The Policies & Procedures of Family Christian Academy have been established by the Board of Directors and apply to those families whose children are enrolled in Family Christian Academy.

It is the opinion of the Board of Directors that these policies and procedures are fair and just.

Each family enrolled in Family Christian Academy acknowledges its responsibility to FCA as well as its obligation to fulfill the policies and procedures as stated herein. Please read these policies thoroughly. Parents are required to sign and agree to policies and procedures as part of the application process.

Society rightly holds Christians to a higher standard of behavior than it does non-Christians. Family Christian Academy, like most Christian schools, expects its families to display Christian values in the community in which they live.

The attitude of the Board is not one of legalism but rather an expectation of responsible compliance with reasonable standards. Such an attitude allows for grace but also enforces just consequences when violations occur.

FCA is not racially discriminatory and does not exclude families from enrollment in its programs and activities based on race, gender, nationality, or ethnic origin. However, because the school is a Christian organization, the Board of Directors does reserve the right to discriminate in areas of religious beliefs and affiliations. Consequently, the school is not obligated to accept those who may not meet admission requirements.

FCA is a charter member of the Tennessee Association of Church Related Schools (TACRS).

FCA is recognized by the Educational Research Bureau in Princeton, New Jersey, S.A.T., A.C.T., and Educational Services. (S.A.T. & A.C.T. School Code for Testing is No. 431252)

FCA serves home educators worldwide. We were founded in 1990 in the state of Tennessee. In most states, families that choose to home educate have the freedom to choose the organization in which to register. There are some states however, such as Tennessee that require its residence to enroll in the state of residence. In most cases in which state enrollment is required FCA has sought and seeks state registration to qualify families to register as a home educator through its program.

FCA is registered with the State of Tennessee as a Category IV School, as outlined in Tennessee Law 49-50-801
FCA is registered with the State of Florida as a 617 nonprofit corporation.

Because of conflicting and changing public opinion regarding homeschooling, the inconsistency of how public officials define the homeschooling law, and the fact that some of our programs have not been challenged in courts, it is not possible for FCA to guarantee that families enrolled in our program will never be scrutinized by authorities.

FCA wants all members to be aware of their legal right to home educate. Home education laws vary from state to state. Please visit HSLDA.org to get a copy of your state law.

FCA is a member of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA Discount No. 294057). We strongly recommend that each home-educating family know its state homeschooling law and consider joining the Home School Legal Defense Association.

Parents of Advanced Placement students are reminded to submit required Curriculum List, allowing FCA to verify that the student is taking an appropriate level course. In addition, the grades and credits earned must be recorded on the Attendance & Progress Report, and submitted by due dates. (1st Semester: January 15th, 2nd Semester July 15th.)

Family Christian Academy meets or exceeds state statutes regarding attendance.

In the case of home-educated students, the term “school attendance” usually means 180 days of school per year and a minimum of 4 hours per day of learning.

Many state laws require that FCA notify the local superintendent and the Department of Transportation if the student fails to reenroll or comply with FCA’s policies and procedures.

Enrollment is open year-round. We begin the new school year on July 1st and the school year ends on June 30th.

Credit may be given for field trips and other family learning activities, hands-on learning experiences, part-time jobs, etc. Do not limit learning to time spent in books only.

Mailings are sent bulk rate and the Post Office will not forward bulk mail. If you move, notify FCA of your change of address using the post office form.

Assigning Credits

Credits are assigned for students taking high school courses, not K-8th grade level work.

Credits may be assigned to students who are not in high school but are taking high-school-level coursework. It is recommended, however, that the student be enrolled in high school if the majority of coursework is high-school-level.

FCA uses the information provided by the parents to prepare a credible transcript representing the student’s academic work. Therefore, the information provided by the parent must be accurate.

When assigning credits, it is important to list actual subjects. An example would be Algebra 1 rather than Math; Biology rather than Science; World History rather than History or Social Studies. Also, do not give credits for courses such as spelling or grammar as these are included in each year of English.

