Frequently Asked Questions

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Magnolia Community Academy presently caters to students ranging from Transitional Kindergarten to 5th grade for the academic term of 2024-2025. Our institution aims to progressively increase the grade levels offered and extend our facilities in accordance with the requirements of our student body. 

 Our early education and elementary classes will take place on-site at Magnolia Community Academy, which is situated on a serene 4.5-acre property. students will hold classes in an almost 6,000 square foot home that is designed to be cozy and welcoming to learners of all ages. We believe that a student’s environment should be conducive to learning and help students feel at ease.

Magnolia Community Academy operates within the regulatory framework established by the BESE private and homeschool laws. Notably, Louisiana does not mandate accreditation or licensing for non-public schools. The academy functions as an external homeschooling program that adopts the approved homestudy program model, ensuring compliance with state educational standards. Comprehensive record-keeping is diligently maintained to substantiate the student's educational progress, resembling the documentation expected from any local non-public institution. Annually, MCA furnishes students with a portfolio encompassing attendance records, immunization documentation, a comprehensive list of utilized educational materials, samples of coursework, relevant assessments, and an evaluation by a certified teacher attesting to the child's proficiency at their grade level. Moreover, standardized testing is available should parents choose to include their child in this evaluation process.

 Is structured education the way to go? The answer is both yes and no. Our approach involves establishing a daily routine and providing guidance to students through their teacher. However, we also believe in the importance of flexibility. We trust our educators to have the creativity and expertise necessary to meet our vision for the students,

It is imperative for our program to emphasize personalized education and uphold a low student-to-teacher ratio. To accomplish this, we cap each "pod" at a maximum of ten full-time students, organized based on age and academic requirements. Our approach ensures that each child's academic potential is met, regardless of their grade level. 

We reject the notion of restricting learning to a specific grade level, as we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our mission is to provide personalized education that caters to each student's unique needs and abilities, from those who need extra help to those who excel academically. This year, we are accepting a total of twenty students for the elementary program.

We have a structured tuition for families depending on how many children are attending per family. 

Full-time attendance for students in TK-5th grade amounts to $6,710 per student, with reduced rates offered for siblings. Homeschool hybrid students in the same grade range attending on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are subject to a tuition fee of $5,000 per student per academic year. This fee covers the entire 12-month school year. Our objective is to maintain a straightforward tuition structure, minimizing additional fees throughout the academic year.

Classes are held Monday to Friday, adhering to a structured six-week academic timetable punctuated by a one-week academic recess. During the six-week academic term, classes will be held on campus, followed by a week-long break devoid of academic commitments to allow for mental rejuvenation. The academic year exceeds the conventional duration observed in public school settings and meets standard attendance laws in the state of Louisiana. This extended timeframe is believed to bring several significant advantages to students. It allows for more frequent academic breaks while enabling students to delve more profoundly into their subjects, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of the content. This approach facilitates essential discussions, problem-based learning, and hands-on activities. While a summer break is observed in July and early August, scheduled and pre-arranged summer tutoring is also available during this period for students at no extra charge.

Registration Fee: $100 (non-refundable). This fee covers the scheduling of dedicated time with our administration and staff, providing families with an opportunity for in-depth discussions, as well as facilitating pre-admission assessments for prospective students.

Curriculum Fee: $200 (non-refundable). This fee assists in offsetting the expenses associated with the printed materials utilized by students over the course of the year. 

Deposit: $1000.00 deposit will go towards the overall cost of tuition in order to hold the student's place in our program

Families interested in full-time enrollment have the option to avail a 10% tuition discount by making payment in full using cash or a cashier's check. It is important to note that this discount is not applicable to homeschool hybrid tuition. Additionally, families have the opportunity to opt for monthly financing through Gulf Coast Bank for their convenience. Learn more about our tuition here!

 Homework should never replace a teaching opportunity that can be covered in the classroom. The well-intended design of homework is to offer practice and to develop skills and study habits. Meaningful homework provides a bridge between home and school, and allows parents a chance to know what skills their child is working on. This should allow a parent to feel involved and actively supportive of their child’s academic development. 

