FAQ

Get to know us through 
some of our more 
frequently asked questions.  

General Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a mission statement?

We recognize and nurture students to become creative, self-motivated leaders who impact culture with the Gospel while addressing their unique academic, social, and spiritual needs.

What are the key parts to your educational philosophy?
  1. Personalized curriculum that is chosen, planned, and implemented based on the unique needs of each student
     
  2. Safe, mixed-age classrooms that nurture independent learning and mentoring relationships
     
  3. Flexible enrollment options including half day, full day, online, and afternoon classes focused on the arts, faith and life skills
     
  4. Faith-centered environment where students can grow to love and serve Jesus while discovering their gifts and talents
What does the phrase “partnership-with-parents” mean?

Parental help is absolutely essential in this non-traditional method of schooling. Parents need to work closely with the classroom teachers to ensure their child is staying on track and working up to his/her potential. 

Additionally, classroom teachers need to openly communicate with parents and work to accommodate the family schedule. 

 

Good communication between school and home is the most important key to success at Streams of Hope.

How can you accomplish your objectives with different grade levels in one classroom?

Students are tested diagnostically and placed at their level of achievement in each subject, rather than assigned curriculum based on age and grade level. Students work at their own pace and at their own level in most subjects. 

Our teachers are experts in teaching students of all grades/abilities through continued professional development, team collaboration, and listening to the needs of each of their students. 

What kinds of educational materials do you use?

Based on students’ needs, we choose from a wide variety of learning styles and curricula, both Christian and Christian friendly, which includes textbooks, workbooks, manipulatives, computer programs and tutorial courses on DVD. 

Do you cover as much material during the year as the public schools?

As students are able, we usually accomplish each level’s academic objectives. Students work at their own pace, and are not pushed ahead by faster-achieving students or held back by slower ones. They complete and correct their work before going on to the next concept. Students must master all assigned material, especially in math and language arts, before proceeding to the next lesson.

In some students, we have seen as much as three academic years of improvement in just one year of attending our school. This is not always the case, but we believe firmly that our students cover as much material, if not more, than students in public school.  

You have so many options for enrollment! How do I know which one is best for my family?

You are right! We have SO many enrollment options and we realize that choosing which one is the best fit for your family might be confusing. We would love to talk with you personally to help you consider your options! In the mean time, here is a basic rundown of our enrollment options:

  1. Half day enrollment- M-F; 8:30am-Noon. This covers all core curriculum.
  2. Full day enrollment- M-Th; 8:30am-2:30pm and Fridays 8am-Noon. This covers all core curriculum and participation in all appropriate afternoon classes.
  3. Afternoon Classes only- this is for homeschooled students who are looking for enrichment opportunities for their students
  4. Full time online school- This covers all core and elective curriculum for students grades 3-12. We provide assistance and grade monitoring. There is no set time to be online and students are able to work at their own pace on their own time.
  5. A la carte online school- this option is for homeschooled families to pick and choose individual classes. This option is most utilized by high school students looking for foreign language, career introduction, and higher level math and science classes.
Do you offer a complete educational curriculum?

Yes! We cover a complete range of academic educational subjects. While we do our best to provide a complete education, there are times when we cannot provide specific classes (i.e. physical education). We do, however, have resources to help ensure a well rounded education. For high school students, we utilize a wide variety of online classes, dual enrollment options, and work with parents closely to ensure that all high school credits are earned. 

Do you follow a traditional school year schedule?

We follow a modified schedule. We begin the school year early in August and take regular breaks during the year, which include 3 days off in September, a full week at Thanksgiving, two full weeks at Christmas (usually), 3 days off mid-February, and one week at spring break. Our year usually ends by the last week in May. Because of our regular weeks off, we do not take off individual days for President’s Day, Veteran’s Day, etc.

What if our family wants to take a short vacation other than during school vacations?

We love for families to spend quality time together and we are absolutely willing to accommodate your schedule. Simply notify us as soon as you know the date(s), and we will plan accordingly. We may also have occasion to cancel school or schedule at-home school days, such as for conferences or unexpected staff situations. We will notify you of those as they arise. 

Will there be regular parent-teacher communication?

Yes. We will communicate regularly by email, text, in person, or by phone. We have a weekly email newsletter that goes out each Friday, and a Parent Facebook page to connect with other parents as well as school staff. Parents are welcome to call at any time. It’s great to have immediate feedback so questions can be quickly answered and concerns addressed.

Will we be able to observe your school in operation?

Parents of current students are welcome to drop in at any time; we welcome them as a vital part of the educational team. Prospective families are always welcome to visit during school hours by appointment only. 

What does a typical day at Streams of Hope look like?

While each day is different and each class is different, we do have a general schedule that the school follows. 

8:15-8:30am- Student arrival

8:30-10:30am- Morning work time 

10:30-10:45am- Break/Snack Time

10:45-Noon- Student work time

Noon-12:30pm- Half day student dismiss at noon. Full day students eat a packed lunch.

12:30-2:30pm- Full day and homeschool students participate in Afternoon Classes. 

2:30pm- Full day Dismissal

Do students usually have homework?

No! We intentionally try to avoid sending students home with homework. We believe that the evening hours should be spent together as a family, not fighting over the completion of homework. However, there are some occasions that homework is necessary. Your child's teacher will communicate with you regularly if homework is necessary.