The courses that you assign credits for on the Attendance & Progress report will become a part of your student’s high school transcript. Some activities during high school do not belong on a transcript but are more appropriately placed in a student’s portfolio or resume. Transcripts are for academic coursework. Students are able to earn a maximum of 10 credits annually: seven (7) during the school year and three (3) during the summer

6A. Assigning Credits for students taking college courses
Students taking a college-level course by Advanced Placement or dual enrollment earn a half (½) high school credit for a 3 credit college course and 1 high school credit for a 5 or 6 credit college course. FCA must receive a copy of the student’s final report from the college level class being taken.

6B. Credits Required to Graduate
Twenty-three credits are required to graduate. High school normally lasts 4 years which averages out to approximately 5 courses per year, although high school may be finished in as little as 3 years. See early graduation policy.

Many resources are available through FCA’s Online Bookstore or On-Campus Bookstore to meet your curricula needs. While the traditional subjects such as Algebra 1 and English 1 are mostly learned through textbooks, workbooks, or computer courses, it is important to understand that all learning does not only come from these methods. Many main courses and electives can be learned hands-on. Home education provides the freedom and flexibility for a student to take courses they would otherwise be unable to take in a traditional school setting. Parents may create their own subjects by writing a course description and include what is required to gain mastery and award credit. (i.e. a student volunteering at a vet office or on a farm for 180 hours may be awarded a credit in Animal Science). This also allows the opportunity for your student to begin developing skills in the area they may wish to pursue as a career. One hundred eighty (180) academic hours are normally sufficient to earn one high school credit.

Members of FCA are encouraged to use the curriculum, books and resources they feel are best suited for their children. We do not limit our members to a specific curriculum.

FCA offers both local and online bookstores (visit website for a location near you). We provide wonderful resources that home education families have found to be of great value. Members receive a 10% curriculum discount and are not required to pay taxes on educational materials offered
through the local and online bookstores.

Members are required to submit the Curriculum List, Form E within 30 days of enrollment. The curriculum list asks for the specific names of books, publisher name
and grade level that you will be using for your current school year.

Family Christian Academy rarely needs to take disciplinary action against a family or student.
However, FCA reserves the right to expel or suspend a student that is not in compliance with the policies and procedures agreed to at
time of enrollment.

This policy is in effect for students while on or off campus. FCA will not support the enrollment of a family or student that does not adhere to
Christian conduct as a lifestyle. The actions of a student off campus acting in an inappropriate manner reflect poorly on the student body
and school as a whole. FCA desires to serve parents that are serious in their commitment to home educate their child. Parents not taking this responsibility seriously must know and understand that their actions jeopardize the freedoms that many families today have fought so hard to maintain.

The following reasons for taking such action include, but are not limited to: violation of dress code, bad language, improper behavior, abuse of tobacco products or drugs, or any other action that would bring reproach to the Lord or the school.

Family Christian Academy students need to be mindful that they represent the values of their
school to the community at large. While attending FCA field trips, on-campus classes and tutoring, students are required to wear the school uniform. While attending functions such as testing, graduation, or other events, students will not be allowed to wear offensive shirts with demonic text or pictures, gang-related colors
or paraphernalia. Students must dress modestly and appropriately. Girls are allowed to wear
only one pair of earrings on their ears, no tank tops or shorts. Boys are not permitted to wear
earrings, no sagging pants, chains or showing of undergarments. Body piercing or gothic appearance is not allowed. Students violating this
dress code will be asked to comply and/or leave the school event. Lack of coo

Driver’s License forms must be requested in writing, use the Document Request Form.

Student’s birth certificate must be on file with the FCA records office.

Student must have been enrolled with FCA at least 30 days, and their file must be current.

Allow 5-7 days for processing.

Cut-off date for this form is June 1st or upon enrollment for the new school year. Driver’s License form remains valid for 30 days from date of issue. At the end of 30 days the form expires and you will need to request a new form.

FCA recommends that you make plans to use the form within the first week of it being issued. In the event a student doesn’t pass their driving test, they are usually required to wait 1-2 weeks before being allowed to retake the test. Waiting too long to use the first form, may
cause you may have to request a second form for a second visit. Subsequent requests are $10 each.