The reality of today’s average homework load of most students is far from original intention. Parents are becoming drill sergeants. Our children are lacking fresh air, sunshine, and play. Seemingly gone are the days of children tossing their book bags aside and running to play outside with friends after school. Our children’s play time has been replaced with monotonous copy work, and extensive at home assignments that are both arduous for the child and parent. Our children are no longer exhausting their minds and bodies in creative, active, play. The lack of proper balance in the child’s day results in more restless sleep, decreased school performance, inattentive and hyperactive behaviors, and most importantly a lack of quality time with family. Research shows there is little benefit to a regular schedule of homework in younger grades. Parents should view open ended discussions with their child about their school day as the child’s “routine” homework. Ask them questions about what they are learning and have them teach you about their adventures from the week.

We value a balance of schoolwork, home life, and other activities. We do not want to encroach upon decisions families make about after school activities and family time. No assignment, homework or otherwise, is more important than the well-being of our students and families. Our children must sleep. If a teacher, parent or student feels that additional at home practice is needed for a subject this will be communicated openly with all parties and goals set to offer mastery of a subject. It is our goal to have all needed core studies completed during the school day.

Magnolia Community Academy is open Monday - Friday 7:45am-3:30pm. 

Students will arrive between 7:45am and 8:00 am, with their scheduled activities starting at 8:00am. Academic teaching is typically over by 2:30pm for our lower elementary group and by 3:00pm for our upper elementary group. Dismissal for lower elementary is between 2:30-3:00pm, and upper elementary between 3:00-3:30pm. Any student not picked up by 3:30pm will be charged for aftercare.  

Classes are held Monday to Friday, adhering to a structured six-week academic timetable punctuated by a one-week academic recess. During the six-week academic term, classes will be held on campus, followed by a week-long break devoid of academic commitments to allow for time with family and friends, travel, or just simply to decompress.  We strongly advocate for the importance of providing children with opportunities for rest and enjoyment, alongside fostering their academic development Equally, we prioritize acknowledging and honoring the necessity for rest and rejuvenation for our educators. A well-rested mind is most effective in both learning and teaching.

Parenthood presents a myriad of unforeseen circumstances, including illnesses, appointments, and  occasions for quality family time. We prioritize and value family interactions, understanding that exceptional trips and family bonding moments may not always align with our academic timetable. Moreover, we acknowledge that children and caregivers may fall ill at inconvenient times, necessitating understanding and flexibility towards families facing health challenges. 

In the event that a child is absent from school, we kindly request the following:

1) Maintain open communication regarding the student's attendance to ensure compliance with academic regulations and track their progress effectively.

2) In instances of anticipated absence, we recommend that families schedule a meeting with their student's educator in advance. This proactive approach aids in developing an academic strategy that enables the student to attain their highest academic potential while also making time for their social interactions with friends and family. Upon return, if the student can demonstrate mastery of the given material then the absence will not be  counted against the student. Magnolia operates on a mastery based approach and teachers will be there to guide families on these specific needs and should be discussed in advance to help the teacher and student prepare for their time off. 

3) In cases of illness, we strongly recommend that families keep unwell children at home. Although this may pose some inconvenience, it remains the most effective approach to safeguarding everyone's well-being. Should your child consult their pediatrician during an absence, kindly furnish a doctor's note for inclusion in their records. For scheduled absences or delays related to routine appointments like weekly therapy sessions, a simple notification to the teacher at the commencement of the school year suffices.

 Magnolia kids are ready to learn. They enjoy getting their hands dirty, thinking about new ideas, and meeting people who challenge them. They are persistent with projects and like to work alongside others. 

Magnolia families are serious about supporting their children in becoming lifelong learners, and recognize that traditional models of education are no longer effective in producing learning that prepares children to contend with the complexities of the world in which we live. Magnolia families very purposefully choose this community because they regard high-quality instruction as essential, and value their child being given an individual approach to learning within a culture that focuses on intellectual curiosity and collaboration.

Wait list for serious families is already underway for the next academic year and we are filling our seats quickly. Please email magnoliacommunityacademy@gmail.com to schedule a phone call with our owner.