Overview
The King’s Academy, in harmony with its mission and core values, established the Home-School Umbrella Office in 2010 to accommodate and support home-school 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 home-school students. Services offered to home-school families include record keeping, consultation, co-curricular activities, academic support, standardized testing, athletics, and other experiences related to the academy’s regular school program.
The King’s Academy home-school umbrella program promotes unity in Christian education and encourages open dialogue between TKA faculty and home-school 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 experienced significant growth, with over 500 students enrolled in the 2014-2015 school year.
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 Home-School Coordinator.
Home-school 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 High School will additionally require
the Student Questionnaire, a pastoral reference letter, standardized test scores, as well as a personal meeting with the Home-School Coordinator and to determine acceptance, subjects, and curriculum for the year. The teaching parent of a high school student must also submit a copy of their diploma.
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. It is highly recommended that all students have a physical examination each year.
The deadline for home-school students to enroll for the 2018-2019 school year is August 1, 2018. After
September 1, 2018, students 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 2018-2019 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 attendance form and curriculum worksheet with grades twice during a school year. 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 Home-School Umbrella Office in 2010 to accommodate and support home-school 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 home-school students. Services offered to home-school families include record keeping, consultation, co-curricular activities, academic support, standardized testing, athletics, and other experiences related to the academy’s regular school program.
The King’s Academy home-school umbrella program promotes unity in Christian education and encourages open dialogue between TKA faculty and home-school 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 experienced significant growth, with over 500 students enrolled in the 2014-2015 school year.
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 Home-School Coordinator.
Home-school 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 High School will additionally require
the Student Questionnaire, a pastoral reference letter, standardized test scores, as well as a personal meeting with the Home-School Coordinator and to determine acceptance, subjects, and curriculum for the year. The teaching parent of a high school student must also submit a copy of their diploma.
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. It is highly recommended that all students have a physical examination each year.
The deadline for home-school students to enroll for the 2018-2019 school year is August 1, 2018. After
September 1, 2018, students 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 2018-2019 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 attendance form and curriculum worksheet with grades twice during a school year. 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
Home-school 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. This applies to specified field
trips as well. The TKA standard dress code is available at the bottom of this page.
Transcripts
The King’s Academy Home-School Umbrella Program will compile grades for registered students on a
transcript form to be used for transferring students to a school or for college entrance purposes. “The King’s Academy Home-School Umbrella 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 Terra Nova 3 test will be administered at The King’s Academy each spring. Test dates for 1st-8th grade home-school students are during the week TKA day and boarding students are out of school for Easter Break. For the 2018-2019 school year, these test dates will be March 18 - 20, 2019 from 8:30 a.m – 12:00 p.m. The PSAT will be October 24th, 2018 for 8th - 11th grade, the Pre-ACT test for 8th - 10th grade will be November 7, 2018. PSAT and Pre-ACT are required. 12th grade students are required to take either the SAT or ACT. Information is available in 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
Home-school 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. This applies to specified field
trips as well. The TKA standard dress code is available at the bottom of this page.
Transcripts
The King’s Academy Home-School Umbrella Program will compile grades for registered students on a
transcript form to be used for transferring students to a school or for college entrance purposes. “The King’s Academy Home-School Umbrella 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 Terra Nova 3 test will be administered at The King’s Academy each spring. Test dates for 1st-8th grade home-school students are during the week TKA day and boarding students are out of school for Easter Break. For the 2018-2019 school year, these test dates will be March 18 - 20, 2019 from 8:30 a.m – 12:00 p.m. The PSAT will be October 24th, 2018 for 8th - 11th grade, the Pre-ACT test for 8th - 10th grade will be November 7, 2018. PSAT and Pre-ACT are required. 12th grade students are required to take either the SAT or ACT. Information is available in the Guidance Office.
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Additional Services and Opportunities
For additional fees, home-school students may participate in selected learning opportunities, competitions and ceremonies. Payment must be made to the Business Office, or Homeschool Coordinator, and not to teachers or coaches. Additional fees are: Graduation Fee, Co-Curricular Fee, Fine Arts Fee, Enrichment Class Fee, and Athletics Fee. These fees cover the following:
- Graduation Ceremonies. Home-school kindergarten, 5th grade, 8th grade and senior students may participate in The King’s Academy graduation and promotion ceremonies. Home-school students will be identified as such in the program. It is recommended to make your request to participate known at registration, otherwise requests to participate in May promotion and graduation ceremonies must be submitted in writing to the Home-School Coordinator by January 1 of the current school year. Kindergarten and senior graduation gowns must be purchased in January. Graduating seniors will be permitted to walk in the official commencement ceremony with the TKA students. A diploma reading “The King’s Academy Independent Study Program” will be presented to the graduating senior.
- Co-Curricular. Home-school students are invited to participate in field trips and other social activities with TKA day students, including Chapel services, Prom, Book Fair, and library use. The Co-Curricular fee does not cover the incidental expenses of the trips or activities.
- Fine Arts. Home-school students in grades 6-8 may be permitted to participate in music, plays, debate, and art shows as space permits. Participation requirements are at the respective teacher’s discretion.
- Enrichment Classes. Middle school and high school students may apply for enrollment in selected classes in the King’s Academy regular program. Questions regarding enrollment in King’s online classes should be directed to Guidance Counselor Ms. Voiles at lvoiles@thekingsacaademy.net.
- Athletics. Home-school students may be permitted to participate in designated 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 form, proof of insurance, quarterly grades and attendance must be turned in to the Home-School Coordinator before trying out for a sport. All forms must be turned in and the sports fee must be paid before participating in any games or practices. The sports participation fee is non-refundable after the first week of practice during a particular sport season.
- Graduation Ceremonies. Home-school kindergarten, 5th grade, 8th grade and senior students may participate in The King’s Academy graduation and promotion ceremonies. Home-school students will be identified as such in the program. It is recommended to make your request to participate known at registration, otherwise requests to participate in May promotion and graduation ceremonies must be submitted in writing to the Home-School Coordinator by January 1 of the current school year. Kindergarten and senior graduation gowns must be purchased in January. Graduating seniors will be permitted to walk in the official commencement ceremony with the TKA students. A diploma reading “The King’s Academy Independent Study Program” will be presented to the graduating senior.
- Co-Curricular. Home-school students are invited to participate in field trips and other social activities with TKA day students, including Chapel services, Prom, Book Fair, and library use. The Co-Curricular fee does not cover the incidental expenses of the trips or activities.
- Fine Arts. Home-school students in grades 6-8 may be permitted to participate in music, plays, debate, and art shows as space permits. Participation requirements are at the respective teacher’s discretion.
- Enrichment Classes. Middle school and high school students may apply for enrollment in selected classes in the King’s Academy regular program. Questions regarding enrollment in King’s online classes should be directed to Guidance Counselor Ms. Voiles at lvoiles@thekingsacaademy.net.
- Athletics. Home-school students may be permitted to participate in designated 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 form, proof of insurance, quarterly grades and attendance must be turned in to the Home-School Coordinator before trying out for a sport. All forms must be turned in and the sports fee must be paid before participating in any games or practices. The sports participation fee is non-refundable after the first week of practice during a particular sport season.
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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