A. TUITION

Money paid into the school will not be refunded or returned other than the exception as set forth in Section III, Tuition Refund on Annual Payment. All tuition fees are due monthly in arrears. Students’ accounts are DUE AND PAYABLE by the 10th day of each month. Students will not be allowed to attend school if their account is more than thirty (30) days past due. Transcripts and other school records will not be released until all accounts are paid in full. The Board of Education reserves the right to adjust tuition.

Tuition — 1st child — $180.00/month
Tuition — 2nd & 3rd child — $160.00/month
Tuition — 4th child and remaining children — $140.00/month

10% Discount on annual tuition if paid in full by August 15th.

B. PACE FEE

PACE fees vary per subject and level. All students will be charged the school purchase price plus fifty cents.

(Prices of all the above are subject to change)

C. INCIDENTAL FEES

• Registration Fee of $25 (payable at the time of registration and non-refundable)
• Re-enrollment Registration Fee of $15 (non-refundable)
• Lost books/PACEs, repeat PACEs (charged at regular PACE fee or cost of book)
• Uniforms—for school, for physical education, and for those joining special sports teams.
• Any student intentionally damaging or abusing school property will be billed for damages.
• Art Supplies: $40 annually or $10 quarterly (Levels K-8)
• Applicable Sports Fees
• Junior, Regional, and/or International Conventions
• Late Pick-Up Fee: $25 for every 15 minutes after 4:15 p.m.

D. EARNED TUITION CREDIT

Families, who have students enrolled in Grace Christian Academy, may earn tuition credit based on referral of new families who also enroll their child(ren) in Grace Christian Academy. In order for a family to receive tuition credit the family that they refer must enroll at least one student and that student must be enrolled for a minimum of one semester. Tuition credit of one month will be given the month following the new families’ 18th week in the school year. If the new student enrolls during the second semester, the tuition credit will be given the following school year. If the referral is done by a family having their only student graduating and not having a tuition payment due at the end of the 18th week, the school will refund the referring family one month tuition. The amount of tuition credit or refund will be the highest tuition fee for the referring family excluding fees.

The Annual Hog Roast & Auction fundraising event is scheduled for the 2nd Saturday in March. If the parents/students do not participate in the Hog Roast, a fee of $100/family will be charged to that family. This event is the financial backbone for our school and what ensures lower tuition. It is imperative and expected that each family participates.

Various fundraising opportunities may arise throughout the school year. These opportunities directly benefit student activities. All students are expected to participate.

ADMISSIONS POLICIES

Proof of immunization or a properly filled wavier form is required before the student may attend classes. Our school abides by state law dealing with exemptions from immunization; and such students will be allowed to attend our school.

ALL NEW STUDENTS ARE ADMITTED ON PROBATION FOR THE FIRST SIX WEEKS!

A. KINDERGARTEN
A child must have attained age 5 by August 1st of that year and be fully toilet trained, in order to enroll in kindergarten. A pre-test will be given to assure the child is ready for A.C.E.’s Ready to Read program, kindergarten by traditional education terminology.

B. ELEMENTARY THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL (GRADES 1-12)

Each new student transferring to our school from a public school or another private school (with the exception of another A.C.E. school) will be tested to determine if there are gaps in his learning. If gaps are discovered, the incoming student must take the PACEs to close the gaps (and pass them with a minimum grade of 80%) before going on to his prescribed course of study.

C. DISCRIMINATION POLICY

GCA shall not discriminate against applicants, students, and others on the basis of race, color, or national/ethnic origin. We reserve the right to refuse admittance based on sexual orientation, sexual identification (God clearly designed humans male and female only), or religious preference.

D. SELECTION OF STUDENTS

The priority of student selection is as follows: Returning students will be given priority over new applicants. New applicants transferring from Christian schools will be given priority over transferring applicants from public schools. We will not accept married or divorced students, or students who are over 21 by the time of graduation.

E. ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE

The Admissions Committee consists of the Administrator of the school, the Principal, and/or members of the School Board. This committee will conduct interviews, review applications and make the determination as to which students are admitted to the school. In the absence of a Principal, the Senior Administrator will make the final determination.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES

• Parents and/or legal guardians should visit the school.
• Submit a Student Application form with the $25 non-refundable registration fee for each child.
• Read the GCA Student Handbook thoroughly and sign the appropriate forms in the application packet, including the following:

Athletic Liability Release Form

COVID-19 Policy

Character Reference Form

Financial Agreement

Handbook Agreement

Immunization Records*

Medical Release

Release of School Records

Sports Examination*

Sports Medical Examination*

Student Application

Student Standard of Conduct

Uniform Agreement Form

         * = Waiver Available

• A Parent Interview involving both parents/guardians and the pupil will be scheduled.
• Both parents/guardians are required to watch the Presenting Accelerated Christian Education DVD (or request the link for online watching) prior to the Parent Interview.
• Parents will be notified of acceptance or rejection via USPS mail.
• Upon acceptance, the Diagnostic Tests will be scheduled and administered for each child.
• Submit a Medical History form and social security number or proper waiver.
• Parent Orientation is REQUIRED for both parents/guardians.
• NO PARENT ORIENTATION – NO CHILD ADMISSION – NO EXCEPTIONS!

For more details on Re-Enrollment and/or Withdrawal, see Student Handbook, p. 4 or Admissions Policy & Procedures document.

If a student is to be punished for an infraction of the rules, he should have notice of what is expected. Our Standard of Conduct addresses the following areas:

A. COURTESY

Christians are supposed to treat everyone with the proper respect, and are to show proper deference to those in authority. Such conduct as talking back, sarcasm addressed to those in authority, complaining, gossiping, etc. will not be allowed. Swearing will not be tolerated. When a child’s attitude is not in accord with school policies or principles, the child will be placed on probation and parents/guardians will be called for a conference. If the administration feels the situation has not changed within two weeks, parents will be asked to withdraw the child.

B. CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR

• Cheating, stealing, borrowing without permission and vandalism will not be tolerated.
• Our language should be pleasing to God.
• Students should refrain not only from cursing and using the Lord’s name in vain, but also from vulgar and slang expressions which are offensive (there are MANY in our current culture).

C. PHYSICAL CONTACT

Students are not to intentionally engage in physical contact with other students except when appropriate as determined by the school. Pushing, shoving, hitting, kicking, scratching, etc., are not acceptable conduct. Physical contact between members of the opposite sex is strictly prohibited.

D. WORDLY PURSUITS

GCA strives to impress upon the student Godly living in every area of life. In addition to the list of “Articles prohibited at school” on page 7, the following behaviors are not allowed: Drug abuse of any kind, reading and/or watching pornography, homosexuality, or any sexual activity outside of marriage between a man and a woman. Worldly attitudes such as envy or greed are to be avoided.

Students are expected to act in an orderly and respectful manner, maintaining Biblical Standards of social courtesy, moral behavior, acceptable language, and honesty. Students must agree to strive toward unquestionable character in dress, conduct, and attitude.

E. OFF-CAMPUS

The conduct that is prohibited at school is equally inappropriate away from school. The Christian life is not a game, with one set of rules for church and school, and another one for everyday life. Regardless of whether the activity takes place at, or away from school, the student is equally subject to discipline for those actions, up to and including expulsion. A statement must be signed by the parent acknowledging that they have read, understand, and agree that their child must abide by the Standard of Conduct, and they will not sue, or threaten to sue, the school for enforcement of the Standards of Conduct.

DISCIPLINARY POLICIES

GCA is not a corrective institution: consequently, we ask that a child not be enrolled with the idea that we will reform him/her. We are here to work with the home, but not to take the place of parents who have experienced difficulty in fulfilling their roles. GCA maintains a discipline which is firm, consistent, fair, and tempered with love. Our staff maintains standards of behavior in the learning center through kindness, love and a genuine regard for the student. However, when disciplinary action becomes necessary, it is firmly carried out, tempered by good judgment and understanding. Not all offenses warrant the same discipline. Therefore, we do have a system of demerits to guide in these areas.

Details of Demerits and Detention can be found in the Student Handbook, p. 9-10

A. MERITS
“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3

The use of positive incentives is helpful in motivating students. One positive incentive is the use of Merit Certificates to reinforce and reward positive behavior. See the list below for the accomplishments that will earn merits. The Supervisor may also give discretionary merits for effort “above and beyond the call of duty.” Merits are given to encourage the students to develop Godly character and to continue to seek ways of displaying Godly character in all areas of life. A.C.E. has adopted the philosophy of rewarding the students immediately for Godly character displayed. Instead of focusing on rewarding our students with “money” merits (worldly viewpoint), we made a shift to emphasize and focus on the Godly character traits they display. Students will receive Merit Certificates and a small gift or word of affirmation to: 1) remind them of the Biblical philosophy to build Godly character; 2) recognize Godly character; 3) reward Godly character; and, 4) reflect Christ’s character.

