We’re counting down the days to opening admissions! Here are some answers to common questions:
Q: Have you found a facility?
A: Yes! We are very close to locking in a lease agreement with a church in Sandpoint. The building passed its mold inspection, it’s approved by the city, and we’d have room to grow for several years while we establish our own facility. Once we have an official agreement, we’ll announce the location. We hope to have this agreement finalized before opening the application for admissions. If for any reason this agreement doesn’t work out, we have local backup locations toward which we can quickly pivot.
Q: How do we apply?
A: I met last week with our web developer to set up the FACTS application portal and update the BCA website. Once the website is set up, families can apply to BCA online.
Q: How will I know when admissions is live?
A: We will add an announcement to the website directing families to Admissions, and we’ll send out a special announcement to the mailing list. If you’re not on the mailing list, you can sign up on the BCA website.
Q: Are there discounts for multiple students?
A: BCA will offer a 5% discount to families enrolling more than one student, either part time or full time.
Q: Will you offer financial aid?
A: Yes! Mid spring, we’ll open the financial aid application through FACTS. Scholarships do not stack with the 5% discount for multiple students.
Q: This is a big leap of faith for us to consider enrolling in a new school. How well is BCA doing with the launch process?
A: Student recruitment, hiring, curriculum, and logistics are going very well. Seed funding for launch has been pledged by Make A Difference Foundation Inc., and other contingency plans for funding are in place. That said, we want to be transparent that the funding is not yet locked in, so there is some risk that obstacles could arise and delay opening. If any such obstacles arise, we will promptly inform families early in the spring so they can make alternative plans for Fall 2023. Otherwise, we’re excited to be moving ahead with launch. The Board and volunteers are working hard and praying at every step of the way!
Q: We’re considering waiting to enroll in the second year and letting BCA work out first year bugs. Is there any benefit to making the plunge in the first year?
A: There are two good reasons to enroll in the first year. First, every year in a classical school builds on the previous year. The Grammar School years (K-6) are critical for laying a strong foundation for junior high and high school. Enrolling your student a year sooner will benefit him or her in the long run.
Second, we have tremendous respect for families who join BCA in the first year. To demonstrate good faith with our founding families, BCA is offering a Founder’s Tuition Rate. This rate guarantees that founding families will not pay more than a 5% increase in a student’s tuition in any given year. Families enrolling after the first year will not be eligible for the Founder’s Rate. Some restrictions apply, so please contact us for more information.
Q: Who are the teachers?
A: We’ll begin interviewing teachers soon, and we’ll introduce new teachers on the website and in the mailing list. BCA will hire teachers who love Jesus, have strong content knowledge, are excellent at working with children, and who find joy in teaching. There’s already a list of impressive people waiting to apply and join the BCA faculty. We can’t wait to introduce them to you!
Q: Is this a uniform school?
A: BCA will require uniforms. A link to our uniform shop and the dress code policy will be posted on the website this spring. The uniform policy is not intended to be restrictive, but rather to foster community and cultivate habits of respect and excellence in our students. We’ve gotten parent input on the uniform policy to ensure students are warm, comfortable, and ready for all that a day at BCA entails!
Q: Is there anything I can do to get a head start on the admissions application?
A: Yes! You can read Dr. Christopher Perrin’s “An Introduction to Classical Education: A Guide for Parents.” Dr. Perrin has made it freely available at this link. Don’t worry, there will be no quiz or written response. We request parents read it so we have some shared language for the interview and any other conversations about the classical model.
Q: How can I help my child prepare to join BCA?
A: BCA volunteers are organizing regular play dates throughout the spring. Bring your little ones so they can meet future classmates and see some familiar faces on the first day of school! Otherwise, focus on forming good habits of mind and character with your children. Read together, spend time outdoors, go to church, pray with your children and tell them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Show them how virtues like fortitude, charity, and patience can help them with their studies and friendships.
If you have any other questions about admissions, please contact BCA at info@bonnerclassicalacademy.com.
Go Gryphons!