Southern Maryland Christian Academy General Information Sheet Welcome to Southern Maryland Christian Academy! We trust that you will find this information helpful as you consider enrolling your child at SMCA. ABOUT SMCA Since 1985, Southern Maryland Christian Academy has kept its conviction to bring strong, biblically-based Christian education to the Southern Maryland student body. SMCA’s vision is as strong today as it was in their beginning and it stands resolute to provide its students with the loving, godly education that they deserve. SMCA has always believed that education should be an extension of the family, and indeed, the school treats all of its students as though they are family. ACCREDITATION: SMCA is dually accredited through Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and Middle States Association of College and Schools (MSA). FACULTY: SMCA employs a qualified and caring teaching staff at every level of education. Each of our kindergarten through twelfth grade teachers has a bachelor or master’s degree and meets ACSI certification requirements. Most have taught at SMCA for many years. CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION: Grades kindergarten through fifth have self-contained classrooms with a low pupil/teacher ratio emphasizing a strong reading program through a phonics approach. Grades sixth through twelfth also have a low pupil/teacher ratio in middle/high school organization focusing on critical thinking skills and college preparatory skills. Each grade is assigned a homeroom teacher. Middle school students rotate in quarterly enrichment groups for classes such as Computer, Art, and Spanish. High school students select electives, including Art, Spanish, Computer Applications, Yearbook, and more, in addition to the required core classes. CURRICULUM: We use a broad range of traditional curricula. Our textbook selections are determined by the administration with input and recommendations from faculty. We use a combination of Christian and secular publishers. All selections are made with careful consideration of all materials fitting within the framework of our Christian philosophy of education. Please note a general list of textbooks below. Preschool (K2-K4) Bible: A Beka, Positive Action for Christ Language Arts: A Beka Mathematics: A Beka Science: A Beka Spanish, Music & PE: Independent Curriculum Elementary (K5-5th) Bible: A Beka and Positive Action for Christ Health: A Beka Language Arts: A Beka, Bob Jones University Mathematics: A Beka , Bob Jones University Science: Bob Jones University, A Beka History: A Beka Spanish, Music & PE: Independent Curriculum Secondary (6th-12th) Bible: Positive Action for Christ English, Science, History, and World Language: Bob Jones University Press Mathematics: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Individual Study and Electives: Accelerated Christian Education (ACE), and many others Advanced Online Electives: Sevenstar Academy PRESCHOOL: Through a warm, loving, and supportive environment, our preschool teachers interact with children in a safe family atmosphere of caring discipline. Students are taught an academic based curriculum that is designed to prepare them for our kindergarten program. The preschool academic and spiritual emphasis includes daily Bible classes, language arts instruction using a phonics approach, numbers, handwriting, and readiness skills. In order to qualify for our preschool program, a child must be the appropriate age by October 31st of that school year. K2 students must be two year olds in order to attend. Preschool Core Subjects Bible Language Development Numbers Reading Poetry Phonics Writing Skills Development Preschool Enrichment Subjects Music Arts Crafts Library Spanish Physical Education Center Time – Intro to Computers, Manipulatives, Creative Play, Story Time, Scissor Skills ELEMENTARY: Our elementary school program, covering kindergarten through fifth grade, expands the preschool academic vision. Elementary reinforces positive work habits while continuing to strengthen cognitive abilities and critical thinking, a foundation proven to have a positive effect on our students’ test and SAT scores. Elementary Core Daily Subjects Bible Phonics Language and language development Science Penmanship Phonics Mathematics Spelling Science History Reading Creative Writing and Critical Thinking Accelerated Reading Program Elementary Enrichment Courses Physical Education Music Spanish Computer Technology Lab Library Art Elementary students also participate in grade level drama productions and field trips Additional fine arts for elementary school students include instruction in band, keyboard, piano, guitar, drums, and violin. These classes are available for an additional fee. AFTERSCHOOL CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES: Elementary students can join the Junior Mustangs afterschool club. This program is offered to 1st-5th grade students and provides numerous fun and educational opportunities such as cheerleading, soccer, flag football, chess, Destination Imagination, science, cake decorating, etiquette and manners, dance troupe, and dealing with bullies. MIDDLE SCHOOL: The SMCA Bible integrated middle school program gives students in grades six through eight the opportunity to find their personal academic best. Middle school students build on the foundational concepts learned in elementary, while gaining proficiency in the study skills that will make them successful in high school. Seventh grade students take the TerraNova 3 standardized test. Enrichment Courses – Quarterly Rotation Middle School Core Daily Subjects 6th grade Bible Reading Language Arts Science History Math Course 1 or Honors Math Course 2 7th grade Bible English Life Science History Math Course 2 or Honors Pre-Algebra Physical Education & Health 8th grade Bible English Earth Science History Pre-Algebra or Honors Algebra I Physical Education & Health