Home-educated students may dual enroll in Family Christian Academy’s On-Campus Classes, or enroll with a homeschool coop or learning center to take classes as a part-time student.

Many community and 4-year colleges are accepting home-educated middle school and high
school students for individual coursework or for early entry into college. This allows students to earn both high school credit and college credits at the same time.

If this sounds like a viable option for your student we recommend that your student prepare and sign up
to take the college entrance ACT exam (generally taken between 10th-12th grades). Some home-educated students are able to take 11th and 12th grade course work while in college and earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Depending on the college, students may or may not receive college credit for the course(s) taken. This is an important
consideration if parents want their high-school age students to receive college credit. Check
with the college.

When a student takes a college course, the parents will enter the course on the student’s Attendance & Progress report or Forms K-N and assign 1 high school credit for a 3 credit college course and 1 high school credit for a 5 or 6 credit college course.

A complete transcript from the college must be submitted with the Attendance & Progress Report,
Form K-N.

Credits are assigned for students taking high school courses, not K-8th grade level work.

Credits may be assigned to students who are not in high school but are taking high-school-level coursework. It is recommended, however, that the student be enrolled in high school if the majority of coursework is high-school-level.

FCA uses the information provided by the parents to prepare a credible transcript representing the student’s academic work. Therefore, the information provided by the parent must be accurate.

When assigning credits, it is important to list actual subjects. An example would be Algebra 1 rather than Math; Biology rather than Science; World History rather than History or Social Studies. Also, do not give credits for courses such as spelling or grammar as these are included in each year of English.

The courses that you assign credits for on the Attendance & Progress report will become a part of your student’s high school transcript. Some activities during high school do not belong on a transcript but are more appropriately placed in a student’s portfolio or resume. Transcripts are for academic coursework.

Students are able to earn a maximum of 10 credits annually: seven (7) during the school year and three (3) during the summer.

Students taking a college-level course by Advanced Placement or dual enrollment earn one (1) high school credit for a 3 credit college course and one (1) high school credit for a 5 or 6 credit college course. FCA must receive a copy of the student’s final report from the college level class being taken.

Twenty-three (23) credits are required to graduate. High school normally lasts 4 years which averages out to approximately 5 courses per year, although high school may be finished in as little as 3 years. See early graduation policy.

Many resources are available through FCA’s bookstore to meet your curricula needs. While the traditional subjects such as Algebra 1 and English 1 are mostly learned through textbooks, workbooks, or computer courses, it is important to understand that all learning does not only come from these methods. Many main courses and electives can be learned hands-on. Home education provides the freedom and flexibility for a student to take courses they would otherwise be unable to take in a traditional school setting. Parents may create their own subjects by writing a course description and include what is required to gain mastery and award credit. (i.e. a student volunteering at a vet office or on a farm for 180 hours may be awarded a credit in Animal Science). This also allows the opportunity for your student to begin developing skills in the area they may wish to pursue as a career. One hundred eighty (180) academic hours are normally sufficient to earn one high school credit.

Members of FCA are encouraged to use the curriculum, books and resources they feel are best suited for their children. We do not limit our members to a specific curriculum. We provide wonderful resources that home education families have found to be of great value. Members receive are not required to pay taxes on educational materials offered through our bookstore. Members are required to submit the Curriculum List, Form E within 30 days of enrollment. The curriculum list asks for the specific names of books, publisher name, and grade level that you will be using for your current school year.

Family Christian Academy rarely needs to take disciplinary action against a family or student.

However, FCA reserves the right to expel or suspend a student that is not in compliance with the policies and procedures agreed to at time of enrollment.

Family Christian Academy students need to be mindful that they represent the values of their school to the community at large. While attending FCA fieldtrips, on-campus classes and tutoring, students are required to wear the school uniform. While attending functions such as testing, graduation, or other events, students will not be allowed to wear offensive shirts with demonic text or pictures, gang-related colors or paraphernalia. Students must dress modestly and appropriately. Girls are allowed to wear only one pair of earrings on their ears, no tank tops or shorts. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings, no sagging pants, chains or showing of undergarments. Body piercing or gothic appearance is not allowed. Students violating this dress code will be asked to comply and/or leave the school event. Lack of cooperation constitutes immediate expulsion.

