What grades are taught and why?
LWCA is currently focusing on grades 3-8. Kindergarten – 2nd grade are considered by most to be the easiest to homeschool. Also, the public schools at this age are not AS LIBERAL as the higher grades are. As students, we first learn to read, and then read to learn. Our teachers need to concentrate right now on the primary (aka Grammar) and middle (aka Logic) grades. These students already know HOW to read, so it is time to READ to LEARN. As soon as possible, high school (aka Rhetoric) classes will also be made available. LWCA calls these four years secondary school. We are accepting applications from families with high school students, but until additional financial resources are available to LWCA it is best that primary and middle school remain the focus.
How does classical curriculum compare to other Christian curriculum?
This answer deserves a three-hour lecture and a 20 page capstone project. Without that available to us here, classical relies heavily on “the trivium,” Latin and Greek, and strives to incorporate Christ through ALL rather than merely “sprinkled on top.”
As a product of Christian curriculum and private schooling, it is fair for Dr. Grover to say, “They tried hard to create a good Christian school, but they simply took progressive education and re-incorporated prayer and the Bible. It wasn’t nearly enough to provide effective ability to use language and reason or to keep graduates from deconstructing their fragile faith.”
How much is tuition?
Public schools in America are awarded an average of $17,280 for EACH and EVERY student that attends!* If you have any hesitation about the cost of investing in a classical Christian education, simply read or listen to Pete Hegseth’s book, Battle for the American Mind, and you will realize that the investment is a worthy one. Most families will pay 10 monthly installments of $400 for the 25-26 academic year.
* Hanson, Melanie. “U.S. Public Education Spending Statistics” EducationData.org, July 14, 2024, https://educationdata.org/public-education-spending-statistics
Does Michigan have a school voucher or tax-deduction program for education?
Sadly, the short answer currently is NO.
How is the educational program organized under Michigan Law?
Two specific Michigan laws provide for the success and growth of LWCA in Marquette County. MCL 380.10 of 1996 states that it is the fundamental right of the parent to, “direct the care, teaching, and education of their children.” If a parent chooses to homeschool themselves or interact with others schooling outside of the public educational system, MCL 380.1561 (f) of 1977 requires that the instruction be an organized educational program. LWCA is currently classified as a homeschool consortium providing the collaborative organization necessary for each family to achieve academic success. When Living Water Christian Academy grows in size and financial resources to acquire a location that passes Michigan school building codes, it is likely that it will transition from the nomenclature of “consortium” to “school.”
Does LWCA require uniforms and if so, why?
Yes. All students will wear a simple uniform that will be clarified prior to each school year. More often than not, fashion DIVIDES rather than UNIFIES. We are called to dwell together in UNITY, and uniforms are one simple way that unity is increased and the challenging Christian journey is actually made EASIER for families. We understand that typically parents are in favor and students are not. ALL Christians, including young Christians or even students who have not yet given their lives completely to Christ, are required by the Lord to do hard things with good attitudes.
What resources does LWCA have for students with special needs?
All students have special needs in one way or another! We do not currently have many additional resources for students with special needs like public schools are mandated to have. LWCA educators work with all families to create education plans for each student. Each students’ needs will be evaluated on an individual basis.
What curriculum will be used?
Classical Academic Press for Bible, Logos Latin, Shurley Grammar, Christ-centered and chronological “Mystery of History,” Apologia Science, and Singapore Math.