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 homeschool students. Services offered to homeschool families include record keeping, consultation, academic support, standardized testing, team sports, 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 TKAHU Policies and Procedures. If applicable, the student must be in good standing with their previous school.
TKAHU does not register students with expulsions, suspensions, or a disciplinary record.
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 homeschooling. A copy of applicable statutes may be viewed on the TN.GOV webpage and Home School Legal Defense Association webpage. It is recommended that all homeschooling parents read the legislation carefully. TKAHU does not assume any legal responsibility for a family home school. The King’s Academy further recommends homeschool families join the Home School Legal Defense Association.
Applicants for the TKAHU Program must complete a registration form and a list of curricula they will use, along with providing a copy of the certified birth certificate, immunization records or signed waver, previous school records, and a check to cover registration fees. 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 high school or college 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.
Families are expected to complete the registration process between June 1st and August 1st.
Transfer students are accepted after September 1st, but they must already be registered in a school or umbrella for the current school year and pay an additional $20 processing fee.
All fees are due in full at the time of registration, and no refunds will be given for a partial year.
The teaching parent must submit Attendance and Grade reports documenting the completion of a minimum of 180 days @ 4 hours/day engaged in teaching/learning activities before July 1st of the current year. High school students must submit an attendance report each quarter and 1st semester grade report in December, in addition to year-end reports.
A $20 late fee will be charged for each week that paperwork is turned in past the designated due date.
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.
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.
PLEASE CONTACT THE HOMESCHOOL COORDINATOR FOR DRESS CODE POLICIES.
Transcripts
The King’s Academy Independent Study Program will document grades for registered high school students on a transcript to be used for transferring 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
Standardized testing is mandatory and will be administered at The King’s Academy for 1st-8th grade homeschool students at the end of each school year. The Pre-ACT test is required for 9th-10th grades and will be given on campus in October. 11th grade students are encouraged and 12th grade students are required to take either the SAT or ACT.
Further information will be made available via email each August.
Additional opportunities
Homeschool students may participate in selected learning opportunities, athletics and ceremonies for an additional fee. Payment must be made to the Homeschool Coordinator who will submit them to the Business Office.
Graduation Ceremony. Homeschooling 12th grade students may participate in The King’s Academy graduation ceremony, and will be identified as "Independent Study Program" students in the program. Request to participate should be made known at registration, and ISP seniors will walk in the official commencement ceremony with TKA students. ($250 fee)
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 and middle school athletic teams with TKA day 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 annual Athletic Fee must be paid before participating in any games or practices, and it is non-refundable after the first week of practice. ($300 fee)
Fine Arts. Homeschool students in grades 6-12 may be permitted to participate in plays, debate, and art shows as space permits. Participation requirements are at the respective teacher’s discretion. ($250 fee)
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).
Questions regarding homeschool policies and procedures should be directed to the Homeschool Coordinator.