FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We know this list is not exhaustive, so if you have a question not addressed here, please feel free to contact us.
​
What sets The Ridge Academy apart from public and private schools?
We believe the following qualities distinguish The Ridge Academy:
-
Self-paced curriculum to equip children to be independent, lifelong learners
-
Socratic Discussions and challenges to develop children to be critical thinkers
-
Hands-on, real world projects that develop children as entrepreneurs
-
School culture with a deep respect for our economic, political, and religious freedoms that develop students as citizens
-
Small teacher to child ratio (K-5th grade children have licensed teachers through Liberty and our licensed teaching professional provides in-person support, reviews student work, and meets with parents—the ratio is essentially 2 adults for 1 child)
-
Collaborative approach as children learn best when working with other students younger and older than themselves
​
Is The Ridge Academy accredited?
Pre-K is not accredited as we are developing the students in Literacy, Math, and Bible through the same curriculum as Liberty University Online Academy, but the instruction is not in front of a screen. We believe that Pre-K students are better served with in-person instruction by a licensed professional. K-8th grade is accredited. ​
Why does accreditation matter?
Accreditation matters, which is why we have provided a program that has the highest accreditation. Accreditation ensures that a school adheres to set standards and guidelines for educational excellence and allows for the ease of credit transfer and college acceptance. Liberty University Online Academy is internationally accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) division of Cognia. In addition, LUOA is recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a member institution of the Virginia Council for Private Education. These affiliations and accreditations offer your student will receive the highest quality education available.
​
Why Liberty University Online Academy?
We believe that Liberty University Online Academy has the following benefits:
-
proven and reliable accreditation
-
a complete K-12th grade curriculum that we can grow into
-
rolling enrollment available throughout the year
-
self-paced assignments within course deadlines
-
dual enrollment that we can offer as we grow into offering high school courses
-
over 100 certified licensed teachers
​
What preschool curriculum is being used?
We are developing the students in Literacy, Math, and Bible through the same curriculum as Liberty University Online Academy, but the instruction is in-person and activity based. We are modifying the self-paced K-1st grade curriculum for our preschoolers. We believe that 3 and 4 year olds become stronger learners with activity based lessons.
​
Does the curriculum include Common Core?
No.
​
Are discounts or financial aid available?
Yes. There would be partial financial aid available. Discounts are listed under "Rates."
​
Will my child have in-person teacher or online teacher?
All children will be monitored by our staff who are in the room with the children. Pre-K will have in-person instruction. K-8th grade will have online instruction through Liberty University Online Academy but a paraprofessional is in the room with them. In between instruction times, the school day provides additional opportunities to develop students through collaborative projects, discussions, and activities.
​
Is The Ridge Academy Christian?
We are Christian. Our partnership with LUOA measures all information used in our courses by a Biblical standard. We report historical facts as such, and all opinions, interpretations, and information are viewed through a Biblical lens.
​
Does The Ridge Academy use uniforms?
We do not. We do have a dress code.​
​
Is my 4 year old child eligible for Kindergarten?
Yes, as long your child turns five by September 30, he/she can apply for Kindergarten.​
​
If the traditional method of instruction is only part of the day, how is my child being taught?
We believe in the idea that more is caught than taught. The time we spend with our children after instruction is filled with projects and activities that develop and build emotional, physical, and social skills that prepare our children for life. ​
​
Is it worth the investment when Virginia has the 4th ranked school system in the United States?
We believe so because The Ridge Academy is a different kind of school. Please consider the first question posed on this page.​
​
If my child has an IEP or 504, is he or she allowed to attend The Ridge Academy?
We are able to review IEP and 504 documentation and are willing to work with families to make reasonable accommodations/modifications. However, we are not legally obligated to adhere to IEP recommendations and 504 requirements since we are an accredited non-public school.
​
How are progress reports completed and how often?
Twice a month a progress report is sent via email to parents by the child’s academic advisor. We believe more eyes are better by suggesting that parents continuously monitor student work through the parent observer account. If an official grade report is needed, we will send one upon request.
​
How long does enrollment take?
The admissions process can take a few days or up to a couple weeks. The time frame will greatly depend on your enrollment goals, how accessible your child’s records are, and how available your child is to take possible assessment testing. Special approval or unique situations can arise that may add time to the admissions process.
​