How do I get a work permit?

June 1, 2009

Print out the application and bring it to the Board of Education's office. The address is listed on the form. The school is not required to sign this form. The "teacher" is required to sign the application. In the case of a homeschooler, that is the parent. If you have additional questions about work permits, please contact your local Board of Education. Work Permit

What do I need to get an Alabama Driver's License?

June 1, 2009

The Department of Motor Vehicles requires students to provide "proof of schooling". Forms may be picked up from the DMV office. This form is to be signed by the parent in front of a notary and indicates that you are, in fact, home educating your child. In my experience, different counties may require different forms. It is best to visit the DMV office BEFORE you plan to actually take a driving test so that you may pick up required forms for your situation. If the school is required to sign a form for your student, please mail the form to our office and allow 5-7 business days for processing. To read more about Alabama driver's license requirements, go to Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles>

How do I enroll with GACS?

June 21, 2010

This year we have a new enrollment process. We will receive applications for enrollment on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at the Golden Acres Baptist Church Annesx A (next to Brewsters Ice Cream) from 3:00 - 5:00 pm EST. We are limiting our enrollment to 50 families plus an additional 12 families that are members of Golden Acres Baptist Church for a total of 62 families.

• Complete the Registration Form for GACS. Both parents must sign this form.
• Read and sign the Disclaimer Form This is only required of new families.
• Complete the Record Release Form so that school records may be forwarded to GACS. This is only required for new families.
• Bring your tuition payment of $40. Make checks payable to Golden Acres Christian School.
• Attend the REQUIRED Parent Meeting in September. Failure to attend this important meeting will terminate your enrollment with GACS.

If we are using a correspondence school curriculum, do I still need a "cover school"?

June 1, 2009

Yes. Your correspondence school is your "curriculum", not the school the state recognizes for enrollment. If your student is between the ages of 7 and 16, you are bound by the state's compulsory attendance laws. Compulsory Attendance Laws of Alabama

Can my student get in to college if he or she homeschools in high school?

June 1, 2009

Yes. Many colleges will actually pursue homeschoolers for enrollment. Each college has it's own admission policy regarding homeschooling. It is best to research as early as possible what the requirements are at the school your student is interested in attending. Some schools require a transcript, standardized test scores, a portfolio of work, letters of recommendation or essays or any combination of these. Other school will only accept a GED. Golden Acres Christian School is not responsible for a student's preparation for admission to college. It is the responsibility of the parent to meet any qualifications a college or university has for admission. To read more about this, go to Applying for College

Do you provide curriculum or books?

June 1, 2009

No, we don't provide books as a part of our enrollment. Each family is responsible for selecting and purchasing their own curriculum. We can provide suggestions and have a lending library of items which may be checked out on a first come, first served basis. If you aren't sure where to start looking for books, I suggest checking out the favorites page from a local homeschool support group called Freedom Homeschoolers. They have a very extensive list of homeschooling curriculum links. Curriculum Favorites

Are there on campus classes at Golden Acres?

June 1, 2009

No. All homeschooling instruction is done at each individual family's home. We do not have any on campus classes.

Are GACS and Freedom Homeschoolers the same thing?

June 1, 2009

No. GACS is designed to meet the needs of Alabama homeschooling families compliance with state law for enrollment in a "church school". Freedom Homeschoolers is a local support group which is open to homeschoolers in Alabama and Georgia. They are not the same thing. Freedom provides many activites, email groups,field trips and social events throughout the year. GACS recomends families to participate in a support group, but we don't specify which group. Each family may choose which support group best fits their family's needs and personality. The Phenix City/Columbus area is blessed with several groups to choose from. The reason Golden Acre's website has the word "Freedom Homeschoolers" in it is because their support group allows GACS free webspace from their domain name. The two groups are operated separately.

Is homeschooling legal?

June 1, 2009

Yes, homeschooling is legal in Alabama. To read more about the law in our state, go to Home School Legal Defense

Do I have to have a college degree to homeschool my kids?

June 1, 2009

No. The state allows parents to educate their own children as long as they comply with a church school's policies. We do require a parent to have a high school diploma or GED to instruct their child through GACS.

Can another family member teach my child?

June 1, 2009

According to state law, parents are allowed to instruct their child at home as long as they are enrolled in a church school. If another family member ( a grand parent, extended family member or neighbor) is going to teach, they must have a current teaching certificate since they would be classified as a private tutor. Private tutors do not need to enroll in a church school. The tutor may correspond directly with the superintendent.

Do I have to stay at home with my child even if they have a video curriculum that provides instruction?

October 24th, 2006 by Duis porttitor

Yes. At least one parent must be home during a student's instruction time during the day.

What are the graduation requirements for GACS?

June 1, 2009

We follow Alabama's graduation guidelines but don't use the state exit exam. These guidelines are not a guarantee that your student will be able to gain admission to college. Each college has individual requirements for admission which may be less than or exceed the state guidelines we follow. We advise families with high school aged students to work with the admissions office of the college they are interested in attending for specific class requirements.GACS does not issue an accredited diploma.

Do you require standardized testing?

June 1, 2009

We don't require it, but many families prefer to administer standardized tests at some point during their homeschooling years. Test may be administered at home or many local private schools will allow homeschoolers to take tests along with their students. GACS does not administer any standardized tests.

Answers on this page were provided by Suzanne Sheppard, School Administrator and Founder of Golden Acres Christian School. Suzanne has been homeschooling for 12 years and has 3 children; Scott, Allison and Tyler. Scott is a homeschool graduate and will be continuing his college years at Liberty University in the fall of 2010 as a sophmore. Allison will begin high school in the fall of 2010 and has been homeschooled from the beginning :-)She loves to write and hopes one day to publish a series of novels and of course direct the films of each story. Tyler was born in December 2008 and was a surprise addition to the Sheppard family but is a ton of fun. Suzanne's husband, David, works for Woodruff Properties in Columbus, GA.