Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s

Shipping and Delivery

I do not have my home school books yet, when will I get them?

All shipments are sent via UPS.  If your package was shipped, you should have received an email confirmation containing the tracking number for your package and an estimated delivery time.  To check the status of delivery, please log in to www.ups.com and enter your tracking number. This is the best way to track the estimated date of arrival for your homeschool curriculum and supplies.

If you are an international student:

We are unable to track an order once it has left the U.S. border.  Please remember that some countries have a longer customs wait times for items shipped there than the U.S. or Canada might.  We are unable to control any wait times due to international shipping and/or customs.

I received some reading books in my order but they are not on the Literature list.  Does my child have to read them?

Some of the High School English and Social Studies courses have additional resource books that correspond with the course.  Your student text or Instructor’s guide will direct you to the required reading when necessary.

What are the shipping charges?

For domestic shipments, the shipping fee is $35. For international shipments, the initial shipping fee is $150 and an additional fee may be taken after shipment as applicable.

Requirements: Graduation – Diploma – Curriculum – Accreditation

Why does my child have to complete 4 years of History for high school when my state only requires 3 years?

State requirements may not always be the same as Bridgeway’s requirements.  In order to receive the Bridgeway diploma, Bridgeway requirements must be followed.

Each summer we audit top colleges and universities all across the country to update the minimum high school requirements for our homeschoolers.  This ensures that your homeschooler will have a transcript that is competitive and meets the expectations of college and university admissions officers.  Our students have had the distinct advantage of a transcript that exceeds expectations and sets them apart from their public and private school counterparts.  In many cases, this leads to scholarships and acceptance by several different colleges and universities.

My child was in another school the beginning of the year.  Where do I start to mark the attendance on the Master Record Sheet?

Count how many days your child attended the other school and begin on the next day.  For example, if you child was in school for 45 days, you can block that off and write “other school” over days 1 through 45.  Begin keeping your attendance for Bridgeway with day 46.

Does my child need to take the standardized testing?

You will have to check the laws for your state to see if it is required.  Some states require standardized testing every year and other states require it only in particular years.  You can find links to the state laws on the Bridgeway Academy website.

Your child will take our placement testing upon enrollment, at the end of the first semester, and at the end of the schoolyear.  Accepted as a standardized test in many states, this testing will not only provide a clear picture of progress for you, but also a measurement of achievement for your school district.  Please contact your local school district to ensure that your state recognizes the Scantron Performance Series testing as a form of standardized testing.

Is this school accredited?

We are accredited nationally through NAPS (National Association of Private Schools) and also regionally and internationally through AdvancED, which includes NCA CASI (North Central region) and SACS CASI (Southern region). We are also licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Private Licensed Schools to issue high school diplomas.

Can my student receive credit for the extracurricular activities in which they are involved? (sports, ballet, music, drama, etc.)

Yes.  Your child will be awarded ½ credit for 60-90 hours of logged extracurricular activity or a full credit for 120-180 hours of  logged extracurricular activity.  Be sure to fill out and return a course approval form to our office to alert your personal advisor team of your intent to participate in a for credit extracurricular activity.

In some cases, your homeschool instructor or the director of the activity can send in a letter verifying your child’s involvement and issuing a grade that can be included on the transcript.

Is classic literature a requirement?

Yes. Students are required to complete 4 classic literature book reports each year as part of their English program. High school students must submit a formal book report. Elementary students may submit either a book report or a project based on the book.

“I don’t want to do Successful Living.  Do I have to?”  OR  “I don’t want to take any Bible courses.  Why do I have to take Successful Living?”

All high school students must take a Bible course before graduation.  Successful Living is the most popular Bible course offered because it focuses on wisdom principles and applies to all of life.  It has long been a favorite of parents who appreciate the careful instruction of their student as they consider independence and wise choices in career, money, budgets, goal setting and success.

However, your child may opt to take Bible 9, 10, 11, or 12 or select from Life of Christ, Old Testament History, and New Testament History in workbook format.  Another powerful apologetics course is delivered online and is an option for students at the high school level.

