Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are school hours?
KCA meets on Monday and Wednesday. The KCA campus opens for drop off at 7:50. Regular classes end at 3:30 pm and electives end at 4:30 pm.
What do the Monday / Wednesday classes look like?
Our Monday and Wednesday school days are meant to be a time of meaningful reinforcement and assessment. This could mean a hands-on activity that reinforces what was learned at home, or a lecture, discussion, debate, skit, or writing assignment. These are all used to reinforce or add depth to the learning that was done at home. There may be quizzes or testing during class time as well. The four learning styles are implemented into each class period to appeal to all styles of learning.
The pace and format of the on-campus classroom time is tailored to each grade level. Class time combines listening with movement and activities to keep students engaged and learning. Classroom activities can include the following: direct instruction from the teacher, discussing lessons or recent reading, making student presentations, students working example problems on the whiteboard, singing songs, reading groups, working on projects, repeating chants and mnemonics, students reciting their memory work, participating in a question-and-answer time, praying, writing, taking tests and assessments, playing learning games, working with math manipulative pieces, and completing assignments under the guidance of the teacher.
Other things that happen on school days influence the community we are trying to build. This may look different on different days, but if you visited KCA you might see baby chicks in a classroom, or Elvis up on stage as we study the 1950’s. It could mean an Egyptian Feast with crawl-though tunnels or mummified chickens, a Roaring Twenties Thanksgiving Feast, a Renaissance art studio, or a Teddy Roosevelt museum. It could be a guest speaker lecturing on the Cold War, or a group of high school students having a Fireman’s Breakfast in support of the book they just finished.
The most important thing to note is that we are building a community. This is something that is important to us at KCA – we are very intentionally trying to create a learning community, focused around a Christian world view, and the study of the classics. A learning community is a bit more than a school. We are aiming to be a place where families help each other to educate and train their kids, where relationship-building is encouraged, where learning is more cooperative than competitive, and where we build more than just knowledge - we build community, and have fun together.
Our staff works very hard to put together lesson plans that are challenging, and meaningful, and creative in ways that allow the students to experience these subjects with all of their senses. This passionate team that is our staff is committed to helping your students learn, and to help build community.
The pace and format of the on-campus classroom time is tailored to each grade level. Class time combines listening with movement and activities to keep students engaged and learning. Classroom activities can include the following: direct instruction from the teacher, discussing lessons or recent reading, making student presentations, students working example problems on the whiteboard, singing songs, reading groups, working on projects, repeating chants and mnemonics, students reciting their memory work, participating in a question-and-answer time, praying, writing, taking tests and assessments, playing learning games, working with math manipulative pieces, and completing assignments under the guidance of the teacher.
Other things that happen on school days influence the community we are trying to build. This may look different on different days, but if you visited KCA you might see baby chicks in a classroom, or Elvis up on stage as we study the 1950’s. It could mean an Egyptian Feast with crawl-though tunnels or mummified chickens, a Roaring Twenties Thanksgiving Feast, a Renaissance art studio, or a Teddy Roosevelt museum. It could be a guest speaker lecturing on the Cold War, or a group of high school students having a Fireman’s Breakfast in support of the book they just finished.
The most important thing to note is that we are building a community. This is something that is important to us at KCA – we are very intentionally trying to create a learning community, focused around a Christian world view, and the study of the classics. A learning community is a bit more than a school. We are aiming to be a place where families help each other to educate and train their kids, where relationship-building is encouraged, where learning is more cooperative than competitive, and where we build more than just knowledge - we build community, and have fun together.
Our staff works very hard to put together lesson plans that are challenging, and meaningful, and creative in ways that allow the students to experience these subjects with all of their senses. This passionate team that is our staff is committed to helping your students learn, and to help build community.
Why is KCA's curriculum organized the way it is?
