Home School Compliance
Hearts Academy of Excellence needs assurance that the students taking tutorial classes are in compliance with the Homeschooling Laws of Alabama and Alabama School Attendance requirements, as well as the requirements of graduation.
Hearts Academy of Excellence requires that the:
Parent/Primary Home Educator (person instructing, evaluating progress, and grading the students’ work) hold a high school diploma or a general educational development (GED) diploma, and/or hires a Tutor who holds a high school diploma or a GED diploma.
Parent/Primary Home Educator sign a Declaration of Intent to Homeschool Form. It is recommended that you print a copy for your records.
Homework
Tutors will teach material in class two days per week, keep on-line syllabus up to date, and grade tests, quizzes, projects, etc. Parents will oversee and assist students with homework on alternate days and make sure their child understands what is being taught. Homework will be approximately 30-45 minutes per class on each day student is not in the classroom.Hearts Academy cannot be responsible for slow progress of students not attending class regularly and completing HW assignments.
Parent agrees to be responsible to oversee and/or help the child with assigned class work on days that the student does not attend classes at Hearts Academy of Excellence. **Alternate day tutoring are available these days if needed. Limited Space Available.
Parent agrees to be responsible to make sure the child’s homework is completed for the tutorial classes at the time indicated by the tutor and to check his/her records on the web-site daily. Tutors will not be able to check all home practice assignments for accuracy. Parents are encouraged to do this to determine that the student has a clear understanding of material.
Parent agrees to contact director if syllabi is not up to date or not visible so that it can be corrected as soon as possible.
Parent agrees to be responsible to administer tests that may be sent home by the tutor and return them on the assigned day for grading.
Parent is responsible to contact the tutor and/or director if the student is struggling or not being challenged to request additional help or resources. Parents and students are to make arrangements for late/missing homework. This is not the tutor responsibility.
It is highly recommended that parents obtain teacher’s editions of curriculum to check the child’s homework for accuracy and to help them study for tests. Please do not give your child access to these. We can help you order these through the resource center.
Grading and Attendance
Homework and test grades will be posted on the web-site for the parent’s use. The parent is encouraged to use these grades to determine how the student is performing. Parents are responsible for printing off student grade reports each semester. Grades can be printed of from Hearts Academy upon request of parent or guardian. Attendance is not required, but refunds will not be given for classes missed. Homework for days missed can be found on the syllabus on the web-site and /or parent may contact tutors via e-mail for other arrangements. Student Grade Reports are posted by Tutors and printed from site by the primary home educator. Hearts Academy cannot be responsible for slow progress of students not attending class regularly and completing HW assignments.
*Student Grade Reports are posted by Tutors and sent to parents at the end of each semester.
Communication
Communication is key to our success as a ministry, your success as a parent, and most importantly your child’s success. It is of utmost importance to us. Please use the e-mail addresses provided on the site and on the attached contact information page to notify us immediately of any questions or concerns or set an appointment with the director as soon as possible. We cannot fix a problem that we do not know exists, but we believe that exposure of any deficiencies within our ministry make way for innovation and improvement in our pursuit of excellence.
Parent agrees to be responsible to check the Hearts Academy Website daily for administrative and tutor communications such as absence, late homework notice, tardy notice, conduct notice, dress attire notice, etc. You will find updated Assignment/Syllabus, Grades, lunch options and updates from the Tutors on this site. This is absolutely necessary for you, as the Primary Home Educator, to chart your child’s progress. Please contact your childs teacher if you are unable to locate assignments, grades, important information in a timely manner.
Parent/Tutor Conferences: Parents are encouraged to meet with tutors mid-semester to discuss student progress. If your student is struggling, please do not wait until mid-semester. Please contact the tutor and/or director immediately so that we can make a plan for your student’s progress.
Notes of Concern
Fifth through twelfth grade students agree to work with tutors and administrators when a "Note of Concern" is issued. There are a variety of reasons for which a student may struggle. If a student is not completing homework, doing poorly on tests, has excessive absences or for any reason is in danger of failing or falling behind a note of concern is sent home which will offer recommendations or request an appointment with tutor(s) and/or administrators. We may recommend that students performing poorly should attend study hall/tutoring on a third day at the expense of the parent. A note of Concern is not meant to be punitive but will aid in admin/staff/parent communication to ensure child is getting necessary support for improved progress and success.