How does my homeschooler earn a credit for science lab?

Science lab kits are available for purchase and provide all of the equipment, supplies and lab manuals necessary for a student to earn a ½ credit science lab that corresponds to their science course for the school year.  These homeschool science kits are available for Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry and Physics.   Praised as “preparing homeschoolers for success in college-level science courses,” the Bridgeway Science labs are a key component to any college-bound homeschooler, especially those entering the science or medical field.

How do I know if my child is on track?

At the beginning of each year, your advisor will outline the expectations for you and your child for the coming school year.  If your child is in high school, your personal advisor will also provide an academic projection for graduation that outlines what you can expect from the time you enroll through graduation.

You can also track your homeschooler’s success through the built-in testing and evaluation.  Your child must achieve a mastery score of 80% or higher on all tests and evaluations in order to move forward in the curriculum.  If your child is meeting the minimum requirements and following the instructor’s guides, you can easily determine that he or she is on track for the school year.

Will this diploma be accepted into colleges?

Bridgeway Academy is a fully accredited homeschool organization.  Our students have been accepted into colleges and universities all across the United States and around the world.  In fact, 100% of our 2009 graduates applying to college or university were accepted to their first choice and 100% of those who applied to multiple colleges and universities gained acceptance into more than one.

Many of our homeschool graduates are also granted scholarships.

What types of colleges have accepted our diploma?

Our students have been accepted at a large variety of colleges such as:

Amherst College • Arizona State University • Bloomsburg University • Boston University • Brown University • Carnegie Mellon University • Daemen College • Dartmouth College • DeSales University • Drexel University • Duquesne University • East Stroudsburg University • George Washington University • • Georgetown University • Gettysburg College • Houghton College • Indiana University of PA • James Madison University • Lafayette College • Lehigh University • Mansfield University • Millersville University • Moravian College • Muhlenberg College • New York University • Penn State University • Purdue University • Rochester Institute of Technology • Roosevelt University • Rutgers University • Shippensburg University • Southwestern Adventist University • St. Joseph’s University • Swarthmore College • Syracuse University • Temple University • Ursinus College • Villanova University • Virginia Tech •  West Chester University • West Virginia University • Wilkes University • Yale University • York College • University of Scranton • University of Connecticut

Correspondence and Procedures

I sent my scored tests and Master Record Sheet in, when will I get my report card?

Please allow at least two weeks for your report card to be processed and returned to you.  If you want to know that your materials have been received, please send them with a return receipt requested.  We work on the report cards in the order received and get them out as quickly as possible.  Also remember that mail time varies depending on where you live.

What do I send in at the end of a semester?

You will find most of the answers to “when” and “what” to send in for the semester report card on pages 9 – 11 of your handbook (located in the first section of your Bridgeway Binder).   You may also want to log in to our member’s site and view the recorded webinar entitled, “What do I Send in When?”  Need the url for this!

On page 11 in your handbook, letters“d” and “e” are for High School students only, and “f” should read two book reports rather than “completed literature study guides.”  If your child has only completed one book report in the first semester, your advisor will be looking for a total of three books reports for end of year report card.

When do I send in grades?

Many parents choose to meet only the minimum requirement of sending in grades at the end of each 18 week semester.  Others prefer a report card at the end of each nine week quarter.  With Bridgeway Academy, you have the freedom to choose the plan that works for you and your family.

If you missed reporting your grades at the end of the first semester, your personal advisor team will take all of the completed grades and divide them up over the school year as equally as possible.

Half Year Enrollments and end of year reporting

Although our school year typically ends in the beginning of June, all half year students have until mid-July to turn in completed materials (please check your school calendar for specific dates).  Those who need an extension should alert their personal advisor team in advance.  The cost per month for school year extensions is $50.00.  Therefore, we encourage you to do your best to return the tests, Master Record Sheet, PE log, and book reports by July 16^th to avoid the additional monthly charge of $50.00 per month.  Please note, that new students take priority in August and September so there may be an additional wait for report cards and transcripts if materials are turned in after July 16^th.