A detailed list of merit accomplishments and privileges can be found in the Student Handbook, p. 12-14

ATHLETICS

GCA participates in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), and archery will be part of our P.E. program. Students are required to participate in archery activities held at GCA during P.E. time. Participation on the GCA Archery Team (which includes after school practices and travel to Regional and State Tournaments) is a privilege available to students if they so choose.

FIELD TRIPS

The school strives for at least one field trip per year. Each student must submit a liability release and permission form that has been signed by his/her parents before being allowed to go on any field trip. The same is true for any scheduled school event.

 SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS

School pictures are taken once a year, usually within the first two months of school. The Principal will send a note home with the student indicating the particular uniform that is to be worn for picture day. The parent must pay the photographer (not the school) for any pictures desired. This is not included in the fees paid by the parent at the beginning of the school year.

BAND

Your child will be allowed to take Band provided they have their own instrument and are in Grade 5 or above. There is a beginning band and an advanced band. The Band teacher reserves the right to place the student wherever she feels the student can make the most progress. She also reserves the right to postpone band for your child if she feels that he/she is not ready for it yet.

MUSIC

A music course is offered in High School as an Elective. It is a 6 PACE subject and one may receive l/2 credit for successfully completing this course.

GRADUATION & AWARDS NIGHT

Graduation announcements, caps, and gowns for Kindergarten, 8th Grade, and Seniors may be purchased separately by the parents. Or, if you choose not to purchase these items to keep, a rental fee will be charged. This fee is according to the number of students graduating and the current price being charged for the caps, gowns, and tassels. All families are required to attend the Annual Awards Night.

BASIC SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Kindergarten & ABCs with Ace & Christi Reading Program

• Primary Manuscript Tablet (this tablet has a solid line with dotted lines above and below to help children to learn to make letters properly).
• Mat or rug for rest time
• Jumbo crayons (basic eight (8) colors)
• Set of eight (8) markers (water-based, broad tip, basic colors)
• Construction paper (large 9”x12” package)
• School box for supplies
• Two photographs of your child (wallet size)
• Glue Stick
• Scissors (blunt tip)
• Jumbo Pencil
• Eraser (the white Hi-Polymer Pentel eraser works best)
• Two (2) boxes Kleenex tissues (per quarter)
• Disinfectant Wipes (2 containers per quarter)

Levels 1-6

• Bible (King James Version) all PACE work requires KJV
• Two (2) spiral bound notebooks for spelling words, reports, compositions, and study sheets
• Coloring or Activity Book (for free time)
• Two (2) pencils (mechanical pencils permitted) are required at all times
• Blue ink ballpoint pen for setting goals
• Crayons and/or erasable colored pencils
• Scissors (blunt tip)
• Glue Stick
• Ruler (12”)
• Eraser (the white Hi-Polymer Pentel eraser works best)
• Pencil box for supplies
• Two (2) boxes Kleenex tissues (per quarter)
• Disinfectant Wipes (2 containers per quarter)
• 3” x 5” file box and cards for research notes

Levels 7 – 12

• Bible (King James Version) all PACE work requires KJV
• Two (2) spiral bound notebooks for spelling words, reports, compositions, and study sheets
• Two (2) pencils (mechanical pencils permitted) are required at all times.
• Blue ink ballpoint pen for setting goals
• Colored pencils
• Scissors (blunt tip)
• Glue
• Ruler (12”)
• Eraser (the white Hi-Polymer Pentel eraser works best).
• Pencil box for supplies
• Two (2) boxes Kleenex tissues (per quarter)
• Disinfectant Wipes (2 containers per quarter)
• 3” x 5” file box and cards for research notes
• Protractor and compass
• Calculators only with permission (Texas Instruments TI-30X II B)

There are no hot meals available except on special occasions. A microwave oven is available for student use. Students are allowed to eat only in the assigned area. Cleanup responsibilities are divided among the students and all students are required to assist with weekly chores.

Through our A.C.E. curriculum, students utilize the Readmaster Plus software suite for computerized lessons to increase a student’s proficiency in reading and comprehension, typing, spelling and basic arithmetic. Learn more about Readmaster®, Typemaster®, Math Builder® and Word Builder® online courses here.

We also offer Videophonics for younger students. High School students may choose a Computer Literacy Course as an Elective.

Three computer stations are located in the Learning Cener available for all students. Students will not need to bring their own equipment.