Computer Art Spanish Music Additional fine arts for middle school students include instruction in band, keyboard, piano, guitar, drums, and violin. These classes are available after school for an additional fee. Middle School Interscholastic Competitions, Conferences & Honor Society Qualifying middle school students have the opportunity to compete on the Spelling Bee team and the Math Olympics team, and to attend the ACSI Middle School Leadership Conferences. National Junior Honor Society for seventh and eighth students is by invitation, based on grades, community service, leadership and character. SPORTS: Our athletic program offers middle school students the chance to participate in a variety of competitive interscholastic sports. SMCA’s student athletes and coaches work together to create a positive environment designed to foster good sportsmanship and the development of Godly character. In addition to serving our on-campus student body, our athletic department also ministers to the local home school community by providing a limited number of openings on our sports teams for those students studying at home. Affiliations: Metro Independent School Athletic League (MISAL) member Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association (MPSSAA) non-member approved school Teams compete in Soccer, Cross Country, Basketball, Cheerleading, Track & Field, and Baseball AFTERSCHOOL CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES: Middle School students have an array of afterschool activities to keep them busy after school. Each day, students can attend free Help Class sessions with their teachers and also get involved in clubs such as: Chess, Art, Book, Robotics, Drama, and Bible Study. SCHOOL SOCIAL EVENTS: Throughout the school year, students are invited to social mixer events just for middle school. Such events include school dances, video game nights, Coffee House Night, bowling, campfire cookouts and more! HIGH SCHOOL: SMCA’s Bible-based high school curriculum equips students with the skills to be academically competitive in college and to think critically in the 21st century workplace. Christian teachers guide students to find their gifts that will lead them to the path God intends for them. 9th Grade Core Daily Subjects Bible Algebra1 or Honors Geometry English or Honors English Physical Science World History 10th Grade Core Daily Subjects Bible Geometry or Honors Algebra 2 English or Honors English Biology US History 11th Grade Core Daily Subjects Bible Algebra 2 or Honors Advanced Algebra/ Trigonometry English or Honors English or AP English Literature Chemistry Government LSN 12th Grade Core Daily Subjects Bible Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry or Calculus English or Honors English or AP English Literature Physics Life Skills Resource Center: Students may qualify to take classes in the Resource Center to enhance individual skills by studying a unique curriculum at a slower pace, completing a course using the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) program, or taking an advanced online course. Electives: Spanish 1, Spanish 2, PE/Health, Advanced PE, Drama, Computer Applications, Yearbook, Teacher Aide, Office Aide, Art, Calculus, AP Human Geography, Physics, or nearly 100 Online Classes, including AP and Dual Credit College courses (College of Southern Maryland) Standardized Testing: Standardized Testing: Standardized Testing: Standardized Testing: Terra Nova 3 PLAN (pre-ACT) PSAT (pre-SAT) Optional: Optional: Advanced Placement Advanced Placement *Seniors may be eligible for an internship or half-day college waiver, earning college credits through the Dual Credit Program at the College of Southern Maryland for 50% cost on college tuition. Additional fine arts for high school students include instruction in band, keyboard, piano, guitar, drums, and violin. These classes are available after school for an additional fee. LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Elected Student Government Association (SGA) officers help to organize special events, trips, chapels, and retreats. Qualifying high school students are given the opportunity to attend the annual overnight ACSI Leadership Conference. National Honor Society for high school students at SMCA is by invitation and is based on grades, community service, leadership and character. SPORTS: Our athletic program offers high school students the chance to participate in a variety of highly competitive interscholastic sports. SMCA’s student athletes and coaches work together to create a positive environment designed to foster good sportsmanship and the development of Godly character. In addition to serving our on-campus student body, our athletic department also ministers to the local home school community by providing a limited number of openings on our sports teams for those students studying at home. Affiliations: Metro Independent School Athletic League (MISAL) member Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association (MPSSAA) non-member approved school Teams compete in Soccer, Cross Country, Basketball, Cheerleading, Track & Field, and Baseball HIGH SCHOOL Cont.: AFTERSCHOOL CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES: High School students have an array of afterschool activities to keep them busy after school. Each day, students can attend free Help Class sessions with their teachers and also get involved in clubs such as: Newspaper, Chess, Art, Book, Robotics, Drama, and Bible Study. SCHOOL SOCIAL EVENTS: Throughout the school year, students are invited to social mixer events just for high school. Such events include school dances (casual, semi-formal, formal), video game nights, Coffee House Night, bowling, campfire cookouts and more! GENERAL INFORMATION: LEARNING MANAGEMENT AND NOTIFICATION SYSTEM: Parents are kept informed through Renweb, a web-based school management system that includes parent emails, live progress