Frequently Asked Questions
To download a copy of our FAQ, please click here!
Are you a school?
Our role is to come alongside your family—providing community and structure—while you remain the primary educator.
Under Florida law, homeschool parents are responsible for reporting their student’s progress, typically through an annual standardized test or a portfolio review by a licensed teacher. To support you in this, FCA provides two on-campus learning days each week and offers resources to guide your remaining learning days at home. We are here to create a collaborative environment and provide the support you need to help your student flourish.
Do you take Step Up?
Currently, we are not yet a registered Step-Up vendor, though we are currently in the process of becoming one. While we do not have an exact timeline for completion, we are pleased to say that our program operates in compliance with Step Up guidelines as a Home Education Instructional Program.
We encourage families to keep in mind that Step Up does not guarantee reimbursement for all submissions; however, we are happy to provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
Do you have a Statement of Faith?
Yes, we do! Our entire FCA team wholeheartedly affirms and adheres to our Statement of Faith, which serves as the foundation for everything we do. You can find the full statement on our website at FreedomChurchWC.com. We believe it is important to be aligned in our mission and values as we serve your family.
Are families required to sign the FCA Statement of Faith?
While we do not require families to sign the Statement of Faith, we do ask that it be carefully read and understood. Because FCA is a Christ-centered program, our beliefs shape everything we do—our teaching, our culture, and how we partner with families.
Understanding our Statement of Faith helps ensure that:
- There is alignment between home and school
- Biblical values are consistently reinforced
- The community remains unified in purpose and direction
This shared foundation allows us to create a strong, supportive environment where students can grow academically, spiritually, and relationally.
How are student grades handled?
Because we deeply value your role as the primary teacher in your child’s education, final grades are determined by the parents.
To support you, we provide a progress report each semester that reflects both your students’ academic progress and their character development during their time on campus. We hope these insights are a blessing as you evaluate your child’s growth throughout the year.
May I stay with my child to help them acclimate to the classroom?
We completely understand that starting a new journey can be a big transition for both you and your child, and we want to support you through that process. For our Kindergarten students, we welcome parents to stay in the classroom for up to 10 minutes to help them settle in and feel secure. If your little one is still having a difficult time after that period, we will defer to you to decide on the best next steps outside the classroom. This approach allows us to honor your child’s needs while maintaining a focused learning environment for the rest of the class.
Can parents observe a class?
Yes, we would be happy to have you visit a class. To ensure a meaningful experience while maintaining a focused learning environment, we have a few simple guidelines:
- Schedule Your Visit: Please contact an FCA instructor to arrange a time that works best. This allows us to ensure the day’s activities are appropriate for observation and that someone is available to welcome you.
- One Observation per Family (per calendar year): To minimize disruptions and maintain consistency for our students, each family may schedule one observation visit per calendar year.
- Spacing Between Visits: We allow time between family visits to avoid back-to-back interruptions and give the class space to return to its normal rhythm.
This approach helps us balance transparency with a stable, distraction-free environment for our students.
How does FCA approach discipline? / OR How does FCA approach student growth and guidance?
At FCA, our approach to discipline is rooted in a Biblical and restorative perspective. We believe in walking alongside students to encourage growth, character, and reconciliation within our community.
To provide clarity and consistency, we have established a Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Process that all students and families agree to follow. These guidelines are outlined in our Policies and Procedures Handbook, which is shared with families as part of the enrollment package following acceptance.
Our goal is to partner with you in creating a safe, respectful, and flourishing environment for every child.
Are parents required to volunteer?
FCA is a drop-off educational program and does not require parent volunteering during campus learning days. However, we warmly encourage families to take part in opportunities such as field trips, spelling bees, project showcases, and end-of-year celebrations.
Do you offer a sibling discount for multiple students?
No, we do not offer a sibling discount. We have worked hard to keep our tuition rates as affordable as possible from the start. Our goal is to provide a high-quality program at a price point that remains accessible for every family, whether enrolling one child or several.
Do Freedom Church members receive a tuition discount?
While we love our Freedom Church family, we do not offer a specific tuition discount for members. We have worked hard to keep our tuition as affordable as possible while still providing high-quality instructors, excellent tools, and the best resources for our students. Our goal is to serve every family with excellence and provide a meaningful experience for every child.