Driver’s License forms must be requested in writing, use the Document Request Form.

Student’s birth certificate must be on file with the FCA records office.

Student must have been enrolled with FCA at least 30 days, and their file must be current.

Allow 5-7 days for processing.

Cut-off date for this form is June 1st or upon enrollment for the new school year.

Driver’s License form remains valid for 30 days from date of issue. At the end of 30 days the form expires and you will need to request a new form.

FCA recommends that you make plans to use the form within the first week of it being issued. In the event a student doesn’t pass their driving test, they are usually required to wait 1-2 weeks before being allowed to retake the test. Waiting too long to use the first form, may cause you may have to request a second form for a second visit. Subsequent requests are $10 each.

Home-educated students may dual enroll in Family Christian Academy’s On-Campus Classes, or enroll with a homeschool coop or learning center to take classes as a part-time student.

Many community and 4-year colleges are accepting home-educated middle school and high school students for individual coursework or for early entry into college. This allows students to earn both high school credit and college credits at the same time. If this sounds like a viable option for your student we recommend that your student prepare and sign up to take the college entrance ACT exam (generally taken between 10th-12th grades). Some home-educated students are able to take 11th and 12th grade course work while in college and earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Depending on the college, students may or may not receive college credit for the course(s) taken. This is an important consideration if parents want their high-school age students to receive college credit. Check with the college. When a student takes a college course, the parents will enter the course on the student’s Attendance & Progress report and assign 1 high school credit for a 3-credit college course and 1 high school credit for a 5 or 6 credit college course. A complete transcript from the college must be submitted with the Attendance & Progress Report.

Enrollment in FCA is open to all Christian households committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and who are in agreement with our Statement of Faith (page 4) as well as School Policies (pages 62-66).

FCA offers enrollment to home-educating families throughout the world. Homeschooling laws vary from state to state and abroad. Although FCA’s academic and attendance requirements meet or exceed those of most states and countries, it is the responsibility of parents wishing to enroll their students in FCA to become informed regarding the laws of the land in which they reside. FCA is on record as supporting the rights of parents to home educate using the
program they choose is best for their family.

FCA’s program is open year-round, with enrollment beginning on July 1st and ending on June 30th.
Enrollment into FCA begins the day we receive the student’s application and it expires on June 30th.

Families must re-enroll their student(s) each year. Failure to enroll will terminate your child’s legal participation in Family Christian Academy and may subject the family to truancy violations.

It is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to accurately report to FCA any difficulties the student has encountered with authorities in his/her previous school. (i.e. suspensions, expulsions, disciplinary actions, etc.) Failure to disclose this information to FCA may result in immediate nullification of enrollment and loss of fees paid.

FCA will not allow immediate enrollment to any family currently undergoing legal scrutiny. However, the application will not be turned down, but will be held until the legal scrutiny is resolved.

FCA does not accept the enrollment of students who have been: suspended, expelled, arrested, held for questioning, substance abuse users, pregnant, fathered or mothered a child,
smokes, involved in a cult or gang, or married. However, FCA believes in supporting a parent’s decision to choose the method of education they feel is best for their student.

For this reason, FCA refers ineligible applications to Hope & Heritage Academy, an affiliate school that is able to assist you with the same services available to FCA members. Members of Hope & Heritage Academy are offered a program that offers a higher level of accountability, including mandatory testing, and on-campus accountability meetings with a guidance counselor.

The Hope and Heritage enrollment fee schedule is higher than the FCA enrollment as it offers a higher level of service. Also, Hope and Heritage students are required to purchase and complete the Bible study, God’s Plan for Man. Upon successful completion of this course, students may earn 1 Bible credit. To enroll, complete Forms A-E. (see Hope & Heritage fee schedule under Home Education on Form A).

FCA offers a variety of services and programs to it members. Become familiar with the information contained in this catalog.

