What are the two types of programs that Castlewood Classical Academy offers?
Classical 2-day Academic Homeschool Hybrid: This two-day program provides crucial academic support twice a week, covering subjects such as math, reading, writing, science, history, Bible, and electives rooted in a classical education pedagogy. The publicly funded morning schedule includes math, science, and PE. The privately funded, optional afternoon schedule includes reading/writing, art, Bible, and history. It is designed to collaborate homeschooling efforts facilitated by parents on at-home days by providing pacing guides/lesson plans, curriculum, and teacher support. 
 
ENGAGE 1-day Homeschool Enrichment Program: This one day per week program focuses on the elective side of homeschooling, offering classes and activities that enrich students’ educational experience beyond core academics. ENGAGE is a part of a three year program that cycles between various themes and enrichment curriculum. For the ‘25/’26 school year, ENGAGE includes the topics of culinary arts, martial arts, intro to art, creative writing, and music.

What is the weekly schedule for the two-day and one-day programs?
The two-day a week program will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8am - 3pm (elementary) and 8:15am - 3:15pm (middle school). The one-day a week program will meet on Fridays from 8:30am - 2:30pm with an optional hour long (2:30-3:30) Worldview Bible class following the end of the day (for students and families). 
 
What is the cost of Castlewood Classical Academy?
For the 2-day academic homeschool hybrid, the AM portion of the day is publicly funded, meaning this is at no cost to families. The PM portion is an optional private funding, for a yearly fee of $1800 for the first child and $1200 for additional siblings in the same household. This all inclusive pricing includes registration fees, curriculum costs, and testing fees. 
 
For the 1-day ENGAGE enrichment program, the one full day program is publicly funded, meaning no cost to families.

Can I do both programs? 
The short answer is yes, but public funding can only be applied to one program. Each student is allocated a specific amount of public funding that they can use for their school year. This is the equivalent to one day a week of learning, either the first half of the two-day program, or the full day of the one-day program. If a student registers for the FULL two-day program (including the privately funded afternoon portion), they can add the 3rd day for $2000, so the total yearly cost for a student enrolling in all three days is $3800 ($1800 for the full 2-day academic hybrid program + $2000 for the added 1-day enrichment program). *This cost was previously $4000 per student, but we are able to discount it for our 2-day families. 

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What grades does CCA serve? What about High School grades?

Both the 2-day academic hybrid program and the 1-Day ENGAGE serves Kindergarten-8th grade. As of now, 8th grade is the highest grade CCA offers, but there are future plans to expand into High School level. 

Is curriculum provided and what curriculum does CCA use?
Yes, all necessary textbooks, teacher guides, and supplementary materials are provided.
 
Math: Singapore Dimensions
Science: Core Knowledge
English: Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)
History: Masterbooks My Story
Art: Masterbooks Living Art
Bible: Answers in Genesis

The term “classical” can cover a range of ideals. What does “classical” mean at CCA?
At CCA, we view classical education as a time-honored approach to learning that emphasizes the pursuit of wisdom, virtues, and intellectual depth. We seek to form students who not only excel academically but also embody high moral standards and live with integrity. The curriculum used at CCA is classically based, as it nurtures critical thinking and fosters a love for learning, while building character through the learning and demonstration of virtues. 
 
What are the class sizes (combined classes or individual grades)?
The average class size will be 10-12, with a max of 15, dependent on classroom size. 
 
What are the parent and teachers roles and responsibilities?
For the 2-day program, the parents are responsible for a minimum of 50% of their student’s learning. Lessons and assignments are shared between the parent and teacher/s. It is imperative that families understand the partnership, and they are responsible for their student’s success. Parents must complete the assignments given on the at-home days. Teachers are responsible to provide a pacing guide and assignments for at-home days, to share what they are teaching during in-person days, to communicate events and class announcements, and to offer occasional support as needed throughout the year. 
 
If my student is at a different level in Math or English that is different than their grade, how is that handled? Are there placement assessments?
Placement assessments will be held in July of 2025 and a signup will be emailed to enrolled families when the time comes. A student will stay with their grade level teacher unless they need to move to their appropriate level during Math in the morning or English in the afternoon. They will spend the remainder of the subjects with their grade. For example, if a student in 4th grade tests for Level 3 math, they will go to the 3rd grade class during the math block and then return to their “homeroom” for the remainder of the day. At CCA, we are able to ability group students for both math and english without disrupting the majority of their day with their peers. 
 
What are your teacher credentials?
Every staff member will be highly qualified, as standards are high. Teachers aren’t required to hold an active teaching license, but an extensive background in education and quality references are mandatory for teachers at CCA.

What are the recess and play areas like? 
At our main campus (for 1st-5th in the two day program and k-8th in the ENGAGE one day program), we have a gym that can be used daily. We will be adding temporary fencing of sorts on part of the paved outdoor area and providing a basketball hoop and other outdoor activities. Our middle school campus has an outdoor area to play in as well as a large field. 
 
Do you follow DCSD’s calendar?
A detailed calendar will be available shortly, but it will be similar. 
 
What is the inclement weather policy?
We will follow DCSD’s snow days.
 
What are the communication methods with parents - text, email, etc?
Emailing is the primary form of communication, but texting and calling will be available for the school year. 
 
What do you do for testing (weekly/monthly and grade level - Iowa)? 
Testing will be primarily done on the in-person days, and grades will be posted by the end of the week. We will offer Iowa testing in the Spring. 
 
Are there any limits on days missed (vacation, travel, sickness)?
No, we just ask that you let us know if you plan on being gone for more than a week. 

Tell me about security, how do people enter the building, and what does drop off and pickup look like?
There will always be someone greeting kids at the door in the morning. We have security cameras throughout the building as well. As of now, parents will enter the building to pick up their students at the end of the day, but we will update parents and have a solid process once we get closer to the school year. 

Will there be parent volunteer opportunities?
Yes, there will absolutely be opportunities for parents to volunteer (classroom parties, school events, etc.).
 
Are there events throughout the year - science fair, talent show, Christmas play etc. - admin led or parent or hybrid?
We will absolutely have events for students and families. Some events will be school led and others will be parent led. Clear communication will be provided about individual events. 
 
Will there be field trips?
There will likely be opportunities for this, but it would be primarily parent facilitated.