What is a Hybrid Homeschool Tutorial Program?
Our program is designed to supplement the homeschool family by offering a classroom setting and tutors who structure the pace of the class while the parent remains the teacher of their children. Students benefit from having a structured, school-like setting to learn in, and parents benefit from having the guidance and direction of provided lesson plans and classroom structure. While a traditional co-op requires a parent to teach or serve every day that their child attends, our hybrid program offers a drop-off option with a fixed number of mandatory "staff assistant" shifts. We are able to keep our tuition rates affordable by augmenting our hired staff members and tutors with active participation by parents.
What is a Homeschool Umbrella (or Oversight) Program?
An umbrella program is an organization recognized by the State of Maryland to provide oversight to home education. Being enrolled in and completing portfolio reviews by an umbrella program satisfies the Maryland state requirement for regular review of home education.
What is Hope Academy’s student immunization policy?
Hope Academy requires that all students receive the necessary vaccines and remain current on all immunizations for their age (in accordance with the Maryland Department of Health requirements for children enrolled in school or childcare programs). Visit the Maryland Department of Heath for the vaccine schedule for the current school year. The elders of Hope Bible Church and the leadership of the Hope Academy ministry have not identified a valid religious justification to accept religious exemptions to this policy. Medical exemptions must be certified by the student's physician and documented with a Maryland State DHMH Form 896.
Is Hope Academy only open to HBC members?
No. Hope Academy accepts enrollments for both HBC member families and like minded Christian families who attend other local churches.
Can we enroll in ONLY the Umbrella Program?
Currently only Hope Bible Church (HBC) member families are eligible to enroll their children in the Hope Academy Umbrella without also participating in the tutorial. All non-HBC member families must enroll one student in at least one tutorial class to be eligible for enrollment in the Hope Academy Umbrella.
What is the difference between core and elective classes?
Core classes are math, English, history, and science. Elective classes include art, music, physical education, drama, STEM, and other enrichment subjects.
Is chapel mandatory for all students?
All 1st-12th grade students who are enrolled in one or more tutorial classes are required to attend the weekly chapel service. Umbrella only families, PreK students, and Kindergarten students are not required to participate in chapel but are welcome to attend with a parent.
Do I have to enroll my child in the umbrella to be able to take tutorial classes?
No, a student may enroll in only the tutorial without enrolling in the HA Umbrella (in this case the student would need to either be enrolled in a different umbrella program or be reviewed by the county.)
Can my student take only elective classes?
Yes, elective classes are a-la-carte, and the core is not required to enroll in elective classes. Likewise, students are welcome to enroll in only core classes without taking elective classes. Note: All students are required to participate in Friday afternoon chapel whether they are enrolled in core or elective classes.
Does my elementary student have to take all of the core classes?
Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, all 1st-12th grade core classes will be a-la-carte.
What is the minimum age to enroll in PreK or Kindergarten?
Children who will turn age 5 by September 1st of the school year are eligible to enroll in Kindergarten. Children who will turn age 4 by September 1st of the school year and are toilet-trained by the first day of school are eligible to enroll in PreK 4 enrichment.
When is open enrollment?
Open enrollment for new families to join the Hope Academy Tutorial is from the end of February to June 1st of each year. Umbrella-only enrollment extends to July 1st. Space is limited, therefore we recommend that interested families apply as soon as possible after enrollment opens. Late enrollment is not permitted unless the family is a current member at Hope Bible Church.
What subjects are required to be taught if I use the Hope Academy Umbrella?
The Hope Academy Umbrella requires regular instruction in each of the following subjects be given to the student each year:
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies (History, Geography, etc.)
- English/Language Arts (Reading, Phonics, Penmanship, Literature, Grammar, Spelling, Writing, etc.)
- Bible
- Music OR Art
- Physical Education
- Health
Is curriculum included in the cost of the tutorial classes?
Yes, Hope Academy provides the parent/student with the textbooks*, weekly lesson plans, and applicable required teacher texts for each class in which the student is enrolled. These materials are loaned to the family and must be returned in proper condition at the end of the school year. Workbooks/worksheets, lab kits, single use digital subscriptions, and other consumable supplies are subject to an additional consumables fee.
* Some parent text manuals are optional and would need to be obtained by the parent if desired.
What days and times are tutorial classes?
- K-12th Grade Core Classes are held on Tuesday and Friday from 9 AM - 1:40 PM.
- Preschool 4 is held on Friday from 9 AM - 12 PM.
- Elective classes are offered Tuesday and Friday afternoons between 12:45 - 4:05 PM. Elective class schedules are determined by grade level and class offerings.
Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday.
Note: Exact class schedules for the current school year will be published on the Tutorial Program page.
Do you offer Virtual or In-Person Classes?
Hope Academy tutorial classes are held in person. Virtual classes may be held at each tutor’s discretion for inclement weather dismissals or when a student must be at home for the day. We do not require tutors to hold virtual classes.
What parent committees are there?
Our current committees include:
- Field Trip
- Fundraising
- Publicity
- Student Life
- Yearbook
See Parent Committee Descriptions for more details. Each enrolled family is required to have at least one parent participating on at least one committee.
What is the Parent Service Requirement?
Parents are NOT required to teach classes; however, parents may apply to be a tutor or staff member. Families who do not have a parent serving on staff are responsible to fulfill the yearly mandatory Staff Assistant Shifts (SAS). The total number of required Staff Assistant Shifts is based on enrollment and will be determined prior to our mandatory Parent Orientation Night. Parents must also serve on a committee and the set-up or break-down team for at least one Student Life Event each year.
Does the Hope Academy Umbrella provide High School Transcripts & Diplomas?
Yes! Students enrolled in the Hope Academy Umbrella who successfully complete all of the requirements for graduation are presented with a diploma. Hope Academy will also prepare official transcripts and send them to the college, university, or trade school of your choice. Hope Academy also offers a graduation ceremony and celebration for enrolled graduating seniors.