KCA curriculum is organized into 4 historical segments:
- Year 1: Ancient World through the fall of Rome
- Year 2: Middle Ages through the New World
- Year 3: American Colonies through the Civil War
- Year 4: Civil War to present
At KCA, most of the curriculum follows this core. History, composition, fine arts, geography and literature is organized around the chronological history of the world. Students in all grades study the same slice of history, and the reading and assignments will reflect that time period. Students will study curriculum appropriate for their grade level. For example, younger students may read a grade-school level book about the famous people of Rome, while the high school students will be reading the actual works of Roman authors like Cicero.
The cycle repeats after four years, and each time the students' understanding of the material, the context, and the importance of the history and literature will deepen. By studying history in a consistent, broad flow, and studying literature as it appears in that flow, both history and literature really come alive. The great classical works of literature make much more sense when they are seen in the context of the historical era that created them. And history makes more sense when it is seen through the eyes of the writers of the great classics. Learning in one area, such as history, is reinforced by learning in literature.
Another advantage of this system is that all of the students, no matter what grade, are studying the same time period in their classes. If your family has kids in multiple levels, they will all be looking at the same historical era, and some of the same works of literature, at age-appropriate levels. This way, families are all on the "same page" of history. Projects and celebration days (like the Roman feast or the 1950's Sock Hop) can be shared by everyone from Kindergarten through high school.
Does KCA provide transcripts?
KCA does not provide an official transcript. The parent makes the official transcript for the student. These transcripts can incorporate the grades from KCA and/or from the parent’s teaching, as well as other courses from other institutions (such as dual-credit courses from a community college).
Do you give report cards?
Yes, grade reports are issued four times per year - once at the end of each unit. We also provide mid-unit Progress Reports. If a parent has a particular area of interest or concern, the child's teacher can provide informal updates on a student's progress.
On Tuesday/Thursday/Friday, (the satellite days) are students working to complete assignments that are given by the KCA teachers? Or are they doing things assigned by their parents?
Students are working to complete KCA assignments, often under the guidance of the parent. KCA offers a full curriculum. Additionally, some families may choose to supplement the lesson plans with enrichment activities, optional assignments, or extra reading.
What is the role of the parent when teaching at home?
Parents assume the role of "co-teacher" for the younger grades. The on-campus teacher introduces new concepts in class, and prepares detailed plans and a checklist for each subject that parents use at home with their student. In the older grades, as students begin to work more independently, parents transition to the role of course monitor. We do not expect parents to master and teach the more advanced material in the upper grades. KCA provides extensive course material and resources for the advanced subjects, and the lessons are taught by the on-campus KCA teachers.
What is the typical class size?
Our average classroom size is between 12 and 14 students.
What is the amount of time spent at home on KCA assignments?
The amount of time spent on lessons at home on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (satellite days) varies and depends on many factors, including family size, student age and maturity, learning style and speed, and family dynamics. For the satellite day work load, we provide the following as a rough estimate:
Kindergarten: 1.5 to 3.0 hours per satellite day
Lower Grammar B: 2.5 to 4.0 hours per satellite day
Lower Grammar A: 3.0 to 4.5 hours per satellite day
Middle Grammar B: 3.5 to to 5.0 hours per satellite day
Middle Grammar A: 4.0 to 5.0 hours per satellite day
Upper Grammar B and Upper Grammar A: 4.0 to 6.0 hours per satellite day
Dialectic and Rhetoric students: 6.0 or more hours per satellite day
It is important to remember that there is no evening homework assigned. Most families complete the at-home assignments during the daytime, eliminating late nights and opening up time for families to spend time together.
However, exactly when a student completes the assignments is up to the family. If a family has other commitments during the daytime hours of a satellite day, then they may choose to work around these time frames. Each assignment does have a due date on which the student will turn in the assignment at KCA to the teacher who assigned the work.
