Understanding the Tuition Cost at Founders Academy

Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision for any family. Founders Academy, with its classical education model, is an attractive option for many. Understanding the financial aspect is crucial when considering enrollment. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of tuition costs and related financial aspects associated with Founders Academy.

The Charter School Model: Providing Choice and Accountability

Founders Academy operates under a charter school model, offering an alternative to traditional public schools. Charter schools are public schools granted increased autonomy in exchange for strong accountability. These schools operate under a charter, or contract, with an authorizing body, such as the Texas Education Agency or the Arkansas Department of Education. This means they must adhere to the same academic, financial, and operational standards as traditional public schools.

A key feature of charter schools is their open-enrollment policy. This allows students to attend regardless of their home school zone, providing families with greater choice in selecting a school that aligns with their child's educational needs and values. Charter schools were established to offer families public school alternatives that foster innovation and accountability.

Founders Classical Academies operates across Texas and Arkansas, with 22 campuses dedicated to academic excellence and character formation through classical education.

Is Founders Academy Tuition-Free?

Founders Academy is a public charter school, and one of its defining characteristics is that it does not charge tuition. Enrollment is free for residents of New Hampshire, making it an accessible option for families seeking a classical education without the financial burden of private schooling. Similarly, Founders Classical Academy Online is a public school, therefore there is no tuition associated with enrollment.

What Does "Tuition-Free" Really Mean?

While Founders Academy does not charge tuition, it's important to understand what this entails. "Tuition-free" means that the core educational program is provided without cost to families. However, like most schools, there may be nominal fees associated with certain activities or materials. These fees are typically minimal and cover specific items such as:

Extracurricular Activities: Participation in clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities may involve fees to cover equipment, uniforms, or travel expenses.
Enrichment Programs: Specialized enrichment programs, such as advanced workshops or field trips, may have associated costs.
Materials and Supplies: While basic school supplies are usually the responsibility of the parents, there might be specific materials required for certain courses that incur a small fee.

It's crucial to check with the school directly for a detailed breakdown of any potential fees to factor them into your budget.

The Curriculum and Educational Philosophy

Founders Academy distinguishes itself through its emphasis on a classical education. This approach focuses on developing well-rounded individuals with a strong foundation in core academic subjects and character development. The curriculum is built upon the framework of the Core Knowledge Sequence, created by E.D. Hirsch to provide a common heritage of knowledge.

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

The middle school curriculum is rich in content and aligned with the goals of Founders Academy. It lays the groundwork for a thorough examination of liberty, which is undertaken in high school. American history is studied in depth beginning in sixth grade, in history classes and across the curriculum. The program is designed to equip students with a thorough understanding and appreciation of our nation's rich heritage. Geography study, research, and oral and written communication skills are integral curriculum components.

High School

Building on the foundation of content knowledge taught in middle school, high school students delve into the evolution of liberty through primary texts and classical literature. They learn to develop arguments and express themselves eloquently. The lives of great men and women in various fields are studied, analyzing their contributions and characters as models of leadership. World history is studied in depth beginning in sixth grade, in history classes and across the curriculum. Students examine humanity's enduring ideas, from ancient civilizations through the modern era. Our focus is on building deep appreciation for the people, values, and ideas involved in the development of the concept and practice of liberty. Geography study, research, and oral and written communication skills are integral curriculum components.

Classical literature is an important element of the TFA education. Beginning in middle school, students analyze and enjoy the works of literary giants including Homer, Shakespeare, and Rostand. American literature provides a window into the development of the American experience. At TFA, we begin this fascinating study in sixth grade and continue through Grade 12. Authors and poets studied are numerous and include Hawthorne, Franklin, Twain, Lee, Dickinson, Longfellow, and Poe. Great works abound and include American writers from our nation's founding to today. Reading instruction is designed to develop students' abilities to engage in the Great Conversation with writers, thinkers, and leaders from throughout history. Our program is built around careful reading and analyzing of great literature, speeches and source documents across multiple curriculum areas.

Character Development and Leadership

Developing personal character is a cornerstone of the Founders Academy program. Character is taught across the curriculum, in core classes, electives, extracurricular activities, and in dedicated character seminars. Honesty, courage, integrity, diligence, responsibility, and respect are character qualities examined in the lives of others and strived to be developed in themselves. The theme of leadership is explored across the curriculum and throughout all aspects of school life. Personal and community responsibilities, school government, community involvement beyond school walls, and a senior project that promotes entrepreneurship and innovation offer multiple opportunities to develop qualities of creativity, responsibility, and self-regulation.

