The Family Schools Program ("FSP") is an MSDE-approved homeschool umbrella in Gaithersburg, MD for Christian homeschooling families in Montgomery County, MD and surrounding counties. FSP is a ministry of Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, MD.

This application is for the 2026-27 school year for new families who would like to apply for acceptance into Covenant Life Church's Family Schools Program. This application does not guarantee final enrollment, but provides necessary information in determining acceptance. All the information on this application will be held in confidence by the Family Schools Program director and pastor.

Upon submission of the application, the FSP director will contact you to schedule the new family interview, which is required for admittance into the umbrella.

The FSP Tuition tiers for the 2025-2026 school year are as follows, based on the grade level of the oldest child enrolled. Amounts listed are the fee per family, not per child. Payment can be made via check or credit card after your official acceptance into the program:

Oldest child in K-5th grade: $200/year 
Oldest child in 6th-8th: $300/year
Oldest child in 9th-12th: $375/year for families with one 9th-12th student, plus $50 for additional 9th-12th students in the family (e.g. fee for family with one 9th-12th student is $375, fee for family with two 9th 12th students is $425, etc.) 

Family Schools Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or programs. Family Schools Program admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all programs and activities with the same rights and privileges as all students in the program.

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FSP requires that homeschooling families attend a local church and be members in good standing.

Pastor's Recommendation: FSP requires that your pastor provide a brief paragraph stating how long s/he has known your family and why s/he can recommend your family to participate in the Family Schools Program. Pastoral recommendations are required as part of the application process, and can be emailed by the pastor directly to lchinn@covlife.org. FSP administration can also use the contact information provided to request a recommendation from a pastor directly.

If applicable, list any of your children's school experience prior to homeschooling:

Please answer the following questions for the children you wish to enroll. If you answer YES to any question, use the "additional comments" space at the end to provide relevant information (including student's name).

Have any of your children who are applying for FSP enrollment...

Covenant Life Family Schools Program Agreement Form

We, the parents of the students listed on this application, have applied to the Covenant Life Family Schools Program (FSP), a bona fide church ministry of Covenant Life Church created under the provisions of the State of Maryland’s COMAR 13A.10.01.05. By signing this document, we agree to the following:

1. We have access to the Family Schools Program’s current handbook and agree to abide by the policies set forth in the handbook;

2. We agree to diligently teach our children on a regular, thorough basis, understanding that we, the parents, are fully responsible for the education of our children;

3. We agree to maintain student work and to submit to recordkeeping and review procedures designed to verify our homeschool’s operation, and we understand that we need to maintain minimum standards to be eligible for continuance in the Family Schools Program;

4. We will submit all required records and payments to Covenant Life Church Family Schools Program in a punctual and efficient manner;

5. We understand that if we transfer our child(ren) out of this ministry during the elementary and middle grades that no transfer/transcript will be made available, but reviewer records may be copied, and that public and private schools may test students upon entry into their institution;

6. We understand that a high school transcript will be released upon request of the parents, but the acceptance of the credits is at the discretion of the receiving institution;

7. We understand that our child will not receive a diploma issued by the State of Maryland if he/she is homeschooled through graduation. Our child will receive a diploma issued by the Covenant Life Family Schools Program if he/she completes graduation requirements. Acceptance of this diploma is at the discretion of the receiving institution;

8. We acknowledge that FSP cannot provide legal counsel regarding homeschooling, and it is our responsibility to be informed of current laws regarding homeschooling pursuant to MD COMAR 13A.10.01.01-05;

9. We understand that at least one parent is expected to maintain minimum membership standards, including communicating with reviewers and FSP staff in a timely manner and attending mandatory meetings;

10. We profess the Lord Jesus Christ and acknowledge that we are active members of a local Christian church , under pastoral authority.

By signing this form, I affirm that the primary guardian has read and agreed to the FSP Program Agreement Form ("PAF"). I understand that agreement and adherence to the PAF is a requirement for admittance, and must be re-affirmed with a new signature each year that I am part of the Family Schools Program.