Kindergarten: 1.5 to 3.0 hours per satellite day
Lower Grammar B: 2.5 to 4.0 hours per satellite day
Lower Grammar A: 3.0 to 4.5 hours per satellite day
Middle Grammar B: 3.5 to to 5.0 hours per satellite day
Middle Grammar A: 4.0 to 5.0 hours per satellite day
Upper Grammar B and Upper Grammar A: 4.0 to 6.0 hours per satellite day
Dialectic and Rhetoric students: 6.0 or more hours per satellite day
It is important to remember that there is no evening homework assigned. Most families complete the at-home assignments during the daytime, eliminating late nights and opening up time for families to spend time together.
However, exactly when a student completes the assignments is up to the family. If a family has other commitments during the daytime hours of a satellite day, then they may choose to work around these time frames. Each assignment does have a due date on which the student will turn in the assignment at KCA to the teacher who assigned the work.
Does each grade have one teacher that teaches all subjects or do the kids rotate between teachers?
Teachers teach what they are passionate and trained or certified to teach. No teacher teaches all subjects at KCA. Different teachers rotate into the younger classrooms to teach their subjects. Older students rotate around the building.
All KCA teachers receive instruction in classical teaching methods, both during the summer and during the school year. The majority of our teachers come to KCA with some experience in Classical instruction, content, and methods. All teachers must agree with the KCA Statement of Faith and the KCA Core Values and Philosophy of Education.
All KCA teachers receive instruction in classical teaching methods, both during the summer and during the school year. The majority of our teachers come to KCA with some experience in Classical instruction, content, and methods. All teachers must agree with the KCA Statement of Faith and the KCA Core Values and Philosophy of Education.
Are the teachers certified teachers and/or have teaching degrees?
This is not a prerequisite of ours, but most of our teachers do have teaching degrees. What matters most to us is that they are passionate and gifted in their subject and that they have had experience in teaching. We look for teachers who come with high recommendations for their teaching ability.
For the older kids, how do you deal with various levels of learning?
Our classes are not by grade, but by learning level.
Do special activities/field trips take place on other days of the week?
Yes, some field trips and/or social activities can occur on the satellite days. Some educational examples of this could be visiting NASA, touring the Holocaust Museum, or engaging in a dissection at the Health Museum of Houston. There are also community social events planned by KCA such as baseball field day, or our Sock Hop dance. Field trips and socials usually occur on several Fridays throughout the year, and are completely optional.
Which grades have recess? Is there PE or are there other electives?
Yes, we offer recess and P.E. when the schedule permits for all levels, and electives for Dialectic and Rhetoric students, or for younger students with approval.
What about lunch and snack time?
Students bring a packed lunch. Also, students are welcome to bring a morning and afternoon snack which is eaten in the classroom.
Is there an administrative team or school board that makes decisions for the school?
KCA has a board that provides vision, as well as guidance, support, and accountability to that vision. Academic staff and teachers make decisions about curriculum and events to fit the vision.
Katy Classical Academy is a 501c3 non-profit corporation formed under the laws of the State of Texas. Our Board of Directors consists of seven board-elected members who meet quarterly and advise KCA. The overall responsibility of the board is to advance the school according to our statement of faith, the school’s by-laws, and its stated objectives and mission.
The Director and Administrator are appointed by the Board to be the chief administrators of the school. The director is responsible for overseeing all of the programming and operations of the school and ensuring that those activities function in accordance with the school’s mission and board policies.
Katy Classical Academy is a 501c3 non-profit corporation formed under the laws of the State of Texas. Our Board of Directors consists of seven board-elected members who meet quarterly and advise KCA. The overall responsibility of the board is to advance the school according to our statement of faith, the school’s by-laws, and its stated objectives and mission.
The Director and Administrator are appointed by the Board to be the chief administrators of the school. The director is responsible for overseeing all of the programming and operations of the school and ensuring that those activities function in accordance with the school’s mission and board policies.
Are books included as part of the tuition?
Books must be purchased separately. KCA provides a detailed book list with an ISBN code for each book. Books may be purchased new or used, depending on your preference.
What is the cost of books?