Language and Arts

TFA prizes the ability to speak and write well as hallmarks of an outstanding classical education. The program emphasizes the development of these skills across all curriculum areas. Extensive work in grammar, vocabulary, research skills, and mechanics provides the framework for exploring all genres of writing. Students examine great works as models for their own writing, learning from the best. They are taught to distinguish creative writing from expository, and to express themselves eloquently in both forms. Imaginative work includes narratives, poetry, memoirs, and drama; assigned essays describe, explain, persuade, compare and contrast. Each of these genres is taught, practiced, revised, and shared. Letter writing, in its many forms, is another important component of the program. Research and study skills are emphasized, and students learn to integrate these skills as they prepare and present research papers in varied subject areas. Active citizens and leaders, in whatever field, must be experienced and articulate speakers. The opportunity to practice oral skills occurs throughout the curriculum and in special classes devoted to rhetoric and debate. The goal is every student poised, articulate and interesting in oral discussions, debates and presentations. TFA plans to offer visual and theater arts electives. TFA plans to offer several areas of study for music, including band, orchestra, and choir singing. TFA offers foreign languages to all students. The study of French is mandatory, beginning in sixth grade. Latin, Spanish, French, and German and other languages may be offered based on demand and availability.

Math and Science

TFA utilizes the successful Saxon math program. Saxon mathematics is based on the teaching principles of incremental development, continual practice and review, and cumulative assessment. Saxon Math for middle grades transitions students from manipulatives and worksheets to a textbook approach. The emphasis in the middle grades is on developing algebraic reasoning as well as geometric concepts. Lessons include a new concept plus a review of previous concepts, and Investigations give students a more in-depth treatment of math concepts. Saxon's high school texts prepare students for college and beyond.

The Academy's rigorous science curriculum further equips students to become active participants in the democratic process. Sharing the excitement of scientific exploration and discovery, the program prepares students to make informed, ethical decisions on socio-scientific issues. Students examine the lives, ideas, successes, and struggles of scientists, learning to "stand on the shoulders of giants" as they investigate our natural world and consider solutions for protecting our planet, our nation, and ourselves. Reading, lecture, discussion, lab work, and writing are central instructional tools. Mathematical skills and technology are critical to success in science, and students are supported and instructed in these areas as well.

Admission and Enrollment

Admission to Founders Academy is typically determined through a lottery system. This process helps ensure fairness and equal access to all prospective students. Preference may be given to siblings of current students and children of employees. The Founders Academy is an open enrollment, public charter school serving grades 5-12. New Hampshire applicants who meet the schoolâs admission criteria may apply. The school may accept out-of-state applicants at a fee to be set annually, on a space-available basis. Enrollment is open to all applicants who legally reside in the State of New Hampshire. The Founders Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, national / ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, or disability in its programs, activities, admissions and employment practices.

Required Documents

When enrolling your child, you will typically need to provide the following documents:

Copy of your childâs birth certificate (official or hospital-issued) showing the childâs legal name, place and date of birth, and legal guardian(s).
A copy of the parentâs Texas Driverâs License is acceptable proof of residency. Documentation that proves the residency of the student and his/her primary parent/legal guardian. When the child lives with the legal guardian and the proof of residency documentation is in the legal guardianâs name any one of these documents is accepted.
- Utility Bill (electric, gas, water, or sewer); Resident name and property address must appear on the bill; Must be dated within 90 days of enrollment.
- An Affidavit of Residency must be completed in the presence of a Notary Public.

Additional Resources and Support

Founders Academy often relies on the support of dedicated volunteers. Getting involved can be done in two ways: viewing individual volunteer needs as posted by teachers and staff, or joining a team or committee.

Founders Classical Online Academy currently enrolls grades K-9. The school offers the opportunity for each family to request a loaned computer at no expense. The very nature of an online program can allow for acceleration.

Academic Performance and Achievements

Founders Academy maintains high academic standards, with students consistently achieving proficiency levels above their current grade. The school's commitment to classical education is reflected in its strong academic performance metrics. TFA will participate in testing as required by the state of New Hampshire. The school may choose to participate in additional testing programs as well.

Addressing Individual Needs

Founders Academy is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. The school offers special education services and accommodations to meet the diverse needs of students.

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