How does FCA approach character development?
At FCA, we believe character development is far more than simple behavior modification—is a process of heart transformation. Our goal is to nurture each child’s heart, so they naturally desire to live in a way that honors God.
Grounded in Proverbs 22:6, we are committed to “training up a child in the way they should go” by planting seeds of Biblical truth intended to bear fruit for a lifetime. We view this as a true partnership—building upon the foundation you have already established at home by reinforcing it through clear expectations, thoughtful guidance in student interactions, and intentionally weaving these values throughout our curriculum and classroom instruction.
Are families required to use FCA curriculum on home learning days?
Yes. Families are required to purchase and use the designated Math, Science, and Language Arts curricula, as well as the literature books from the assigned reading list. We have carefully selected these resources to be easily adaptable for both campus and home learning, helping create consistency and continuity throughout the week.
Who is FCA a good fit for?
FCA is a great fit for homeschooling families who are looking to enrich their journey with a vibrant, Christ-centered community. It is especially well-suited for those who desire the support of dedicated instructors, along with meaningful social experiences and collaborative friendships often found in a school setting.
By partnering with us, families enjoy the flexibility of homeschooling paired with a dynamic campus environment that helps students flourish.
How much is expected of families on home learning days?
FCA provides two full days of on-campus instruction in Math, Language Arts, Reading/Creative Writing, and Science. Each subject includes a clear syllabus outlining the assignments to be completed on home learning days.
The curriculum is designed to be easy to follow, offering a balanced blend of independent and guided learning for your student.
Will my child stay on grade level while homeschooling?
This is a common question as families begin their homeschooling journey. While academic outcomes can vary, homeschooling provides a unique advantage by allowing education to be more personal and tailored to each child.
In the partnership between FCA and your family, your child is given strong support to reach their full potential because:
- The whole student is nurtured, prioritizing heart and character alongside academics
- Smaller learning groups allow for greater focus and fewer distractions
- Individualized attention ensures each child is known and supported
- A Christ-centered environment creates a positive, encouraging place to grow
- Intentional mentorship helps foster healthy, meaningful friendships
With this approach, “grade level” becomes less about a standardized benchmark and more about ensuring your child is truly mastering their work at a pace that fits them best.
Can students with special needs participate in the program?
At Freedom Christian Academy, our goal is to provide a nurturing and academically enriching environment for all students. At the same time, we want to be transparent about our current limitations. Due to our resources and program structure, we cannot provide specialized accommodation or intensive support for students with specific learning or behavioral needs.
This may include, but is not limited to, students who require significant tiered support or who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), 504 accommodation plans, or who would otherwise qualify for such services.
That said, students in these categories may be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of FCA administration. Our intent is not to exclude, but to ensure that each student receives the level of support they need—recognizing that some needs may fall outside of what we are currently able to provide.
Our focus is to maintain a balanced educational environment that aligns with FCA’s vision and makes the best use of our staff and resources. Families whose children require specialized accommodations or tiered support may also need to connect with their zoned public school to access additional services.
What safety measures and background checks are in place?
To ensure a secure and supportive environment, every member of the FCA team has undergone thorough background checks and completed comprehensive child safety training. Maintaining these high standards is a key part of our commitment to excellence and to providing you with peace of mind.
Is there a dress code or uniform required?
All students are required to wear FCA polo shirts with black trousers, skirts, or non-athletic black shorts. These uniforms do more than just streamline mornings; they build a shared sense of school spirit and identity. By dressing for the occasion, students adopt a professional learning mindset, ensuring our collective focus remains on academic growth rather than what everyone is wearing.
What is your policy on tuition and fee refunds if we withdraw?
Refunds are generally not available for students who withdraw from the program. Because tuition and fees are allocated toward student resources and operational costs upon receipt, they are considered fully utilized once paid.
Do you provide lunch and snacks?
No, families are responsible for providing their child’s lunch and snacks. Because each child has unique dietary needs and preferences, parents are best suited to meet those needs.
We do ask that families inform the administration of any serious food allergies—including items a student cannot consume or be near—so we can help maintain a safe environment for everyone.