Why didn’t I receive my report card, transcript, curriculum, diploma, etc.?

Reasons for delayed records and transcripts are varied and include:

• Payment delinquency
• Work that was not graded
• Missing documentation
• Full payment not made for additional materials

If you believe that one of the above is true for you, please contact your personal advisor team for assistance.

Please note: your advisor will not ship materials until he/she has had the opportunity to review the placement tests and decisions with you and outline the ideal curriculum choices.  If you have not had the opportunity to speak with your advisor regarding these critical approvals, please contact our office immediately.  We value your role as homeschooling parent and want to ensure that you have input into the curriculum choices for your child.

Please remember that we are not responsible for failures on the part of the post office or UPS but we will do our best to help you resolve any issues.

Is there a teacher to help my student with his school work?

In many cases, parents are nervous about serving as the primary instructor to their child.  However, we encourage you to remember that you are your student’s best teacher and have been teaching since the day your children were born.  However, if you need assistance, we offer our Platinum plan which provides students with direct access to instructors via live online platforms.

If you prefer your child to work with an instructor, please ask about the “Student Learning Labs” included in our Homeschool Platinum Plan.

Do you make the students take exit exams?

No. The students do not have to take an exit exam in order to receive their diploma.  When students complete the assigned testing and evaluation (ongoing throughout the school year) with a mastery score of 80% or higher, we are able to track their success all year long.

High school students must simply meet the graduation requirements outlined upon enrollment.

Once all necessary credits are earned, your child will receive a fully accredited high school diploma recognized all around the world.

What can I do for community service?

Community service is an important component of all of our homeschool programs.  Not only does community service provide outstanding learning opportunities, it also allows students to build confidence, to make a difference and to develop leadership skills.

Because it is so important in today’s society, colleges and universities look at students who commit to more than 30 hours of community service as they seek the best candidates for their institutions.

Some basic community service ideas include dog walking, church activities, tutoring, babysitting, volunteering at nursing homes, cleaning playgrounds, adopt a highway, making items for homeless people, mission trips, assistant for teaching or sports or fine arts, reading to children for children’s hour at library . . .   Look for opportunities that your child can develop a passion for and pursue those options.

Do I really need to do Community Service?

Yes.  All high school students must complete a MINIMUM of 60 hours of community service before graduation.  This can be broken up however you wish, but you must complete it.

Because it is so important in today’s society, colleges and universities look at students who commit to more than 30 hours of community service as they seek the best candidates for their institutions.

Registration – Enrollment – Single Semester – Re-enrollment

When is the best time to re-enroll for next year?

Your personal advisor team will send a re-enrollment packet via email in early Spring.  In your packet you will find details on what to expect in the coming year as well as any reenrollment specials that may be in place for the upcoming school year.  At that time, you can contact your personal advisor team to discuss options for the upcoming school year and take advantage of early enrollment specials.

Early enrollment typically ends in the middle of May.  Please check your school calendar for specific dates.

Does the cost of tuition include the registration fee?

No.  Registration fees are separate from the cost of your tuition package.

Registrations fees are $145 for PreK – 8th grade students, $195 for 9th – 12th grade students, and $95 for BJUP Record-Keeping Only students.

Does registration have to be paid every year?

Yes it does.  However, we often offer early re-enrollment specials for our valued families early in the Spring each year.

Is there a discount for multiple students?

We do not offer a multiple student discount at this time.

Do you offer scholarships?

There are scholarships available for active duty military personnel and full time missionaries.  These scholarships are determined and awarded based on need and do require specific paperwork to be filed.

Do you offer payment plans?

Besides paying in-full, parents can opt to spread their tuition payments out into two semester payments or seven monthly payments.  With Monthly payments, a down payment of $450 is due upon enrollment and the remaining tuition balance is broken up into six equal payments due on the 5th of each month.

