplies to purchase for science experiments in the online programs. All science experiments selected by NFC Academy are virtual science experiments for grades 3 to grade 5. Starting in 6th grade all science experiments in the Homeschool Advantage Program are from Smart Science, our partner for virtual science experiments all the way through Physics. For those in the Homeschool Edition through grade 7 we recommend only the virtual experiments in the curriculum.
Are There Any Resources For Math Courses?
Yes! NFC Academy provides a comprehensive list of math resources for all math courses starting in 3rd grade up to and including Pre-Calculus. Students will be able to go to their Math Resources directly on our website and there will be additional videos for instruction and practice for most every daily lesson assignment in each of our math courses. These math resources remain available no matter what time your child works on their math from early morning to late at night.
Does NFC Academy Provide Report Cards For Students In The Online Programs?
Yes, every student will have a report card completed as they complete their academic work at the Academy. Reports cards for grades 1-12 are completed on a semester basis. Families can see and print the report cards from your RenWeb Parent Portal where all report cards are maintained. You will receive copies of the report cards at the end of the year or earlier by request.
Are High School Courses Approved By The NCAA?
Yes, NFC Academy's core academic courses in high school have been approved by the NCAA for initial student eligibility for student athletes.
What About A Student's High School Transcript?
Every high school student will have their own high school transcript provided by NFC Academy. The high school transcript is the document needed for college entry, some employment opportunities and the military. We use Scribbles, an electronic transcript program, for sending our official transcripts from NFC Academy.
What Courses Are Available In The Online Program?
NFC Academy full-time students will have the core courses on Bible, History, Language Arts (English), Math and Science at their grade level. For complete description of all courses visit the web page on this website under Elementary 3-5 Online, Middle School 6-8 Online, and High School Online for a description of all courses including the elective courses.
Are There Elective Courses Available In The Online Program?
Yes, students in the elementary grades and middle school have a limited number of elective courses they can take. Once the student reaches high school elective courses include courses in most all academic disciplines. All courses and their descriptions can be found by visiting the course pages on the website for Elementary 3-5 Online, Middle School 6-8 Online and High School Online.
My Student Is A Student Athlete, How Does NFC Academy Ensure Their Courses Are Accepted By The NCAA?
Core Courses as defined by the NCAA at NFC Academy have been approved by the NCAA for initial student academic eligibility when they enter college. Visit our page under High School Online for the NCAA or visit the NCAA Eligibility Center to see the courses that have been approved by the NCAA at NFC Academy.
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KINDERGARTEN BOOK PROGRAM
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BOOK PROGRAM 1st-5th GRADE
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K-5 STUDENT book program
What Grades Are Offered In The Book Program?
The Print Program (books) is offered starting in Kindergarten - 5th grade. Those students still preferring books can wait until 6th grade to move to our online program.
Is The Parent The Primary Teacher In The Book Program?
Yes, the home parent is the primary teacher for all grades in the Book Program, or someone they designate at home. There is a resource assistant assigned to each family who can answer general questions about the program.
How Will I Get The Books For My Child?
Once you have enrolled at NFC Academy and set up your Auto-Pay account with us, we will ship all of your books to you for the first semester. Included in the shipment will be all of your Teacher Books, Student Books, and the NFC Academy Daily Lesson Planner. For those in K-2nd grade there will be special teaching materials sent to you. Books will come to you either by UPS or Priority Mail. If you are international we will discuss with you the best way to ship to you. Shipping cost is covered for all shipments within the Unites States. Additional shipping costs will apply for shipping outside of the United States.
What Is The NFC Academy Daily Lesson Planner?
The NFC Academy Daily Lesson Planner in the Print Program lays out the exact amount of work to complete each day to ensure you are staying on target to complete your school year on time. There is a separate Daily Lesson Planner for each course in each grade for Kindergarten - 5th grade.
How Do I Keep Grades In The Book Program And Do I Get Report Cards?
We have made it easy to keep your grades in the Print Program. Kindergarten does report cards by the quarter and grades 1-5 do report cards by the semester. Both Kindergarten and grades 1-5 have their own electronic gradebook for official grades.
In Kindergarten you will use our quarterly grading sheets to record the grade for the assessment of each quarter and then enter those grades in the Kindergarten electronic gradebook which you will have access to use. Once you record the grades we are notified in the office and will create that quarters report card.
For grades 1-5 you will do your grading each week of the graded exercises in the student's book. Take those grades each week and enter in the Online gradebook we have set up for you and that is it. The program automatically averages grades and you will see a running average as you progress through the semester. Once you complete the semester's work we will complete the report card. As part of the process for grade validation you will need to send us each unit test from each course. There will be 5 unit tests each semester in each course and five courses so you would send us those unit tests.
In Kindergarten you will use our quarterly grading sheets to record the grade for the assessment of each quarter and then enter those grades in the Kindergarten electronic gradebook which you will have access to use. Once you record the grades we are notified in the office and will create that quarters report card.
For grades 1-5 you will do your grading each week of the graded exercises in the student's book. Take those grades each week and enter in the Online gradebook we have set up for you and that is it. The program automatically averages grades and you will see a running average as you progress through the semester. Once you complete the semester's work we will complete the report card. As part of the process for grade validation you will need to send us each unit test from each course. There will be 5 unit tests each semester in each course and five courses so you would send us those unit tests.
Is The Book Program Accredited Like The Online Program?
Yes, NFC Academy's Book Program K-5th grade is fully accredited just like the Online Program grades 3-12 is fully accredited. Both programs are accredited by Cognia, the Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Because of our accreditation with the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, NFC Academy has formal relationship with the National Council for Private School Accreditation.
