Atlantic Collegiate Academy: Tuition, Financial Aid, and Educational Excellence
Atlantic Collegiate Academy (ACA) in Conway, South Carolina, offers high school students a unique opportunity to pursue a rigorous curriculum, achieve high academic standards, and participate in elite athletics, all while earning up to two years of college credit. ACA emphasizes a safe, small, and family-centered setting, fostering a culture of success.
A Strong Start: Academic Achievement and School Culture
ACA opened its doors in August 2023, operating out of Beach Church in Myrtle Beach during its inaugural year. The school has already demonstrated a commitment to excellence, earning good ratings for Academic Achievement and High School Student Success on the South Carolina School Report Cards. Principal Mike Lorenz noted that receiving an "Excellent" score on the South Carolina report card in the first year is amazing, and it truly takes a team effort from the students, teachers, staff, coaches, and parents. The school fosters a culture in which students enjoy coming to school to learn.
Understanding Tuition and Financial Aid
Navigating the costs associated with private education is a significant consideration for families. While specific tuition figures for Atlantic Collegiate Academy are not provided here, understanding the available financial aid options is crucial.
Need-Based Financial Aid
ACA recognizes that families have varying financial circumstances and offers need-based financial aid. This aid is determined using a federal formula that primarily assesses a family's ability to contribute to their child's education.
FAFSA: The Gateway to Federal Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical form for accessing federal loans and college work-study programs. Most colleges use the FAFSA as their primary financial aid application.
Read also: Florida Atlantic University Dates
CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE
Some institutions may require the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE, a supplemental aid application administered by the College Board. This form involves registration and processing fees for each college application. It is recommended to complete the PROFILE early in the application cycle, following the specific financial aid requirements of each college.
Net Price Calculators
Families can utilize Net Price Calculators to estimate the potential cost of college attendance based on their individual financial situation. The U.S. Department of Education provides resources and information on these calculators.
South Carolina Financial Aid Opportunities
South Carolina offers several need-based and merit-based scholarships and grants to support students pursuing higher education. However, eligibility for these state-funded programs requires proof of residency in South Carolina. Military families may also qualify for need-based state aid.
Scholarship Opportunities
Beyond need-based aid, numerous scholarship opportunities can help offset the cost of tuition. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines. Here are a few examples:
American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship: Sponsored by the American Fire Sprinkler Association, this scholarship requires students to read an essay and complete an online form with questions about the essay.
Read also: PBAU Academic Programs
Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests: These contests require students to submit an essay on a topic related to Atlas Shrugged or The Fountainhead. The grand prize includes a scholarship and a summer program at the Constitutional Academy in Washington, DC.
Bryan Cameron Education Foundation Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards full tuition to exceptional high school students who demonstrate excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program: The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards college scholarships to high school students across the United States. Applicants must meet specific age requirements.
Cyberbullying Prevention Scholarship: This scholarship requires students to submit an essay on efforts to reduce cyberbullying.
DoSomething.org Scholarships: These scholarships reward young people for their social change efforts in their communities. Students must complete a task and upload a photo to be considered.
Read also: The History of Stockton University
Heisman High School Scholarship: This scholarship is for scholar-athletes who submit a video essay responding to a specified prompt.
Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships: These scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated significant effort to provide solutions towards ending hunger in their communities. The winner receives full tuition and stipends for up to 10 semesters.
The Archibald Rutledge Scholarship Program: This program offers twelfth-grade students in South Carolina public schools the opportunity to compete for a scholarship in creative writing, dance, music, theater, or visual arts.
Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship: This scholarship is for racial or ethnic minority students planning to enroll in full-time post-secondary study in specific states. Applicants must submit a personal statement.
Gordon Hay Scholarship: This scholarship is for Charlotte, NC-area high school seniors, college freshmen, or sophomores pursuing a non-performing career in theater.
James F. Byrnes Scholarship: Awarded to South Carolina high school seniors, applicants must be South Carolina residents enrolled in a South Carolina high school, have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0, have a combined SAT score of at least a 1100 or a minimum ACT composite of 26, and be planning to attend a college or university located in South Carolina.
L. Phil and Alice J. Wicker Scholarship: This scholarship is for students in the ARRL Roanoke Division (North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia) who hold an Active General Class license (one of three types of US Amateur Radio licenses) or higher and are studying electronics, communications, or a related field at the Bachelor's level or higher.
Nurses Care Scholarship: This scholarship is for undergraduate and graduate students who plan to seek employment in South Carolina after graduation. Two letters of recommendation are required.
Region J: Northwest Star Legacy Scholarship: This scholarship is for SWE members in any engineering, technology, or computing major attending universities or colleges in legacy Region J boundaries.
Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest: This contest awards scholarships to Black, college-bound high school seniors or current college students enrolled in an accredited university. Applicants must submit an essay or video about a Black American individual who has inspired them.
South Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship: Four scholarships are awarded annually to South Carolina high school students who plan to attend a South Carolina college or university. Applicants must include an essay and two letters of recommendation.
Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship: This scholarship is open to female post-secondary students pursuing a STEM degree and interested in a career in STEM at an institution in a southern state.
Sunshine Opportunity Scholarships: Offered by the Godbold Foundation, these scholarships help high-achieving students with financial need afford to pay for college at public universities in Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina.
South Carolina Jr. Civitan Foundation Scholarship: To be eligible, students must be SC residents, high school seniors and attend a college or university in the state of South Carolina.
Wallace F. Pate Scholarship: Funded by the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, this scholarship awards $2,500 to one South Carolina high school senior who plans to attend an in-state university to study a wildlife or environment-related field.
Montreat College Honors Program Scholarships: Montreat College awards scholarships to new students in the Honors Program, in addition to other earned merit scholarships.
Important Policies and Procedures
ACA has established several policies and procedures to ensure a safe and productive learning environment. These policies cover various aspects of student life, including attendance, visitor management, student driving, and medication administration.
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is crucial for academic success at ACA, given the rigorous curriculum and high academic standards. Absences will be verified, and may be excused for reasons such as illness, family emergency, funeral, legal matter, and religious holiday. Students are responsible for completing missed work within a specified timeframe. Excessive tardiness will result in disciplinary action.
Visitor Policy
To ensure the safety and security of students and staff, ACA has a strict visitor policy. All visitors must report to the Main Office, state their business, and present a government-issued picture ID to obtain a visitor's badge. Visitors who do not follow this protocol are subject to arrest.
Student Driver Policy
Driving to school is considered a privilege, and students who drive their own vehicles must comply with specific rules. Students must register their vehicles annually and provide relevant information, including their driver's license number, insurance policy details, and vehicle information. The school may search student vehicles if there is reason to believe a student is violating school policies or laws.
Medication Administration Policy
ACA does not have a full-time nurse on staff, so the main office staff members serve as the health center point of contact. Medication will be administered during school hours only if deemed necessary by a physician. Parents/guardians must provide ACA with a completed "Doctor's Order for Medication and Procedure Form" for prescription medications. Students may keep inhalers and certain over-the-counter medicines in their possession, but sharing medications is prohibited.
Academic Integrity
ACA students are expected to uphold a high standard of academic integrity. Violations of the Code of Academic Integrity, such as plagiarism and cheating, will not be tolerated.
tags: #atlantic #collegiate #academy #tuition
