Overview
The King’s Academy, in harmony with its mission and core values, established the Homeschool Umbrella Program in 2010 to accommodate and support homeschool parents. The King’s Academy is accredited by AdvancED (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) and as such promotes standards of academic excellence to day, boarding, and now homeschool students. Services offered to homeschool families include record keeping, consultation, academic support, standardized testing, athletics, and other experiences related to the academy’s regular school program.
The King’s Academy homeschool umbrella program promotes unity in Christian education and encourages open dialogue between TKA faculty and homeschool parents for the building up of the community of believers in the body of Christ. Additionally, if or when the students cease homeschooling, they are encouraged to consider becoming students in The King’s Academy regular school program.
A Brief History of the Academy
The King’s Academy is the school division of Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy, one of Tennessee’s oldest and most unique institutions. In the spring of 1880 a group of farmers met in the Boyds Creek area of Sevier County to organize a school for their children. With a charter from the State of Tennessee, students enrolled in what was called “Boyds Creek Academy” in the fall of 1881.
In 1884, honoring a donation of land by Harrison Ellis, the school was named Harrison Seminary. Churches of the Chilhowee Baptist Association began providing financial support in 1887, and the Board of Trustees changed the name to Harrison-Chilhowee Institute.
A new charter in 1932 affiliated the academy with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, establishing the academy’s identity as Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy. This name continues as the official name of the non-profit corporation today. TBC elects the academy’s Board of Trustees and, through the Convention’s Cooperative Program, supports the school’s annual operating budget.
In 1993, the Board of Trustees reorganized the school and gave distinct names to three operations under the Harrison-Chilhowee corporate umbrella. Since then, the school division has been known as The King’s Academy. The two other divisions are the Bible Training Center, an adult education program for bi-vocational ministers, and the Chilhowee Retreat Center, which offers facilities and services to churches and schools for summer camps.
From the beginning, facilities were provided for those who had to travel great distances for an education. By 1889, cottages and a girls’ dormitory were built. The first boys’ dormitory was completed in 1908. The first international students came from Cuba in the mid-1930’s.
The academy offered only grades 8-12 between 1947 and 1996. Since opening its own elementary school in 1996, The King’s Academy has increased its outreach to include pre-K through 12th grades.
Homeschool Umbrella Requirements
Students and the teaching parent are expected to abide by TKAHSU Policies and Procedures. If applicable, the student must be in good standing with their previous school. TKAHSU does not register students with expulsions, suspensions, or a disciplinary record. The curriculum must include all core subjects and Bible, and must meet the approval of the Homeschool Coordinator.
Homeschool families are expected to comply with laws of the State of Tennessee concerning home-
schooling. A copy of applicable statutes may be viewed at www.hslda.org. It is recommended that all
homeschooling parents read the legislation carefully. TKAHSU does not assume any legal responsibility
for a family home school. The King’s Academy further recommends home-school families join the Home
School Legal Defense Association (540-338-5600 or www.hslda.org).
Applicants for the TKAHSU Program must complete the registration form and a proposed curriculum form.
Applicants must also provide a copy of the certified birth certificate, the original immunization form, a
signed payment contract with registration fees, and, if applicable, previous school records. TKAHSU can
request records from the previous school if necessary. Application for the high school independent study program will additionally require completion of a student questionnaire, a pastoral reference letter, standardized test scores, and the teaching parent of a high school student must also submit a copy of their diploma. Enrollment is finalized at a personal meeting with the Homeschool Coordinator. Students participating in the academy’s athletic program or enrolling in an on-campus class must have a physical examination by qualified medical personnel prior to their initial participation.
The deadline for homeschool students to enroll for the 2021-2022 school year is August 1, 2021. After
September 1, 2021, a student must register as a transfer student and pay an additional $20 processing fee. In order to transfer in, a student must already be registered in a school or umbrella for the 2021-2022 school year. All fees are due in full at the time of registration. No refunds will be given for a partial year. The teaching parent must submit the End-of-the-Year Attendance Form/Grade Sheet verifying the completion of a minimum of 180 days @ 4 hours/day engaged in teaching/learning activities before July 1st of the current school year. Participating in the annual testing program is required. High school students must submit an attendance record each quarter, as well as an end-of-semester grade report twice during a school year, in addition to the year-end reports. A $20 late fee will be charged for each week that paperwork is turned in past the designated due date.
The King’s Academy, in harmony with its mission and core values, established the Homeschool Umbrella Program in 2010 to accommodate and support homeschool parents. The King’s Academy is accredited by AdvancED (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) and as such promotes standards of academic excellence to day, boarding, and now homeschool students. Services offered to homeschool families include record keeping, consultation, academic support, standardized testing, athletics, and other experiences related to the academy’s regular school program.
The King’s Academy homeschool umbrella program promotes unity in Christian education and encourages open dialogue between TKA faculty and homeschool parents for the building up of the community of believers in the body of Christ. Additionally, if or when the students cease homeschooling, they are encouraged to consider becoming students in The King’s Academy regular school program.
