The Hope Center Christian Academy Umbrella Policies

THCCA provides support and homeschooling oversight during each program year.

Parents are the primary educators and are responsible for choosing, purchasing, and implementing the curriculum used by their student(s).  Parents are responsible for determining the methods to best meet the educational needs of each child.  The required subjects in Maryland are English, Math, Social Studies/History, Science, Art, Music, Physical Education, and Health.  Maryland law requires demonstration of "regular, thorough instruction" in these content areas.

Families are required to maintain a portfolio of student work samples to demonstrate "regular, thorough instruction"  in the required courses.

As part of enrollment, families sign a statement that they agree with and will abide by THCCA policies.

Once enrolled in THCCA, each family will receive an online family folder containing the COMAR Regulations and digital records for each student (annual portfolio review forms, transcript records, etc.).

The annual fee for participating in the umbrella is $50 per family.  This fee is non-refundable.  After you complete the family application, you will receive a link to pay the umbrella registration fee to complete the enrollment process.

THCCA is required to provide annual reports to the local school districts confirming that the students registered with the Umbrella received "regular thorough instruction" in the required content areas.

Families in good standing are welcome to reenroll during the renewal period at the end of each program year.

THCCA reserves the right to change policies and will promptly notify families of any policy changes.

Families beginning to homeschool must notify their local county board of education (usually this is an online "Notice of Consent" form on the school district's website) of their intent to homeschool at least 15 (fifteen) days before the start of home instruction.  Umbrella families will list "The Hope Center Christian Academy" as their umbrella on that online form. 

The County Notice of Consent form is only filled out once. Thereafter, THCCA will notify the county of your homeschooling as long as you are part of the umbrella and are in good standing.

The Hope Center Christian Academy's address is 7201 Old Alexandria Ferry Road, Clinton, MD 20735.

Each umbrella family is assigned a Reviewer/Mentor, who is a more experienced member of the umbrella, as THCCA utilizes a peer review process.

Families will meet three times each year with their Reviewer/Mentor.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to your Reviewer/Mentor, who is there to help guide, offer support, and encourage you. 

Initial Check-In (August):  Families will attend the Back-to-Homeschool Meeting in the Fall (at least one parent must be present) to meet with their Reviewer/Mentor and go over their Annual Portfolio Review form and answer any questions.

Mid-year Review and Check-In (December):  THCCA will host a Mid-Year Potluck during which families will meet with their Reviewer/Mentor and show samples of their work and/or grade reports if classes are being taken with a tutorial, on an online program, or through dual/concurrent enrollment. The Reviewer/Mentor will confirm with the family that the student(s) is (are) progressing with "regular, thorough instruction." If you are unable to attend the December event, you will need to coordinate with your Reviewer/Mentor to complete your mid-year review no later than January 15th.

Year-end Review (May):  THCCA will host a Summer Send-Off during which families will meet with their Reviewer/Mentor and show samples of work and/or grade reports to document providing "regular, thorough instruction." If a student has not completed a subject, they may need to work over the summer to complete the work. If you are unable to attend the Summer Send-off, you will need to coordinate with your Reviewer/Mentor to complete your year-end review no later than June 15th.

Typical portfolios will contain samples of the student's work in each of the required subjects.  Examples of work may include pictures of projects completed, tests/assessments taken during a course, quarterly/periodic or final progress reports, journals, written essays/lab reports, certificates of completion, etc.  The purpose of the portfolio is to demonstrate "regular, thorough instruction" in the required subject.

If a student is not receiving regular, thorough instruction, the family will be placed on probation and will work with their reviewer/mentor to develop and implement a plan to bring the student back into compliance with COMAR.  If the deficiencies are not addressed, the family may be remanded back to their county for oversight.

All student records are confidential and will ONLY be released by written request of the parent or student (if 18 or older), or as otherwise required by law.

Families with high schoolers will be provided with both the current Maryland graduation requirements and The Hope Center Christian Academy's requirements in their electronic folder.  This folder will also contain a recommended four-year plan, a document to record course descriptions and ISBNs, a document to record extracurricular activities and achievements, and the student's Official high school transcript documenting all high school classes, dual enrolled classes, and credits earned.  A high school curriculum must be at least 75% complete to receive the full credit for the class.

THCCA will co-host fall workshops on the Common App, dual enrollment, FAFSA, scholarship searches, and more to assist students as they prepare for life after high school. These workshops may incur a modest fee.  Check the events calendar for dates and times. 

High School Seniors:  THCCA will co-host a high school graduation for all seniors.  The Senior Fee of $100 includes the student's cap and gown, a graduation diploma and cover, a Senior Yearbook, and the senior photo shoot and any subsequent photo sessions.  For those with seniors, you will receive a link to pay the Senior fee. 

Official transcripts are available for school transfers, college and scholarship applications, etc.  Graduating seniors will receive 3 (three) sealed official transcripts for their use.  Email requests for official transcripts to thehopecenterchristianacademy@gmail.com.

Work permits may be obtained at the Maryland DLLR site:  https://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/wages/empm.shtml