FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a classical Christian Education?
Berean Academy is a Christian school providing a comprehensive education emphasizing excellence and academic rigor based on a classical model. We provide a Christian environment where young disciples will be nurtured and challenged to grow both academically and spiritually. We teach students how to learn by studying: the facts of each subject (Grammar), the ordered relationship of those facts (Dialectic), and how these two may be articulated in a logical and persuasive manner (Rhetoric).
What grade levels does Berean Academy offer?
Berean offers a full academic program for K-12. Our Kindergarten is a full day program for five year olds. A Morning Kindergarten is optional.
What curriculum is used at Berean Academy? What subjects do you teach?
Berean uses a variety of curriculum resources for its academic programs. The curricula are academically challenging and supportive of our goal of providing a classical Christian education for each subject and stage of The Trivium. We teach all the core subjects (Reading, Writing, Grammar, Math, Bible, Science, History, Art, Music, Physical Education, etc.). Additionally, our students study Latin beginning in the 3rd grade, Logic in the 8th grade, and Rhetoric in 10th-12th grades.
How long has your school been in operation? What’s your history and background?
Berean Academy began when families learned of the classical and Christian model. Together they set out to make it a reality for Hillsborough County. The school began it first year in the fall of 1995 with two teachers and eleven students in grades K-3. The Academy is now in its fourteenth year and has grown to 154 students in K-12.
How is Berean Academy governed?
Berean is governed by an independent, working board comprised of parents and other community leaders with a variety of legal, financial, and educational expertise.
Is your school associated with a denomination or area church?
Berean is a distinctly Christian institution that is committed to the Word of God, the foundation and guide for all we do. We are not associated with any particular denomination or local church. Our Statement of Faith is reflective of historic, biblical Christianity. We have children, faculty and board members from numerous area churches. We welcome and encourage involvement from all active and faithful Christians in the local community who are interested in a classical Christian education.
Is Berean Academy accredited by any agency or organization?
Berean Academy is a charter member and accredited by the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS).
What about academic standards? How rigorous is your program?
We believe in setting standards that will stretch students of all abilities to reach their fullest potential, intellectually and spiritually. At Berean Academy we strive to “set the bar high” in a way that is challenging to students of all ability levels.
What about new students transferring into your program from other types of schools?
This is a legitimate concern of many parents who are considering enrolling their children. Our experience is that students adjust readily to the new approach and new subjects. If new students encounter challenges with the higher standards, the school will allow them ample opportunity to adjust. Many of these students will benefit from involvement in Berean's Summer Institute.
What is your school’s approach to homework? Do you give excessive amounts?
We work hard to manage the homework load. We do not give busy work, but rather work that enables students to master curriculum requirements. Our policy is: The student’s time at home is to be encroached upon for only the best of purposes. Factors such as the student's aptitude, extra-curricular activities and age and stage of The Trivium will determine the specific amount of time required to complete assignments.
Do your students participate in standardized testing programs and how do scores compare with traditionally schooled students?
Our students are regularly tested in aptitude, basic skills, concepts, and reading comprehension using Curriculum Based Assessment tests created especially for the curriculum taught at Berean Academy. In addition, we administer SATs in the spring. Our scores compare very favorably with similar groups tested.
Do students at Berean Academy receive instruction in Art, Music, and Physical Education?
Yes, students receive regular instruction in each of these subjects from qualified teachers.
What are your school hours?
2007-2008 school hours for K-6 are 8:00am to 3:00pm. Grades 7-12 are 8:00am to 3:15pm.
What is the discipline policy at Berean Academy?
The standards for student behavior are very high at Berean. We have no tolerance for disrespect, dishonesty, rebellion, fighting, and obscene language. The goal of all discipline at Berean is Christ-likeness. Discipline is exercised in a spirit of grace and compassion. Parental responsibility and cooperation in disciplinary matters is expected and strongly emphasized. For complete details, please see the “Scholars’ Code of Virtue” in our Student Handbook.
How does the school view parental involvement?
At the core of our philosophy of education is the conviction that parents are ultimately responsible for the education of their children. Our authority and our task are delegated by the parent. Therefore, we strongly encourage parental involvement in our school. Families are asked to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per academic year per student. Parents are invited to volunteer for school projects, and to visit with the teachers regularly and frequently. Teachers contact parents regularly by email and by phone. The phone contacts are recorded in a log that is reviewed from time to time by the administration.
How are students graded at Berean Academy?
Berean uses the traditional A (91-100%), B (81-90%), C (71-80%), D (61-70%) and F (60% or less) in the fourth grade and above. In kindergarten through third grade we use a scale that gives marks of “Excellent”, “Satisfactory,” “Needs Improvement,” and “Unsatisfactory.” Report cards are issued every 9 weeks. Mid-term progress reports are issued each quarter. Parents are kept apprised of student performance regularly and frequently.
What is the school’s policy regarding dress codes and uniforms?
Berean Academy requires its Kindergarten through 9th grade students to wear prescribed uniforms. Parents order the designated pieces from the Lands Ends uniform catalog and various local vendors. For more information please see the “Dress Code/Uniform Policy” in the Student Handbook.
How are teachers at Berean Academy equipped to teach classically?
All of our teachers are specifically trained in classical and Christian education methods through Association of Christian and Classical Schools conferences, class experience, regular in-house training sessions, required reading, and visiting classical schools around our state and country. In addition, we require each teacher to have a college degree, to be an active and faithful Christian, to have a true love for teaching children, to be committed to the classical model of education and to have a love of learning and a passion for their subjects.
What kind of lunch program do you offer?
We currently do not offer a lunch program. Students bring lunches from home.
What should I do if I can’t pick my child up at the regularly scheduled dismissal time?
We offer after school care until 5:00pm for a reasonable fee.
Where do you meet? Do you have a permanent facility?
In January 2008 we moved into our new 46,000-square foot facility in Lutz. The new school has 24 classrooms with room to serve nearly 400 students, a well-equipped library, computer and science labs, and administrative offices. Also on the campus are athletic fields, playgrounds, a gymnasium attached to the main building, with seating for approximately 300, and ample parking. We are located at 17951 North U.S. Hwy. 41 in Lutz, FL.
Do you offer tuition discounts or accept any financial aid?
Berean Academy offers multiple child discounts, pastoral discounts and tuition assistance. Berean Academy offers tuition assistance in our regular budget through privately funded donations. Applications for assistance are made through an outside agency: Family Financial Needs Assessment (FFNA). Applications may be picked up in the school office.