FAQs

Q:

A:

There is a registration fee of $125 per new student at Areté. The fee for a returning student is $100. Late registration is $150 per student. 

Individual class costs and supply fees vary depending on the class and type of class offered. Tuition for classes that meet once a week generally cost around $60 a month per student. Classes that meet twice a week average around $75 a month per student. 

Q:

A:

We serve students from 7th grade to 12th grade. Students must be at least 7th grade and 12 years old to attend.  While some younger students may be academically ready for middle and high school classes, we feel that the environment at Areté is not suited for students younger than 12.

Q:

A:

Areté Christian Academy is designed to complement the academic goals of families who have made a commitment to homeschooling their children.  All students enrolled in Areté Christian Academy must be in compliance with the Homeschooling Laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia (section §22.1 – 254.1 of the code of Virginia (1950) as amended) and with those of local school boards.  The parents of the students are fully responsible for ensuring they are in compliance with the statutes.  Proof of compliance may be requested by the Areté Christian Academy Board prior to admission.

Q:

A:

Since our co-op is not a school, we are not equipped to handle any behavioral or educational disabilities. Our co-op classes are in a more traditional classroom environment, even if the approach may not be traditional. We are parents, not trained professionals, and your child(ren) must be able to function in a traditional classroom environment.

If you are considering joining our co-op, please think honestly about your child and decide whether Areté is a good choice for them. 

Q:

A:

Parents understand that it is their role to act as their child's academic supervisor.   The parents are responsible for establishing a study schedule with their child, for checking to be sure that assignments are completed, for helping with time management for successful completion of long-term assignments, and for ensuring that their child comes on-time and prepared for class.  Areté Christian Academy is a co-operative program, not a private school.

As a homeschool co-operative, Areté Christian Academy needs the help of all our families in order to provide the best possible educational experience. Our parents provide another set of eyes on the campus, helping wherever needed. Families are asked to take turns serving at Areté throughout the year as parent volunteers. If there is a conflict, parents need to contact the volunteer directors. Parents who fail to fulfill this requirement will pay a $100 penalty per student before being allowed to enroll their student(s) for the next academic year. 

Q:

A:

Areté Christian Academy is committed to providing God-centered instruction with Christian distinctives. Areté Christian Academy is made up of a student body that is primarily from Christian families which share the vision and theological commitment of Areté.  While we are open to admitting students from families which may not share the Christian faith, all families must be willing to entrust their children to Areté for education and discipline which reflects Areté’s theological, educational, and moral convictions. Areté reserves the right to refuse admission to students whose parent(s), or whose own personal, spiritual, and moral life is inconsistent with biblical teachings, or which may compromise the spiritual testimony and educational ministry of Areté. 

Q:

A:

The parents or guardians and the student are required to meet with representatives of the Areté Christian Academy Board of Directors for an interview in order to be considered for enrollment.  Please contact the Registrar to schedule your appointment.  All Areté enrollment decisions are at the sole discretion of the Areté Christian Academy Board of Directors. New students will be informed of their acceptance/status by the Registrar.

Q:

A:

Yes. Graduations are held in May and are run by a volunteer committee of the parents of the seniors. Students that are homeschooled, but not enrolled in Arete, may graduate with us. Please contact the Board of Directors at aretemechanicsville@gmail.com to make a request and schedule an interview.

Q:

A:

Yes. Every tutor and approved substitutes have a background check on file with this co-op. This is done to ensure the safety of the students and families who participate.