FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Is Heritage Covenant Schools an “umbrella” for homeschoolers?  
HCS does not operate under the provisions of the homeschool law (TCA 49-6-3050) nor does HCS enroll students as “homeschoolers.” HCS operates solely under the provisions of the church-related school act (TCA 49-50-801) and enrolls students in a program of “independent study.” HCS was the first church-related school to understand the significant benefits to students enrolled in this manner. HCS is the only church-related school which consistently maintains this status. For a more thorough explanation, see Tennessee Law.

2. Does Heritage Covenant Schools dictate curriculum?  
The voluntary teacher/parent is free to select the curriculum which best suits the learning needs of their student. HCS will make recommendations when asked.

3. What kind of reporting does Heritage Covenant Schools require?  
An attendance report form is provided for each student, maintained by the voluntary teacher/parent, and returned to the HCS office at the end of the school calendar. Four progress (Goal & Evaluation) forms are also provided for each student, one being returned by the voluntary teacher/parent to the HCS office at the end of each quarter of the school calendar. Specific instructions are provided in the HCS handbook which is provided both in hard-copy and on-line.

4. Does Heritage Covenant Schools require testing at particular grade levels?  
Every spring, HCS provides, for no additional fee, the Stanford Achievement Test (Ninth Edition) for every student, grade level 3 and up. Voluntary teacher/parents are encouraged to take advantage of the service annually, but are not required to. Testing results are for the sole benefit of the teacher/parent in assisting them make the best educational decisions for their students. The HCS Headmaster will help parents interpret the testing results.
(NOTE: Testing results are not made available to anyone without the express written consent of the custodial parent.)

5. How can I enroll my students with Heritage Covenant Schools?  
Complete and mail an application for each student with the appropriate administrative fee to the HCS office. Applications for high schoolers must be completed during an interview with the HCS headmaster. To print out an application, click here. To receive an application by mail, just request one by phone (877 239-2505) or e-mail Headmaster@HCSedu.com.

6. What is the cost involved with Heritage Covenant Schools?  
HCS charges an annual administrative fee of $130 for the first student from a family. $65 each for 2nd and 3rd students from a family. Additional students may be enrolled at no charge. HCS has no fee for achievement testing. New high school students are charged a one-time fee of $65 for course planning and counseling. The additional fees for high schoolers pertaining to transcripts and graduation are explained during the enrollment interview and listed in the HCS Handbook. 

7. What additional costs are involved in teaching my child?
The most important expense is your choice of curriculum. Costs vary but expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $800 for a year's worth of textbooks and teaching materials (tests, guides and keys).
Some parents enroll their student in tutorials for one or two days per week or employ a tutor for a specific subject - this is an additional expense which is entirely at the discretion of the family.

8. Are discounts or scholarships available?
Discounts are offered for early registration, usually during the month of May. Also, a 50% discount is given to those families in full-time Christian ministry. The Heritage Covenant Educational Foundation is currently raising funds to provide both discounts and books to families in extreme financial distress. (Donations are sincerely appreciated.