What are the school hours?
The school hours are 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m with drop off as early as 8:10 a.m.
How many students will be enrolled?
We anticipate having no greater than a 12:1 teacher student ratio. As we enroll more students, we will contract with more teachers. However, our goal is to create a high-quality education and at no point will we compromise quality of experience with enrollment goals.
What does “parental involvement” entail?
There will be many opportunities for parents to participate in their child’s education and the school. Parents should expect approximately 2-3 hours of involvement per month unless they would like to be more involved. Parental involvement also extends to your homes. We encourage parents to pray with their children, ask questions about lessons, and even provide additional outlets for exploration on topics of interest. Parents and families are the backbone of our community. We also understand that some parents have multiple jobs, other children, and other responsibilities. We will all work together collaboratively to address parental time constraints.
What does "Montessori inspired" mean?
While HCCA is not a traditional Montessori school, it incorporates the best aspects of Montessori learning into a Christian curriculum. For example, students will receive lessons in traditional topics that will include hands-on applications and learning opportunities. Additionally, they will have daily "work cycles" during which children practice independent work and have the freedom to move about the classroom to do their work in the order they want, in the locations they choose, and at their own pace, with a focus on challenging works. Work cycles are under the supervision of, and assisted by, the teachers with clear parameters and accountability. Children should not be confined to desks all day long. Movement and multi-channel learning is more conducive to cultivating a love of learning.
Will my children learn math, reading, or other traditional subjects?
Yes, but with a much deeper understanding. We will have teacher-led lessons covering a number of topics in traditional subjects, including math, history, science, and language arts. We will also expose the children to hands-on learning, experiments, and other practical applications that will allow for better and more meaningful learning. Also, they will have the opportunity to explore other areas of interest that arise out the daily lessons. Check out our blog for examples of some experiments and projects.
Will my children fall behind in subject X?
No. The beauty of Montessori-style is that it paces learning through daily lessons but it lets gifted children excel at their own pace and it lets children who move more deliberately to take the time they need to master each topic. It is rare that children in Montessori-style schools do not exceed the pace of public school programs. More often than not, children accelerate at different rates in different subjects based on their natural inclinations - for example, excelling in math and literature but maintaining the average pace in art and science. Montessori-style led instruction produces extremely well prepared and culturally rich children.
Does HCCA admit students with disabilities?
We consider admissions for students with disabilities on a case-by-case basis and with an open and loving heart. We care for all children irrespective of disabilities and desire to support and welcome all children whenever possible. However, given our size and unique learning model, we are unable to accommodate students with significant cognitive disabilities or neurodevelopmental disorders (including children on the autism spectrum, or with severe dyslexia or dyscalculia), or disabilities that inhibit a child's ability to meaningfully engage in independent study (including students with ADD and ADHD).
Do you take field trips?
We love taking field trips! We aim for one per month. For example, in the first half of the 2022-23 school year, we visited Mepkin Abbey, Medieval Times, and the West Farm Corn Maze. Check out our blog for field trips and other outdoor adventures at HCCA!
Yes. HCCA uses Land’s End for uniforms.
Will the children have uniforms?
Yes. Being outdoors is important to us and many families with children at HCCA, so we made sure that our property had ample spaces for outdoor play and activities. For example, the school's larger playground with playground equipment is one building away in the same complex. We also have fenced outdoor space behind the school and to the side of the school with brand new playground equipment, in addition to green space to the side of the school. A short walk away are the large fields at the entrance of Dunes West. Check our blog post about our outdoor time.
Does the school have a playground?
No.
Do children or staff wear masks? Have children or staff ever been required to wear masks? Will they ever?