What is Rising Tide Academy's schedule?
Although Alabama has no minimum requirements for homeschoolers, WE require 180 days of instruction, the same number as students in Alabama public schools. Some families choose to spread these days out over the calendar year, but we strongly suggest following the calendar of your local school system.
Are you affiliated with a church?
Rising Tide Academy is an educational ministry of 5:16 Church.
Do you require membership in a particular church?
No, but we do encourage all our families to become active in a local church. You have probably heard the old argument "but if your child is homeschooled, how will they have any friends?" For many homeschooled children, churches with large children's departments provide them with meaningful friendships and social connections.
Do you require membership in HSLDA?
No, but some families choose to join them.
Where are you located?
Rising Tide Academy is based in Jasper, Alabama, but we work with families state-wide.
Is a homeschool diploma valid for college acceptance?
Yes! Alabama law prohibits public colleges/universities from discriminating against homeschool students. If your student plans to attend a particular college or university, we strongly recommend you begin familiarizing yourself with its specific admission requirements BEFORE your child begins 9th grade. We can work with you to create a "Four Year Plan", similar to that done by 8th graders in Alabama's public schools.
Is your school accredited?
No. In Alabama, home schools are not accredited, and accreditation is NOT needed for college entrance.
Can my child participate in sports at our local public school?
Currently, homeschoolers may play public school sports with the local school where the student is zoned to attend. HOWEVER, Alabama has never passed the offical "Tim Tebow" law regarding this. Instead, the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) amended its by-laws to accommodate homeschoolers. The AHSAA recognizes a homeschool student as one who is receiving a home-based, parent-directed education in compliance with Alabama law in a home program of a church school, a home program of a private school, or with an Alabama-certified teacher (private tutor), and the homeschool student must be registered as such through the local city or county board of education. The by-laws require the homeschooled student to particpate in at least one class at the public school, and most families choose to enroll in PE and/or an elective.
Are there regular meetings to attend?
No. Some schools require them, but we work with families all over the state. We do encourage our families, though, to find a homeschool group or co-op in their local area.
Do I have to keep grades?
While the state of Alabama does not collect grades or transcripts from homeschool students, Rising Tide Academy DOES require attendance and grades to be submitted to us at the end of each semester. How your family chooses to handle the grading is up to you! Some families simply issue a letter grade at the end of each semester. Others use online programs or apps to keep a running gradebook average of all assignments throughout the semester. The only grade that will appear on the transcript is the semester/final average submitted by the parent.
Do you provide us with books/materials?
No. We will provide you with a list of our recommended textbooks and resources, but you will be responsible for obtaining your own books.
