CHURCH SCHOOL SERVICES

Covenant Academy is a ministry of Covenant Family Fellowship a non‑denominational, Bible‑teaching, congregation Christ's church.  Parents need not accept our beliefs to enroll here but must agree to follow our rules and code of conduct.  

Enrollment is open to all families who wish to provide a quality education at home; regardless of race, creed, color, or nationality. Single parents and families, in which both parents work, may be accepted if they show adequate provision for supervision of the student.

Parents of Covenant Academy students are considered teachers without pay engaged only in the home schooling of their own children. Parents may employ other teachers at no cost to the school, provided the teacher is listed with us. In such cases, the teacher is not to be considered a staff member of Covenant Academy and has no affiliation with us other than as the teacher of those particular students. All official school business must still be handled through the school administrator or office manager. Teaching may take place in any location of parent's choice.

In dealings with school officials or other legal authorities in Alabama, children enrolled here should always be referred to as "church school students"; not "homeschoolers" as the two come under totally different sets of laws here.  However, it is usually advisable to tell colleges and/or military recruiters that you homeschool while mentioning our name as your cover school.  Families in other states should follow the guidelines for their state.

Tuition is $150 per family for each school year.  Payment in full must accompany application, unless other arrangements are made.  If you decide to enroll any additional students after your initial enrollment has been processed, there will be a $30 enrollment fee to process all student forms.  Failure to pay in a timely manner will result in dismissal of student.  Tuition is not pro-rated, and no refunds are given for withdrawal after the first day of the public school year in the student's home district.  

We provide report cards, transcripts, and other forms for each child which parents may fill out as they wish.  Parents must send to the school office any letter grades (may be pass/fail prior to 9th grade) or a written progress report for each subject by June 5th (September 5th for summer school credits.)  For new homeschoolers or those deemed "at risk", lesson plans and the students work must be open for review throughout the year upon request by the administrator.

All parents must complete Church School Enrollment Forms for all students aged 7 to 17 in their each year of enrollment or any time there is a change in any of the information on it. The school will mail to school superintendents in each county all forms received.  Students planning to apply for driver's licenses or work permits must have a copy of the current year's Church School Enrollment Form signed and sealed by the office staff for that purpose, as should older students transferring from another school to prevent driver license problems. Other forms may be needed for this purpose in other states.

All families enrolling who live within 50 miles of Covenant Academy Campus are required to attend an orientation meeting at the start of their first four school years with us (dates and locations TBA). After the four year requirement it is the parents responsibility to notify the office of any personal changes during the current school year or to inquire of any changes made by the school.  Periodic orientations or private telephone interviews will be held for mid-year enrollments or those too far away to attend a regular orientation.  Unexcused absence from orientation will result in dismissal and the school board in your area will be notified.

Enrollments paid by check are not valid until the check clears the bank. Post-dated checks do not constitute payment until the date on the check. There will be a $35 service charge for all returned checks.  Failure to clear these in a timely manner will result in dismissal of student and/or legal action.  No records will be sent to other schools until check is cleared.

School personnel will review all applications, and parents will receive notice of decision after application is received. When possible, notice will be given at time of submission of application. Students must have a withdrawal form from prior school before enrollment to avoid dual enrollment legal issues.

Students should have official class days at least 160 days per year, (or the number required by their state, if more) counting field trips, tests, or other educational activities. These “class sessions” may be held any day of the week and any month of the year, and need not consist of “school” type activities or scheduling, as long as learning is taking place.   

Parents must report days of attendance for each student quarterly with all reports due within 10 days of the end of the reporting period.  Parents should submit forms for all periods enrolled; even if no classes are taught.  Failure to file these forms in a timely manner could result in dismissal from the school. 

*Quarterly due dates for attendance are December 5^th, March 5^th, June 5^th, and September 5^th.*

For their own protection, parents should notify administrators ASAP of any contact from authorities, legal proceedings involving home education, or any other circumstances that may make the family “at-risk” legally. This includes, but may not be limited to, lawsuits, custody hearings, and applications for public assistance. Failure to do so may result in dismissal and could cause legal problems for the family. 

We will answer questions and provide records, depositions, or other information for legal officials and will testify in court if needed, but we neither offer nor pay for legal representation. Parents desiring this should apply to a group designed for that purpose. NEITHER COVENANT ACADEMY NOR ANYONE CONNECTED WITH IT IS RESPONSIBLE, LEGALLY OR OTHERWISE, FOR THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION RECEIVED BY OUR STUDENTS.

Parents may use any teaching material to suit their child's needs. At-risk families may be required to have their choices reviewed by administrator if she deems it necessary.  Those with non-traditional approaches (i.e., unschooling) may present a written explanation of their plans, goals and philosophy of education in lieu of listing curriculum or providing lesson plans. Courses usually should include some exposure to the Bible, reading, language arts and math as deemed appropriate for that child, with other subjects added at parents' discretion.

Students enrolling after Sept. 1 must show evidence of withdrawal from previous school, as we will request transfer of records within 5 days of enrollment. It is advisable that parents request a copy of such records to be kept in a safe place at the home as well as any other forms or records that the parent submits to the school.

Children leaving this school must be officially withdrawn before enrolling elsewhere. If student enrolls in a new school, no records will be sent from Covenant Academy until we have a withdrawal form and updated transcript from parent on file. Failure to turn in either of these forms will result in a $30.00 transfer fee BEFORE any records will be sent.

Diplomas will be issued upon completion of approved high school curriculum (as defined by the Administrator of the school).  Parents will pay the actual cost for diplomas, caps and gowns, invitations, and other optional items connected with graduation. Students who have completed studies toward a high school diploma, at home under another cover school or private tutor, before enrolling with us, may receive credit for work completed. The student must be enrolled with Covenant Academy for at least three months immediately prior to graduation and take one or more courses with us to complete the selected diploma graduation requirements. Testing done by us is also at an additional fee.

SAT and ACT Testing is optional and is NOT Mandatory. Students wanting to attend college will be required to take the ACT Test before any transcripts will be sent. Information about these programs is available at the school.

Activities are not required. Activities are available in areas with homeschool support groups include field trips, classes, and other activities as planned and organized by members of the group.  Any parent having ideas for such activities should clear them with the local group before plans are set or activity is advertised. Most activities are open to our members only, but some may include other home educators by special invitation. These must be cleared in advance with the administrator.

Covenant Family Fellowship, as sponsor of this school, reserves the right to veto any activity or behavior that violates our religious beliefs.  This includes ALL Halloween-related activities as a school group.  Parents may, of course, observe it as they see fit within their own families.

Good behavior, respectful attitudes and modest dress will be required at all school functions. There is to be no obscene or vulgar language, poking fun at others or public displays of affection (beyond a platonic hug).  Only one warning will be given about such problems. On the second offense, the student may be banned from further activities. In addition, activities or lifestyles deemed harmful to the witness or reputation of Covenant Academy may result in dismissal.  

Non Covenant Academy members may participate in school activities with possible additional fees.

Parents with complaints about the school should discuss them with the school administrators, and not indulge in the sin of gossip.