Grace Presbyterian School seeks to provide Christian parents interested in educating their chldren in the home a legally acceptable program in which this objective can be accomplished. It is essential to build in systems of accountability and academic excellence so that we can continue to provide our children with the very best education possible in the safe and loving atmosphere of our homes. We must also strive for excellence and train our children in a way that the education establishment will recognize as legitimate and valid, with solidly documented and verifiable results to back up our claims.
This program's sole intent is to allow participating parents the opportunity to exercise control and supervise the academic, social, and spiritual growth of their children. Responsibility for the children's development is fully vested in the parents, who place themselves under the authority of the Elders of Grace Presbyterian Church.
Requirements for Entrance
Grace Presbyterian Church School is a ministry of Grace Presbyterian Church. However, membership in Grace Presbyterian Church is not mandatory for participation in Grace Presbyterian Church School. Families must:
*Be accepted by the Session of Grace Presbyterian Church through an interview process
*Be aware of and committed to the statement of faith found in the manual
*Be aware of and committed to the policies in the manual in submission to the session
of the church
*Be involved in and accountable to the leadership of a local church
Rising seniors and current seniors in high school will not be accepted as part of our program.
It is suggested that parents read at least one home education how-to-book or attend a how-to workshop. If you want the shortest choice possible try How to Homeschool (Yes, You!) by Julia Toto.
GPCS, a ministry of Grace Presbyterian Church, admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs.
Once you are enrolled in the school you are legally under the authority of GPCS. If the need should arise, the GPCS school administrator will make contacts with your local public school system. If public school authorities knock on your door, you are only obligated to tell them where your children are enrolled (hand them a business card) and follow Homeschool Legal Defense Association recommended procedures.
Record Keeping
Each family is required to submit the following to the office for each student:
*A list of the curriculum used
*Report cards, twice a year, from which grades will be transferred to a school transcript
at the last required meeting.
*Attendance reports, due at each required meeting
*A copy of the latest standardized test taken by the student.
*Immunization records
*Proof of HSLDA membership.
The teacher should document instruction in the following ways:
*Completion of daily attendance records
*Maintaining a daily lesson plan book and/or daily journal documenting particular subjects
taught
*Keeping a file of the student's work for each school year
*Dating each assignment
*Saving all student work for at least 3 years
Required meetings are scheduled 4 times per year. At lest one parent must be in attendance. These include "reckoning day", the final day for turning in all records.
Home Visits will be arranged as necessary by the coordinator to discuss any concerns you have and offer helpful suggestions.
Registration and Tuition
There will be a one-time registration fee of $15.00, payable with the teacher application. Though the fee is non-refundable, it will be applied to the first year's tuition if the family is accepted for enrollment.
Tuition charges are $180 per family per year. This fee will be used for expenses incurred by administration in fulfillment of their responsibilities. This fee is subject to change should expenses increase. You will be notified in a timely manner if this is necessary.
Tuition payment schedule: tuition is payable in installments of $45 at each of the required meetings (September, January, March, and May). Payments of $90 each semester are appreciated, or you may pay in full at the first meeting.
Required subjects, required school days, required testing, and Home School Legal Defense Association membership requirements are all specified in the handbook.
Note: Enrollment for the 2009-2010 school year closed on August 10.
If you would like more information, please call Trisha Kennamer at 256-657-6632.