FAQs
Membership benefits
Q: |
Which events does Columbus Academy officially sponsor? |
A: |
There are four events that Columbus Academy sponsors with food, supplies, facility rental, and Board member time, as follows:
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Q: |
What else does joining Columbus Academy offer my family? |
A: |
A great deal! The primary benefit for most families is access to the communication platform. The communication platform serves the primary purpose of publicizing the four main sponsored events. Secondarily, the platform also publicizes additional Board-driven and as member-driven events. Finally, the platform also gives members the ability to post events, questions for conversation, and information that they wish to share (e.g. curriculum for sale, Meal Train links) with like-minded families. Recent additional Board-driven, member-driven, and community events posted by members include:
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Dues
Q: |
Do I need to pay dues to join? |
A: |
Yes. Columbus Academy relies exclusively on the payment of annual dues to support our activities. Dues are used to pay for facility usage, food, consumable event supplies, a communication platform, the Diocese-required insurance policy, and stipends for clergy and musicians. In general, Columbus Academy "breaks even" each year. |
Q: |
I usually hear about events through my friends, but I haven't joined. Can I attend anyway? |
A: |
The Columbus Academy Board asks that everyone who attends our sponsored events pays annual dues. These sponsored events are funded exclusively by dues and are enhanced by the generous donation of time, potluck food, and effort. In addition, the Board and Columbus Academy families have an expectation that member events are for members, rather than the general public. |
Q: |
My children have aged out / my children aren't yet of school age. Can I still join? |
A: |
Yes! There is a "Friends/Alumni" category that provides access to the communication platform, and of course, includes you in any Board-driven or member-driven event. There is a nominal fee of $20.00 for this category, payable as dues. |
Board
Q: |
Why does Columbus Academy have a Board? |
A: |
Originally, Columbus Academy was founded in the 1990's, when homeschooling laws in Iowa were not favorable to the notion of parents as primary educators. Its purpose was to function as an "umbrella school," if that became necessary, so that Catholic families in the area could continue to carry the homeschooling vision forward, and within a framework that the State of Iowa would recognize. Non-profit status was obtained as part of this, which required the institution of a Board.
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Q: |
Beyond maintaining non-profit status, what else does the Board do for member families? |
A: |
In service to the broader Catholic community that it is a part of, the Board does the following:
Board members, in their capacity as homeschooling parents, also schedule, host, post about, or participate in events, in the same way that any Columbus Academy parent would do. |
Q: |
I want to join the Board for the benefit of the community. Who can give me more information? |
A: |
The Board is nearly always looking for additional members. While we practice the delicate art of delegation, "many hands make light work," and fresh ideas from fellow Catholics are what has kept Columbus Academy going for the past 30+ years! You may contact any one of the current Board members below for next steps:
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