Does your school abide by Indiana law?

Yes! Under Indiana law, we are classified as a non-accredited private school, and we follow the state law, which stipulates that we teach an equivalent curriculum and follow a 180-day school year. 

We also work closely with Fort Wayne Community School's Special Education Consultants to ensure students with Individualized Service Plans needs are met.

 

In addition, we are a member of the National Microschooling Center which provides guidance, community, legal assistance and trainings specific to microschools across the nation and Indiana. 

Are your teachers licensed?

Licensing is not required to be a teacher at Streams of Hope. Our teachers all have extensive backgrounds in education and have proven track records of success in working with students. 

Do you accept State Vouchers or ESA funds?

We do not accept School Choice Vouchers. However, we do accept ESA funds for tuition. 

 

How do we enroll our student?

Fill out the Student Enrollment Form and pay the non-refundable $150.00 application fee, read and sign the Parent-Student-Teacher Agreement.

How does high school work at Streams of Hope?

High School requires a unique approach to planning. Our teachers are able to provide a complete high school education that allows students to graduate with a Streams of Hope high school diploma. In addition to the diploma, we provide high school transcripts that are accepted at colleges and universities across the country. For more questions about High School, see our High School FAQ.

What is a microschool?

The National Microschooling Center defines Microschooling as small, multifamily learning environments. These can be organized as shared learning for homeschool children, as licensed or unlicensed private schools, or even with public charter or traditional public school space, as long as pertinent state and local rules are followed.

According to the Microschool Revolution, a microschool is the result of rethinking the traditional educational model to better prepare children for the future. They are small, private institutions where students are empowered to personalize their own educations and are held accountable for their own progress.

 

Streams of Hope is a microschool that delivers education in an innovative and unique way. We offer flexible enrollment options, mixed age classrooms, with an emphasis on independent learning in our private school and homeschool programs. 

Are you affiliated with any professional or educational organizations?

Yes, we are members of the National Microschooling Center and are part of the VELA community.

High School Frequently Asked Questions

Can my student graduate from Streams of Hope Christian School with a high school diploma?

Yes! While Streams of Hope is a non-accredited private school, we still provide students with a path to graduation (we follow the IDOE's graduation requirements as closely as we can). Upon the completion of their high school education, our students receive a diploma, a cap and gown, and are able to walk at our very own graduation ceremony. Additionally, we provide our graduates with a high school transcript to be used for college admissions. 


Our students have been accepted to colleges across the country!

What does a typical high school path look like at Streams of Hope?

While not required by the State of Indiana, we try to follow the Indiana Core 40 graduation path as closely as possible. Due to the individualized way we approach education, we are able to customize the curriculum and high school path to meet each student’s academic ability and need. We are able to provide equivalent diplomas to the Indiana General Education Diploma, the Core 40 Diploma, the Academic Honors Diploma, and the Career Pathways Diploma. We are also able to work with students and their families to issue diplomas that focus on being ready to go into a trade. 
 

Can my student graduate in less than 4 years?

Absolutely, yes! We often have students who graduate in less than 4 years. We can accelerate a student’s education to meet their academic and career goals. 

My student is a struggling learner. Can they take longer than 4 years to graduate?

Yes! We can slow down the curriculum to ensure that your student’s needs are being met! Students who take longer than 4 years to graduate can still receive a diploma and transcript in addition to walking in graduation. 

Do you offer high school electives?

Yes! Streams of Hope provides all core classes in Language Arts, Writing, Math, Science, and History, in addition to elective classes. We offer elective classes through our online school, afternoon classes, and by connecting our students with local community resources. We can also help families navigate dual enrollment options to help meet elective credit needs!
 

What is a credit and how many does my student need?

A credit is a point value given to high school classes. In the state of Indiana, 1 full year class is worth 2 credits and 1 semester class is worth 1 credit. Students need to have at least 40 credits to graduate high school with a specific number of credits required in each subject.

How do I know what classes my student needs to graduate?

Our teachers will work with you and your student to create a graduation pathway. We will take into account your student's needs, abilities, and goals. 

Do colleges and universities accept Streams of Hope transcripts even though it’s not accredited?

Yes! Our students have been accepted to many colleges across the country. If a university needs more information about classes taken through Streams of Hope, we can provide them with class descriptions and other pertinent information. 

What if we complete a few years of high school at Streams of Hope and decide we want to put our child back in public school or private school?

This is a tricky question. Because we are a private, non-accredited school, public schools and other private schools are not required to accept our credits for transfer. This means that there is potential for all of the work your student has done at Streams of Hope to not count as credits in other schools. If this happens, your student will need to retake the credits that are not accepted which can result in a longer time spent in high school. With that being said, we have had our credits accepted in some local public school districts, however, we cannot guarantee that our credits will be accepted. 
 

We will work hard with guidance counselors to provide detailed information about classes taken, materials used, and provide a current transcript, but ultimately, the public/private school has the final say in what credits they will accept. 

Can my student transfer to Streams of Hope from a public school, private school, or homeschool in the middle of their high school years?

Yes! We accept most credits from public, private, and homeschools. Simply submit their current transcripts or records and we will determine the next steps with you.