What is a Hybrid Homeschool Tutorial Program?

Our program is designed to support homeschooling families by providing a classroom setting and tutors who manage the pace, while parents continue to serve as their children's teachers. Students benefit from a structured, school-like environment, and parents appreciate the guidance and direction provided through lesson plans and classroom organization. Unlike a traditional co-op, which requires parents to teach or supervise their child every day they attend, our hybrid program offers a drop-off option with a set number of required "staff assistant" shifts. We can keep our tuition rates affordable by increasing the number of staff members and tutors we hire, with active participation from parents.

What is a Homeschool Umbrella (or Oversight) Program?

An umbrella program is an organization recognized by the State of Maryland to oversee home education. Participating in and completing portfolio reviews through an umbrella program fulfills Maryland's requirement for regular home education assessments.

What is Hope Academy's student immunization policy?

Hope Academy requests that all students receive the necessary vaccines and remain current on all immunizations for their age (per the Maryland Department of Health requirements for children enrolled in school or childcare programs). Visit the Maryland Department of Health for the vaccine schedule for the current school year.  Medical exemptions must be certified by the student's physician and documented with a Maryland State DHMH Form 896.

Is Hope Academy open only to HBC members?

No. Hope Academy accepts enrollments from both HBC member families and like-minded Christian families who attend other local churches. 

Can we enroll in ONLY the Umbrella Program?

Currently, only Hope Bible Church (HBC) member families can enroll their children in the Hope Academy Umbrella without participating in the tutorial. All non-HBC member families must enroll at least one student in a tutorial class to be eligible for enrollment.

What is the difference between core and elective classes?

Core classes are math, English, history, and science. Elective classes include art, music, physical education, drama, STEM, and other enrichment subjects.

Is Chapel mandatory for all students?

All students from 1st through 12th grade who are enrolled in one or more tutorial classes on Thursday are required to attend weekly Chapel. Students who only attend class on Tuesday are encouraged to attend Chapel. Families with umbrella-only coverage, as well as PreK and Kindergarten students, are not required to participate in the Chapel but are welcome to join with a parent.

Do I need to enroll my child in the umbrella program to take tutorial classes?

No, a student may enroll in only the tutorial without enrolling in the HA Umbrella (in this case, the student would need to either be enrolled in a different umbrella program or be reviewed by the county).

Can my student take only elective classes?

Yes. Elective classes are à la carte, and the core is not required to enroll in elective classes. Likewise, students can enroll in only core classes without taking elective classes.

Does my elementary student have to take all of the core classes?

All 1st-12th-grade core classes are à la carte.

What is the minimum age to enroll in PreK or Kindergarten?

Children who will turn five by September 1st of the school year are eligible to enroll in Kindergarten. Children who will turn four by September 1st and are toilet-trained by the first day of school are eligible to enroll in PreK 4 enrichment.

When is open enrollment?

Open enrollment for new families interested in joining the Hope Academy Tutorial runs from the end of February through June 1st annually. Umbrella-only enrollment extends to July 1st. Space is limited, so we recommend that interested families apply promptly after enrollment opens. Late enrollment is not allowed unless the family is a current member of Hope Bible Church.

What subjects are required to be taught if I use the Hope Academy Umbrella?

The Hope Academy Umbrella requires that students receive instruction in each of the following subjects every year.

  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies (History, Geography, etc.)
  • English/Language Arts (Reading, Phonics, Penmanship, Literature, Grammar, Spelling, Writing, etc.)
  • Bible
  • Music OR Art
  • Physical Education
  • Health

Is the curriculum included in the cost of the tutorial classes?

Yes, Hope Academy provides parents or students with textbooks, weekly lesson plans, and relevant teacher materials for each class in which the student is enrolled. These materials are loaned to the family and must be returned in good condition at the end of the school year. Workbooks, worksheets, lab kits, single-use digital subscriptions, and other consumable supplies may incur an additional consumables fee.

* Some parent text manuals are optional and must be obtained by the parent if desired.

What days and times are tutorial classes?

  • K-12th Grade Core Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 1:40 PM.
  • Preschool 4 is held on Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
  • K-12th Grade Elective classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons between 12:45 and 4:05 PM. Elective class schedules are determined by grade level and class offerings.

Note: Exact class schedules for the current school year will be published on the Tutorial Program page.

Do you offer Virtual or In-Person Classes?

Hope Academy tutorial classes are held in person. Virtual classes may be held at each tutor's discretion for inclement weather dismissals or when a student must be home for the day. We do not require tutors to hold virtual classes.

What parent committees are there?

Our current committees include:

  • Field Trip
  • Fundraising
  • Publicity
  • Student Life
  • Yearbook

See Parent Committee Descriptions for more details. Each enrolled family must have at least one parent participating on at least one committee.

What is the Parent Service Requirement?

Parents are NOT required to teach classes; however, they may apply to be tutors or staff members. Families without a parent on staff are responsible for completing the yearly mandatory Staff Assistant Shifts (SAS). The total number of required Staff Assistant Shifts depends on enrollment and will be decided before our mandatory Parent Orientation Night. Parents must also serve on a committee and be part of the set-up or break-down team for at least one Student Life Event each year.

Does the Hope Academy Umbrella provide High School Transcripts & Diplomas?

Yes! Students enrolled in the Hope Academy Umbrella who complete all graduation requirements are awarded a diploma. Hope Academy will also prepare official transcripts and send them to the college, university, or trade school of your choice. Additionally, Hope Academy hosts a graduation ceremony and celebration for graduating seniors.