At KCA, the teaching teams attempt to keep the cost of books as low as possible. Often, one book can be shared between family members. The cost of books varies by grade. Also, some books and resources are purchased once and then used for several years, so the first year cost will be higher than subsequent years. The cost of books can range between $200 and $400 per student. For families with multiple children, some books and resources can be reused with their younger children.
Why does KCA charge a supply fee, and how is it used?
Supply fees are used for each and every hands-on project that KCA completes. This would include any resource that a teacher would need to gather, including books or instruction manuals, craft or art supplies, food or decor. This fee also goes to supplies for the events we schedule, such as the Egyptian Museum (Year 1), the Frankfurt Book Fair (Year 2) or the Teddy Roosevelt Museum (Year 4). We also use the supply fees to bring meaningful experiences or traveling field trips to the campus. A few recent examples include The Houston Museum of Natural Science Traveling Dome Planetarium, miniature horse traveling rides with chariots, or the school-wide shark dissections.
KCA also uses supply fees for monthly or unit assemblies, and end of the year celebration or assemblies. If we have glow sticks to shine a light on hunger or corn dogs to encourage adventure, it is paid for with the supply fee.
How is on-campus discipline implemented?
We set expectations for our students in the area of classroom behavior, recess and lunchtime behavior, language, and decorum. These are outlined in the KCA Family Handbook. Any problems which the on-campus staff cannot resolve will be referred to the director. We will discuss any ongoing problems with parents since we believe that the ultimate responsibility for appropriate behavior lies with parents. The KCA Family Handbook provides full details on our discipline policy, and the KCA Director or Administrator is available to answer specific questions.
As a general rule, classroom actions which evidence disrespect, lack of courtesy, general disturbance, abuse of permission, incomplete homework, lateness and other offenses shall be handled by the teacher. Situations that the teacher evaluates as chronic, flagrant, or otherwise worthy of special handling will be referred to the Director or the Administrator. These situations will be dealt with according to the guidelines outlined in the KCA Family Handbook.
Students are expected to demonstrate the following behaviors and characteristics:
Integrity in the keeping of one’s word, speaking the truth, doing one’s own work, carrying out responsibility (doing assignments adequately and on time) and respecting authority.
Respect for self, Katy Classical Academy and its staff and students, and the property of others.
Courtesy extended in all relationships – student to student or student to teacher/staff.
Stewardship of the property, supplies, and equipment of Katy Classical Academy, as well as Trinity Baptist Church.
Preparation for class and readiness to learn.
Reconciliation through Biblical and appropriate repentance and forgiveness when offenses have been committed or received.
As a general rule, classroom actions which evidence disrespect, lack of courtesy, general disturbance, abuse of permission, incomplete homework, lateness and other offenses shall be handled by the teacher. Situations that the teacher evaluates as chronic, flagrant, or otherwise worthy of special handling will be referred to the Director or the Administrator. These situations will be dealt with according to the guidelines outlined in the KCA Family Handbook.
Students are expected to demonstrate the following behaviors and characteristics:
Integrity in the keeping of one’s word, speaking the truth, doing one’s own work, carrying out responsibility (doing assignments adequately and on time) and respecting authority.
Respect for self, Katy Classical Academy and its staff and students, and the property of others.
Courtesy extended in all relationships – student to student or student to teacher/staff.
Stewardship of the property, supplies, and equipment of Katy Classical Academy, as well as Trinity Baptist Church.
Preparation for class and readiness to learn.
Reconciliation through Biblical and appropriate repentance and forgiveness when offenses have been committed or received.
What exactly is meant by "parental involvement" at KCA?
The primary way that parents are involved is facilitating your student's at-home learning on the satellite days. We also expect parents to be available for volunteer opportunities. We require one parent per student per year to volunteer at a KCA event. These events may include field trips, Chick-fil-A lunch days, Christmas parties, or serving as "Room Parent." We welcome and encourage the involvement of our parents!