MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Over the course of time, parents and guardians have asked many questions relative to the policies, procedures and operation of Progressive Christian Academy. We thought it would be beneficial to compile frequently asked questions and provide them to perspective parents. As you being to read this booklet, perhaps it will answer you questions.

Is Progressive Christian Academy accredited?
The Academy is fully accredited by the National Accreditation Agency. This status indicates that we have met or exceeded this third party team’s rigorous examination which revealed that our curricula are challenging, follow state and national guidelines, and that we are legitimately operated.

Is Progressive Christian Academy certified by the State of Maryland?
PCA is a registered school with the Maryland State Board of Education. As a Religious “church exempt school”, we do meet all of the requirements mandated by the State of Maryland to operate as such, with the separation of church and state, out status affords us the right to present a Christian-based curriculum recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education. Within the next six to twelve months, we will obtain our State Approved status.

What are the qualifications of your teachers?
First and foremost, we believe each teacher hired is anointed and called by God to teach. In addition to an anointing, all of our teachers are degreed and have extensive experience in their particular field of expertise. Continuing education is supported at PCA and our staff is required to attend certified training sessions with the founders and developers of A Beka Book Curriculum in Pensacola, Florida.

What screening procedures and background checks are performed for teachers and staff before they are hired?
Reference and criminal background checks are required and conducted.

What standardized tests are administered at PCA?
We administer the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (K3-6), the Iowa Test of Educational Development (7-12), and Stanford Achievement Test (SAT 10). These nationally recognized tests assessed students using national norms and standards. One of these tests are given each spring are preceded by quarterly benchmarks.

Does your staff have training in the areas of first aid and CPR?
All PCA staff members attend a CPR training and certification session prior to the start of school.

Do you serve breakfast or lunch and if so, what types of meals do you serve?
Breakfast and lunch are available. Our meals are always planned and prepared in a manner that is both nutritious and filling for our students. The cost for breakfast and lunch is not included in the tuition.

Do you offer a foreign language program and if so, in what grades?
Yes, we offer Spanish. We begin with a survey of the language as early as K3. The level of instruction is increased based on age/grade appropriateness.

How much are your book fees?
Book fees are based upon grade and range from $60.00 to $300.00 per student.

If my child is transferring from a public school system, will it be difficult to adjust to the A Beka Book Curriculum?
This depends on the individual student. Some students do go through an adjustment period where there may be an initial decline in grades. On the other hand, some students continue to excel and are less affected by the increased challenge of the A Beka Book Curriculum. We caution parents to not become alarmed if there is an initial decline in grades.

Our teacher staff is equipped to work with parents and students to provide necessary guidance and counsel to bring the student to and appropriate level of achievement. The time it takes to reach this level is dependent upon the willingness and determination of each student to follow through on the teacher recommendations. Prior to placement, PCA will conduct an entrance exam to determine the student’s aptitude for the grade being entered.

Do you offer tutoring?
Yes, we offer tutoring in the form of classroom help during the day on a teacher recommended basis. Some teaches also offer tutoring after school.

Do the children go on fieldtrips?
Yes, individual teachers plan field trips as a part of their performance agreement. The location and type of trips are based upon the grade. Examples of trips include: Washington DC., Baltimore Children’s Museum, National Zoo, White House, Baltimore Aquarium, Frederick Douglass’ House, Blacks in Wax Museum and many others.

How can parents get involved in the school?
PCA is a private school (non-profit organization) we rely on our parents/guardians to help defray costs by volunteering in any service that is needed. All parents are required to participate in the Parent Association by volunteering 30-hours during the school year. There will be a $100.00 charge added to the final bill if these hours are not met. Most importantly, we ask our parents to pray with us as we partner with families to provide an environment where student can develop spiritually as well as academically.

What is the yearly tuition?
The tuition for the 2008-2009 school years for grades K3-6th is $6,400.00, and grades 7th-12th tuition is $6,750.00. These fees do not include the cost of lunch, field trips, extended care, transportation, uniform, textbooks or supplies, although, we do offer the convenience of paying tuition on a monthly basis, quarterly basis, semi-annual basis and a one time basis. The same yearly amount is due regardless of school closing due to inclement weather days, holidays, etc. We do not prorate out tuition.

What are the school hours?
School hours are 8:00am to 2:45pm K3-K5, 8:00am to 3:00pm 1st-6th, 8:00am to 3:20pm 7th-12th.

What if I have to go to work early and stay late and I am unable to meet the school hours?
We offer both AM and PM Extended Care Programs. AM Extended Care begins as early as 6:00 a.m. PM Extended Care begins at 3:00 p.m. and ends at 6:30 p.m. Children who are in need of this additional service must be enrolled in either or both of these programs. The rates are as follows:

What do children do in Extended Care?
Our Extended Care Program is structured beginning at 3:00 p.m. The children have study time, organized games, snacks, free play and a host of other exciting and educational activities.

Are Uniforms required? If so, what is the cost and where can they be purchased?
Uniforms are mandatory. Information regarding the cost and location to purchase the uniforms is available from out Registration Office.

What is the highest-grade level of PCA?
PCA accepts children from grades K3-12th

Is transportation available?
Yes, PCA offers students transportation.

Is prayer a part of your curriculum?
Yes, prayer, Bible study, and praise and worship are an essential part of our curriculum. Each class begins in prayer. In addition, prayer is incorporated into the daily lesson plan. Our teaching staff has a prayer time prior to beginning each day. We also encourage parents to consistently pray for PCA and their children.

Do progress reports precede report cards?
Yes, and aside from progress reports, our teaching staff will communicate with parents/guardians when the student is experiencing difficulty. We provide a written progress report at the mid-point of each quarter to cite any deficiencies. We encourage open communication between the teacher and parent/guardian regarding the progress of the student at all times.

Do we have to be or become members of Progressive Church?
No, we accept students from other churches and from all denominations. Although good standing members of Progressive Church receive a discount.