reports, homework assignments, behavior notes, lunch accounts, attendance, report cards, library accounts, school calendar, and more! Important information and emergency information is distributed via Parent Alert cell phone texts, voicemail, and emails. DISCIPLINE: Our goal at SMCA is to develop intelligent Christian students who have a Christ-honoring attitude in each area of their lives. As we all know, little would be accomplished academically and spiritually to meet this goal without organized, disciplined, and quiet classrooms. Teachers are encouraged to work toward this goal using a variety of positive reinforcement techniques throughout the year. A color-coded behavior system for Elementary and a Demerit System for Middle School and High School are used. Both systems are designed to not punish, but lead to correction. The administration reserves the right to permanently expel a student if the above corrective measures have failed and student misconduct persists. LUNCH: Students may bring lunches or may purchase lunches offered from different restaurants daily. SCHOOL HOURS: Secondary School starts at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 2:25 p.m.; Elementary School starts at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 2:40 p.m. Extended care is available before school (6:00 to 8:00 a.m.) and after school (3:00 to 6:00 p.m.) for an additional cost. UNIFORM DRESS CODE: Students at SMCA are required to wear uniforms. Our uniform supplier is Lands’ End. To have as much uniformity as possible we require that you purchase all uniform items from Lands’ End. STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: The Southern Maryland Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, athletics or other school-administered programs. Why Christian Education? By Maureen Gaines Biblical Foundation The Holy Scriptures are very clear that the responsibility of educating children rests solely with the child’s parents. Deuteronomy 6:5-8 tells parents that they are to instruct their children in the things of the Lord and that they are to integrate their instruction in all areas of their child’s life. As Christian educators we believe that Christian schools act “en loco parentis” which is the Latin term which means “in the place of parents”. During the course of the average school day Christian schools are integrating God’s truth into all areas of study the children are exposed to. Public Schools as a “Non-Religious” Alternative? It is a myth that public schools are non-religious institutions. Many a parent has bought the myth that public schools simply exist as “educational institutions” and that they are neutral in all religious aspects. Wrong. There is absolutely no neutrality when it comes to religious philosophy and public education. Humanism (the basic belief that man is his own source of truth) along with many other ungodly philosophies flourish in the public school system. In fact, Humanism declared itself as a bonafide religion in the 1930’s. Humanistic philosophy is integrated into all aspects of public education. Children are robbed of the knowledge that Jesus Christ embodies all truth and they are taught anti-Biblical thought. Another good reason why public schools are not a good alternative for education is the impact that teachers have upon their student’s lives. There are many, good, Christian teachers who devote their lives to ministering to children in the public sector. Praise God for their diligence and missionary work. However, the majority of teachers who work in the public school system do not profess to love God and the influence that they have upon their students is not scriptural. Jesus tells us in Luke 6:40, “A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher”. Who do you want your children to be like? As Christian educators we believe that students should be like Christian teachers who love God and know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Christian teachers give their students advice from a biblical basis and refer students to God’s word for answers to life’s questions. The Issue of Sheltering Children Some Christian parents have accused Christian schools of sheltering children from the “real world”. As Christian educators we beg to differ and point out that the “real world” is where God is the focal point. The “real world” these parents are referring to is absent and devoid of the full recognition of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We also take point with the term “sheltering”. Since when did the term “sheltering” take on a negative connotation? We would like to suggest the greenhouse as a good example of biblical sheltering. The greenhouse exists to nurture plants that are unable to survive in the “harsh” environment of the real world. Sheltering takes place by carefully attending to the precious plants until they are ready to function to their fullest ability in the “real world”. Final Conclusions Christian schools exist to help parents train up their children in the things of the Lord. They also exist to guide children to God’s truth as it exists in the academic realm. There is no such thing as the perfect Christian school for they are administered by imperfect people who are sinful; however, we believe that they are a biblical alternative for parents who are seeking academic excellence for their children’s education. Please make it a matter of prayer as you consider the grave responsibility you have to educate your children. Southern Maryland Christian Academy Statement of Philosophy “In whom (Christ) are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3 “But to us there is but one God, the Father of whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him.” I Corinthians 8:6 “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things and by Him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17 The education process is dependent upon certain basic philosophies to provide the right viewpoint. These basic truths are the principles for interpreting the facts encountered in life and the study of all subject matter. We believe that the foundational concepts are: 1. God is the creator and sustainer of all things and the source of all truth. 