A Brief History of the Academy
The King’s Academy is the school division of Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy, one of Tennessee’s oldest and most unique institutions. In the spring of 1880 a group of farmers met in the Boyds Creek area of Sevier County to organize a school for their children. With a charter from the State of Tennessee, students enrolled in what was called “Boyds Creek Academy” in the fall of 1881.
In 1884, honoring a donation of land by Harrison Ellis, the school was named Harrison Seminary. Churches of the Chilhowee Baptist Association began providing financial support in 1887, and the Board of Trustees changed the name to Harrison-Chilhowee Institute.
A new charter in 1932 affiliated the academy with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, establishing the academy’s identity as Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy. This name continues as the official name of the non-profit corporation today. TBC elects the academy’s Board of Trustees and, through the Convention’s Cooperative Program, supports the school’s annual operating budget.
In 1993, the Board of Trustees reorganized the school and gave distinct names to three operations under the Harrison-Chilhowee corporate umbrella. Since then, the school division has been known as The King’s Academy. The two other divisions are the Bible Training Center, an adult education program for bi-vocational ministers, and the Chilhowee Retreat Center, which offers facilities and services to churches and schools for summer camps.
From the beginning, facilities were provided for those who had to travel great distances for an education. By 1889, cottages and a girls’ dormitory were built. The first boys’ dormitory was completed in 1908. The first international students came from Cuba in the mid-1930’s.
The academy offered only grades 8-12 between 1947 and 1996. Since opening its own elementary school in 1996, The King’s Academy has increased its outreach to include pre-K through 12th grades.
Homeschool Umbrella Requirements
Students and the teaching parent are expected to abide by TKAHSU Policies and Procedures. If applicable, the student must be in good standing with their previous school. TKAHSU does not register students with expulsions, suspensions, or a disciplinary record. The curriculum must include all core subjects and Bible, and must meet the approval of the Homeschool Coordinator.
Homeschool families are expected to comply with laws of the State of Tennessee concerning home-
schooling. A copy of applicable statutes may be viewed at www.hslda.org. It is recommended that all
homeschooling parents read the legislation carefully. TKAHSU does not assume any legal responsibility
for a family home school. The King’s Academy further recommends home-school families join the Home
School Legal Defense Association (540-338-5600 or www.hslda.org).
Applicants for the TKAHSU Program must complete the registration form and a proposed curriculum form.
Applicants must also provide a copy of the certified birth certificate, the original immunization form, a
signed payment contract with registration fees, and, if applicable, previous school records. TKAHSU can
request records from the previous school if necessary. Application for the high school independent study program will additionally require completion of a student questionnaire, a pastoral reference letter, standardized test scores, and the teaching parent of a high school student must also submit a copy of their diploma. Enrollment is finalized at a personal meeting with the Homeschool Coordinator. Students participating in the academy’s athletic program or enrolling in an on-campus class must have a physical examination by qualified medical personnel prior to their initial participation.
The deadline for homeschool students to enroll for the 2021-2022 school year is August 1, 2021. After
September 1, 2021, a student must register as a transfer student and pay an additional $20 processing fee. In order to transfer in, a student must already be registered in a school or umbrella for the 2021-2022 school year. All fees are due in full at the time of registration. No refunds will be given for a partial year. The teaching parent must submit the End-of-the-Year Attendance Form/Grade Sheet verifying the completion of a minimum of 180 days @ 4 hours/day engaged in teaching/learning activities before July 1st of the current school year. Participating in the annual testing program is required. High school students must submit an attendance record each quarter, as well as an end-of-semester grade report twice during a school year, in addition to the year-end reports. A $20 late fee will be charged for each week that paperwork is turned in past the designated due date.
Support
TKA strongly recommends that the teaching parent participate in a support group such as Blount Home
Education Association (www.bhea.net) or Smoky Mountain Home Education Association
(www.smhea.org).
Expectations
Homeschool students are held to the same standards as The King’s Academy students as outlined in The
King’s Academy student handbook, including, but not limited to, behavior, attendance, passing grades and
Christian testimony. Efforts will be made to assist students who are not successful in their academic
programs, and attempts will be made to refer students to outside resources for additional assistance if such efforts do not produce the desired results.
TKA standard dress is required to be followed by all students whenever on campus. Students participating
in classes with day students during school hours must be in uniform dress. The TKA standard dress code is available at the bottom of this page.
Transcripts
The King’s Academy Homeschool Umbrella Program will compile grades for registered students on a
transcript to be used for transferring high school students to another school or for college entrance purposes. “The King’s Academy Independent Study Program” will be printed on the transcript, along with a disclaimer reading “This transcript reflects a record compilation service provided to the student and does not indicate participation in The King’s Academy’s regular accredited program.” Any regular classes taken at TKA will be duly noted.