After selecting the program that best suits your family, complete and sign all appropriate enrollment forms and submit to FCA with the proper fees.

It is important that all materials and fees belonging to the previous school be resolved as this will delay records transfer until all outstanding obligations have been met.

FCA will request records from your child’s previous school on the day we receive your enrollment unless otherwise noted on your paperwork.

If a student is transferring from another school, the previous school should have all the information FCA is requesting. If the previous school does not transfer these items, we require that the parents furnish this information. The documents needed include: birth certificate, school medical entry exam form, and immunization form or letter explaining religious exemption from immunization.

FCA assumes that all information submitted is true and accurate and the family is not under investigation by any legal authority. Application is conditional, pending receipt of the above, and that the information proves to be true and accurate. Falsifying information will cause
your student to be expelled and all fees paid will be forfeited!

Return your Curriculum List, Form E to FCA within 30 days of enrollment.
Return semi-annual FCA Attendance and Progress reports by following due dates:
First semester report due by January 15th. Second semester report due by July 15th. Please use Forms K-N.

FCA members must enroll every year and should enroll no later than the beginning of the 1st school day in their county of residence.

Students must be enrolled before beginning classes. FCA can only give attendance credit for registered students.

Returning students must have satisfied all obligations from the previous school year (particularly filing student Progress and Attendance Reports and paying un-
paid fees) in order to re-enroll.
Return your Curriculum List, Form E to FCA within 30 days of enrollment.
Return semi-annual FCA Attendance and Progress reports by following due dates:
First semester report due by January 15th. Second semester report due by July 15th.

For home-educated students in grades K-8, please give the student a grade using a letter and/or percentage.

For grades 9-12, give all of the following: a percentage, letter grade, and the number of credits earned. For more information on assigning credits, see 6. Credits.

FCA’s grading scale is as follows:

A: 94-100
B: 87-93
C: 77-86
D: 70-76
F: 0-69

The teaching parent is responsible to make certain the student fulfills all requirements for graduation.

Upon satisfactory completion of any of FCA’s Programs, the student may attend FCA’s graduation ceremony and receive a diploma.

Family Christian Academy offers three different diplomas.
See our High School Requirements for more information.

11th & 12th Grade Students: to graduate early, student’s final transcript must show that the student has met the minimum college prep credit requirements and must have a 10th or 11th grade Stanford Achievement Test on file with a stanine score of 7 or higher or an ACT score of 24 or higher. Students not meeting these requirements will not be eligible to graduate earlier than the end of their 12th grade year.

FCA offers an unforgettable Graduation Ceremony. We invite you to be a part of this celebration for the whole family. The ceremony is usually held the first or second week in June. See Graduation for more details.

First year high school enrollees should consult with an FCA guidance counselor by phone or on campus appointment to determine an academic plan for student to graduate. Consultations are $50.

Complete Diploma Request on Form Q. FCA will evaluate your student’s file to make sure graduation requirements have been met. If we must return your Diploma Request Form Q for any reason, a $20.00 reevaluation fee will be charged.

In order to issue your student’s diploma, student’s file must contain the following:

1. All required courses and credits.
See credit requirements.

2. All required documentation such as birth certificate, immunization records or exemption, all Attendance & Progress Reports, Forms K-N, Curriculum Lists, Form E, achievement test taken, including any ACT & SAT’s for college and Diploma Request.

The Attendance and Progress report is required to be submitted by July 15th, however, seniors need to submit the form by May 15th or the last day of their school year to give FCA time to evaluate the final transcript.

Allow 2-3 weeks for processing Diploma Request.

Diplomas are issued December 15th and July 30th. All are printed in bulk; therefore, requests for diplomas at other times will incur a cost of $20.00.

If the student will be applying to a private university or college, a current catalog should be obtained for its admissions requirements. Universities and colleges differ widely on their admittance requirements.

Most colleges require that a student take an ACT or SAT college entrance exam and provide a copy of the results and the student’s current transcript. If you want FCA to send a copy of your student’s final transcript to a college or university, please communicate this in writing by completing the Document Request Form.