Finance

Are registration fees refundable?

Registration fees are non-refundable and must accompany all new and re-enrollment applications.

How long is a registration fee valid?

Initial registration fee is valid only for 2 months (60 days) from day of enrollment. All registered student who fail to return the proper enrollment paperwork and completed placement tests and/or provide their previous school records within this specified time will be put on academic hold for up to 30 days.

What is the policy on tuition refunds?

Tuition fees are non-refundable after 30 days from the date of shipping. If the enrollment is canceled within 30 days of shipping, any tuition fees paid will be refunded in full, provided the curriculum is returned to Bridgeway in unused condition. If any materials are used or unreturned, the cost of these items will be deducted from the refund. *Tuition fees for any Dual Enrollment courses are non-refundable after 10 days from the date of enrollment.

What is the refund policy for changed packages?

A refund of fees due to change in tuition package is possible only if the change in package is done within the 30 day enrollment period. After the 30 day period no refund will be processed. If the a student moves to a higher tuition package the difference in package fees is due in full within 30 days of the change.

Will you refund shipping fees paid or incurred when we return the curriculum?

Shipping costs are non-refundable.

Do I have to pay tuition every year I am enrolled?

Tuition fees are incurred every school year/grade level enrolled per student.

Am I obligated to pay the rest of the tuition if I withdraw in the middle of the year?

If at the end of the 1st semester a student decides to withdraw, no tuition will be refunded.

If a student transfers to another school (either during the semester or end of the year), academic records will be released only after all financial obligations have been settled with the finance office. Because your tuition payment includes the cost of the materials, instructor’s guides, and other resources, there are no tuition refunds for students transferring to another school.

If a student withdraws during the duration of the monthly payment plan, you are still responsible to pay the balance in full. Student records will not be released until the financial obligations are met.

Can I rollover the tuition payment from one school year to the next?

We do not and cannot roll over tuition from one grade/year to the next.

Are there processing fees involved if I choose to pay my tuition in payments?

Yes, there is a processing fee charged for payment plans. A processing fee of $15 per payment will be applicable when enrolling in the 2 or 7 monthly payment plan. The processing fee is included in the monthly installment amount.

Online High School and other online courses and options.

Do the online courses include textbooks?

No textbooks are necessary for our online middle and high school programs.  All of the work and resources are online – math does include worksheets that must be printed and completed for extra practice and parents have access to answer keys (these are not required but are recommended).

For the online Dual Enrollment program, you are responsible to purchase the textbooks.  This can be done through the college bookstore site accessed directly through your online course website.

How is online work turned in?

Writing Assignments are submitted online and graded by an online instructor.  All other testing and evaluation is automatically scored by the software.

How are writing Assignments Completed?

All writing assignments are all completed online.  English and History do include rigorous writing assignments; up to four per week in English (count as 20% of the grade) and approximately one per week in History (counts as 10% of the final grade).  Writing Assignments are submitted online and graded by an online instructor.

What if my online student fails a test or a writing assignment?

Students are given 3 opportunities to retake each quiz or test – only the highest grade is counted toward their final grade.  If a student fails a writing assignment, the assignment can be corrected and resubmitted as many times as needed.  Only the highest grade is counted.

Is the Online High School a Bible based curriculum?

Although we do not have a Bible based Online High School program at this time it is something we are developing for the future. If you prefer a Bible based computer driven program, we do have a CD ROM option for you and your students.

What is the difference between  honors and  AP Courses?

Honors courses are designed to provide more academic rigor and will therefore demonstrate to college admissions officers your willingness to challenge yourself. In addition, when you do well in an honors course you let college admissions officers know how you will do in a college level course.

AP Courses also provide more academic rigor and can demonstrate to college admissions officers not only your ability to handle college-level courses but also your willingness to take on a challenge. But AP Courses go further than that.  These courses are tied to a standard curriculum that is designed to prepare students to take a comprehensive final exam.  See the full explanation here  What is the difference between an honors and an AP Course?