Testing
The TerraNova test will be administered at The King’s Academy for 1st-8th grade homeschool students. For the 2021-2022 school year, these test dates will be May 31-June 2, from 8:30 a.m –11:30 a.m. each morning. The Pre-ACT test is required for 9th-10th grades and will be given on Oct 12, 2021. 11th grade students are encouraged, and 12th grade students are required to take either the SAT or ACT. - further information will be made available by the Guidance Office.
TKA strongly recommends that the teaching parent participate in a support group such as Blount Home
Education Association (www.bhea.net) or Smoky Mountain Home Education Association
(www.smhea.org).
Expectations
Homeschool students are held to the same standards as The King’s Academy students as outlined in The
King’s Academy student handbook, including, but not limited to, behavior, attendance, passing grades and
Christian testimony. Efforts will be made to assist students who are not successful in their academic
programs, and attempts will be made to refer students to outside resources for additional assistance if such efforts do not produce the desired results.
TKA standard dress is required to be followed by all students whenever on campus. Students participating
in classes with day students during school hours must be in uniform dress. The TKA standard dress code is available at the bottom of this page.
Transcripts
The King’s Academy Homeschool Umbrella Program will compile grades for registered students on a
transcript to be used for transferring high school students to another school or for college entrance purposes. “The King’s Academy Independent Study Program” will be printed on the transcript, along with a disclaimer reading “This transcript reflects a record compilation service provided to the student and does not indicate participation in The King’s Academy’s regular accredited program.” Any regular classes taken at TKA will be duly noted.
Testing
The TerraNova test will be administered at The King’s Academy for 1st-8th grade homeschool students. For the 2021-2022 school year, these test dates will be May 31-June 2, from 8:30 a.m –11:30 a.m. each morning. The Pre-ACT test is required for 9th-10th grades and will be given on Oct 12, 2021. 11th grade students are encouraged, and 12th grade students are required to take either the SAT or ACT. - further information will be made available by the Guidance Office.
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Additional Services and Opportunities
For additional fees, homeschool students may participate in selected learning opportunities, athletics and ceremonies. Payment must be made to the Homeschool Coordinator who will submit them to the Business Office, and not to teachers or coaches. Additional fees are: Graduation Fee, Athletics Fees, and Fine Arts Fee. These fees cover the following:
- Graduation Ceremonies. Homeschool kindergarten and 12th grade students may participate in The King’s Academy graduation ceremonies. Homeschool students will be identified as such in the program. It is recommended that you make your request known at registration, otherwise requests to participate in May graduation ceremonies must be submitted in writing to the Homeschool Coordinator by January 15 of the current school year. Graduating seniors will walk in the official commencement ceremony with TKA students. A diploma reading “The King’s Academy Independent Study Program” will be presented to all graduating seniors whether or not they choose to participate in the TKA graduation ceremony.
- Athletics. Homeschool students may be permitted to participate in designated elementary, middle school and high school athletics with TKA school students on a space available basis. Playing time is at the discretion of the coach. The medical examination, consent forms, and proof of insurance must be turned in to the Homeschool Coordinator before trying out for a sport. The Athletics Fee for the sport must be paid before participating in any games or practices, and this fee is non-refundable after the first week of practice during a particular sport season.
- Fine Arts. Homeschool students in grades 6-12 may be permitted to participate in music, plays, debate, and art shows as space permits. Participation requirements are at the respective teacher’s discretion.
- Graduation Ceremonies. Homeschool kindergarten and 12th grade students may participate in The King’s Academy graduation ceremonies. Homeschool students will be identified as such in the program. It is recommended that you make your request known at registration, otherwise requests to participate in May graduation ceremonies must be submitted in writing to the Homeschool Coordinator by January 15 of the current school year. Graduating seniors will walk in the official commencement ceremony with TKA students. A diploma reading “The King’s Academy Independent Study Program” will be presented to all graduating seniors whether or not they choose to participate in the TKA graduation ceremony.
- Athletics. Homeschool students may be permitted to participate in designated elementary, middle school and high school athletics with TKA school students on a space available basis. Playing time is at the discretion of the coach. The medical examination, consent forms, and proof of insurance must be turned in to the Homeschool Coordinator before trying out for a sport. The Athletics Fee for the sport must be paid before participating in any games or practices, and this fee is non-refundable after the first week of practice during a particular sport season.
- Fine Arts. Homeschool students in grades 6-12 may be permitted to participate in music, plays, debate, and art shows as space permits. Participation requirements are at the respective teacher’s discretion.
For More Information
Questions regarding homeschool policies and procedures should be directed to Homeschool Coordinator Eileen Thornton at ethornton@thekingsacademy.net, text or call at 505-818-7761.
Questions regarding homeschool policies and procedures should be directed to Homeschool Coordinator Eileen Thornton at ethornton@thekingsacademy.net, text or call at 505-818-7761.
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