2. God maintains control over His entire universe. 3. True meanings and values can be ascertained only in the light of His person, purpose and work. 4. Since all truth extends from God and the person of Jesus Christ, all truth must be obtained from a Christ-centered position. Southern Maryland Christian Academy, fully trusting the power of God, has set itself to the task of teaching children a proper relationship with God. This teaching is concerned not only with the counselors of God revealed in His word, but also in the counsels revealed in His World. We desire to teach that all truth is God’s truth and Jesus Christ is central in all truth; again, not simply in Word, but in history, in geography, in music, in the arts and in all disciplines of life. Southern Maryland Christian Academy Statement of Faith WE BELIEVE: That “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, - by which we understand the whole book called THE BIBLE: that it is inerrant in the original writing and that its teaching and authority are absolute, supreme and final; that the Holy Spirit guided the holy men of old in all that they wrote. The Godhead eternally exits in three persons—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God, having the same nature, attributes and perfection. In the Personality and Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, begotten of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, truly God and truly man. That man was created in the image of God, after His likeness, as stated in the word of God, but the whole human race fell in the fall of the first Adam. Not only was his moral nature grievously injured by the fall but also he totally lost all spiritual life, becoming dead in trespasses and sins, and subject to the power of the devil. “The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Therefore, he cannot enter the kingdom of God until he is born again by the Holy Spirit. That Jesus Christ became the sinner’s substitute before God, and died as a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. In the resurrection of the crucified body of Jesus Christ: that His body was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures, and that He ascended into Heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God as the believer’s high priest and advocate. That Christ in the fullness of the blessings He has secured by His death and resurrection is received by faith alone, and that the moment we trust in Him as Saviour, we pass out of death into everlasting life. At the time of acceptance of Christ as Saviour, He comes to dwell within the believer and to live out His life of holiness and power through Him. That the Church is composed of all those who truly believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. It is the body and bride of Christ. Every believer, whether Jew or Gentile, is baptized into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit, and having become members of one another we are responsible to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond peace, rising above all sectarian prejudices and denominational bigotry and loving one another with a pure heart. That all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ are called into a life of separation from worldly and sinful practices. In the evangelization of the world, that the supreme mission of the people of God in this age is to preach the Gospel to every creature. That special emphasis should be placed upon the evangelization of children. In the personal return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that the coming again of Jesus Christ is the “Blessed Hope” set before us, for which we should be constantly looking. Our citizenship is in Heaven from whence we look for the Saviour. That the souls of those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus for salvation do at death immediately pass into His presence, and there remain in conscious bliss until the resurrection of the body at His coming, when soul and body shall be reunited with Him forever in glory. That the souls of the lost remain after death in misery until the final judgment of the great white throne. In the reality and personality of Satan, “that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.” That marriage is God-ordained and the biblical institution of marriage is, as the Bible teaches, for one man to be married to one woman. That God’s order for holy matrimony is between God, a man, and his wife; for the establishment of the individual family unit in human society. Southern Maryland Christian Academy Application Procedures for New Students An incomplete application will not be processed until all items are received. 1. Complete, sign and return the Application Forms in this packet. (3 pages) 2. Include a copy of: • Transcript of grades from previous school (Grades 6-12) • Most recent report card (Grades Kindergarten – 5th) 3. Include a copy of your child’s birth certificate. 4. Include a copy of your child’s (most current) immunization records. 5. Attach a letter of recommendation from a Pastor or role model, someone other than parent. 6. Include a check, cash or money order for $30 made payable to SMCA. This fee is not refundable. Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received, only after all procedures have been followed and all paperwork has been submitted. 7. Include a copy of a recent photograph (not returnable). This will be used for identification & safety purposes. 