FAQs
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Branches Homeschool Academy (BHA) is best described as a hybrid home/school program. Students attend BHA one day per week, on Tuesdays or Thursdays, and work at home with parents the rest of the week. Each instructor provides parents a course syllabus with a clear layout of weekly lesson plans, required textbooks, school supplies, and optional materials. Weekly, students/parents receive at-home assignments (or homework) to be completed for class as well as a detailed account of the content covered in class. We are an extension of YOUR homeschool. Because students meet in class once per week, parents remain the primary educator. Parent involvement is required in order for students to complete the annual curriculum. Class time is best spent on hands-on projects, group activities and discussion.
WHAT COURSES DOES BHA OFFER?
BHA provides science, social studies, writing, and enrichments classes for grades prek-12th. With the exception of high school science (biology with lab and chemistry with lab are taught every year), a 3-year subject rotation has been designed to ensure students obtain a full and well-rounded academic experience. For the 2022-2023 school year, students will dive into physical science, US History and IEW. Followed by life science, world history, and IEW. Ending the rotation with earth science, geography (except for the 5th/6th class, this class will teach California history), and IEW.
DO I NEED TO SUPPLEMENT CLASSES AT HOME?
No. BHA classes are designed to provide structure to families who may feel overwhelmed by curriculum options; it takes the guesswork, research time, and stress out of selecting individual curricula. There is no need to supplement unless you wish to add additional enrichment. However, if you add supplemental work or use your own program, our classes are flexible. BHA is an extension of your HOMEschool; ultimately your are the teacher! If you have any questions in this area, please contact us.
IS BRANCHES A CO-OP? WILL I BE REQUIRED TO VOLUNTEER?
Yes... and no. BHA is a drop-off program that does not require weekly parent attendance. However, in order to keep costs low, as part of enrollment, families are required to complete 10 hours of volunteer time throughout the school year. BHA is mobile school. Every week we need a team to set-up and breakdown classrooms, recess, study, and hangout areas. On special event days, like potlucks, more help required. And every week, we must leave the campus clear of trash, cleaned up and ready for church needs.
In addition to the required 10 hours of school volunteer time, parents who have students enrolled in grades prek-2nd must help in class (9:00am-12:00pm) at least three times per year; other classes like ASB, performing arts, and worship team require parent help.
Parent involvement is vital to building a community of servants.
DOES BHA HAVE A REFUND POLICY?
To receive a tuition, registration fee and payment plan fee refund, you must request via email to cancel/drop class(es) up to the second week of class. Classroom materials fee(s) are non-refundable.
DOES BRANCHES FOLLOW CALIFORNIA EDUCATION STANDARDS?
The simple answer is no. BHA is a non-accredited program committed to providing excellent educational courses from a strong Biblical worldview.
WHAT IS YOUR STATEMENT OF FAITH?
Visit our Statement of Faith page.
IS BRANCHES UNDER A CHURCH OR DENOMINATION?
No. BHA is a non-denominational Christian program. We believe, live, and teach from a biblical worldview. Visit our Statement of Faith for specific faith positions.
DO WE BUY ALL OUR OWN TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS?
Yes. Families are responsible for purchasing student textbooks, school supplies, per class materials fees, and any other required materials. Most consumable materials (such as pencils, journals, workbooks, etc.) will be the responsibility of the student to bring or have at home for at-home study. A supply list will be included in the syllabus.
WILL MY CHILD GET A BREAK/RECESS WHILE AT BHA?
Yes, students will have hourly breaks/recesses. Breaks are staggered by grades; prek-kinder students are on a break separately from upper grades; grades 1st-2nd students get a different break time separately from lower and upper grades; and 3rd-8th graders break at the same time. High school students break as needed. During each break BHA provides a proctor to supervise students. In addition, breaks/recess is a time for students to use the lavatories, eat a snack and play. Play time may include, dodgeball, jumprope, hopscotch, and other ball games. Visit our SCHOOL RULES for details on playground rules.
HOW CAN I MAKE PAYMENTS AND/OR REGISTER FOR FIELD TRIPS?
BHA works diligently to ensure excellent field trips that enhance the student's academic experience and provides opportunity to build friendships. Field trip rules and guidelines vary per venue. For every field trip parents are responsible for transportation, food/beverage, and admission fees.
HOW DOES BRANCHES WORK WITH CHARTER SCHOOLS?
Parents are free to homeschool privately, with a PSP or with a charter, however, BHA does not work with or accept charter funds.
Contact us for more information on how BRANCHES can partner with your homeschool family.