8. Include any educational, psychological or other test results (i.e. IEP evaluations) that may be pertinent. Southern Maryland Christian Academy 9805 Faith Baptist Church Road P.O. Box 1668, White Plains, Maryland 20695 301-870-2550 www.SouthernMarylandChristianAcademy.com Application for Admission For Office Use Only: Date Received: _________ Date Accepted: _________ Date to Start: ___________ App Fee Paid: Check # ______ Cash ______ ___BC ___ Transcripts ___ Photo ___Shot ___Report Card ___ Ltr of Rec Please furnish all appropriate information. Please type or use black ink. One form per child. STUDENT INFORMATION Student’s Legal Name (Found on Birth Certificate): ______________________________________DOB*: ___________ Place of Birth: ____________________________ Grade Applying For: ____________ Date To Begin: ____________ Home Address: ______________________________________City: _________________State: _________Zip: ______ Home Phone: ________________________________ Neighborhood: ________________________________________ School/Daycare Last Attended: _______________________________________________________________________ Reason for Withdrawal: _____________________________________________________________________________ How did you become interested in SMCA? (circle) internet mailing newspaper relative friend other: ________ *Preschool and kindergarten children must be the appropriate age by October 31st of that school year PARENT INFORMATION Natural mother is: ( ) at child’s address; ( ) deceased; ( ) separated; ( ) divorced; ( ) single Natural father is: ( ) at child’s address; ( ) deceased; ( ) separated; ( ) divorced; ( ) single If divorced, who has legal custody for decision making? ( ) Joint ( ) Father ( ) Mother Check all that apply: (An official, complete copy of the most recent custodial court documentation is required for enrollment) Father’s Name _______________________________________ Home Phone: _________________________________ Home Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Employer: ___________________________________Work Address: ________________________________________ Work Phone: __________________________________ Job Title: ___________________________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Cell Phone/Pager: ________________________________________________ Mother’s Name _________________________________________Home Phone: _______________________________ Home Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Employer: _____________________________________Work Address: ______________________________________ Work Phone: ___________________________________ Job Title: __________________________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Cell Phone/Pager: ________________________________________________ If there are other children in your family, please complete the following: Name _______________________________________ Grade _________________ School _______________________ Name _______________________________________ Grade _________________ School _______________________ (1 of 3 pages) Southern Maryland Christian Academy 9805 Faith Baptist Church Road P.O. Box 1668, White Plains, Maryland 20695 301-870-2550 www.SouthernMarylandChristianAcademy.com Application for Admission SPIRITUAL BACKGROUND Church attending: _____________________________________ Pastor’s Name: ________________________ What is the frequency of your family’s attendance: ( ) Weekly ( ) Frequently ( ) Infrequently Please explain the involvement of your family in local church. Please explain your reasons for choosing Christian education for your child. Explain your reasons for choosing Southern Maryland Christian Academy as the education choice for your student. Are both parents in agreement on enrollment? If not, please explain. Statement of Non-Discrimination The Southern Maryland Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, athletics or other school-administered programs. This information is true, correct, and complete to the best of my (our) knowledge. Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _________________ (2 of 3 pages) Application for Admission MEDICAL AND EDUCATIONAL NEEDS EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Repeated a grade Check one: ( ) No ( ) Yes Has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan), 504, ILP, or Service Plan ( ) No ( ) Yes Diagnosed attention problems Diagnosed learning disability Received accommodations or modification in the classroom Received academic remediation or tutorial assistance Received speech therapy Other BEHAVIORAL NEEDS Has been suspended from school Has been expelled from school Has been asked to withdraw from school Has a criminal or court record Has been/is currently on probation Other MEDICAL/PHYSICAL NEEDS Medical condition or specific health need Student will need to visit the school health office for medicine/medical procedure on regular basis Medical condition that may be life threatening Psychological/Emotional need Takes regular prescription medication Has allergies Been pregnant, has/had a child, or fathered/has a child Other ( ) No ( ) No ( ) No ( ) Yes ( ) Yes ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Yes Check one: ( ) No ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Yes Check one: ( ) No ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) No ( ) Yes ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) No ( ) Yes ( ) Yes ( ) No ( ) Yes If yes, explain: Submit all IEP and official documents regarding these If yes, explain: If yes, explain: SMCA will not automatically deny a student based upon the information provided; however, providing false information and/or omitting information may result in denial or expulsion. The parent/guardian must present the most recent IEP, or other learning plans, for administrative review prior to the parent/student interview. Use additional paper for detailed explanations. To the best of my knowledge, the above information is accurate and true. Signature of Legal Custodial Parent/Guardian: _________________________________ Date: __________ (3 of 3 pages)