What curriculum do you use?
Mountainside Academy uses Christian-based programs of study. This year we are using Alpha Omega Publications® LIFEPAC® for core subjects. For parents opting to provide a laptop computer, AOP® Switched-On Schoolhouse® provides a computer-based multimedia graphic and text curriculum.* Kindergarten and Grades 1-2 use A Beka Book for a phonics-based foundation.
Additional costs apply for software and wireless network. Providing a high-speed Internet connection at home is the responsibility of individual families. *Grades 3 through 12 only.
What electives are offered?
Grades Kindergarten through high school: Bible, music, art, and kinesiology. Grades 7 through 12: team sports, computer, typing, health, college planning, orchestra, and foreign languages.
Do you offer any after school programs?
Not at this time. Parents may join Academy Parents: for posting messages to other enrolled families to discuss extra-school needs .
Do we offer private tutoring?
Not at this time.
Are our teachers credentialed?
As a church ministry, we do not require or believe credentials are necessary to make a qualified teacher. What is necessary is a teacher who can:
- show students by the example of their life what it means to love and serve Jesus Christ
- be able to teach academics at the level they are placed
- and, have an ability to work well with children.
This is our criteria for hiring teachers.
Is Mountainside Academy accredited?
No. Accreditation is a stamp of approval that a self-appointed organization gives after a school complies with its self-defined guidelines. We look to parents to be the people that approve or disapprove of their choice in a school for their children. Because we have a genuine care for our families, we take upon ourselves the responsibility to maintain a facility and staff that will nurture children and provide for their safety, health, and welfare. Parents are the final judge on how well we are doing our job.
Are Mountainside Academy high school credits accepted at other high schools and colleges?
If or when our students face discrimination due to our curriculum, non-accreditation, number of students enrolled, etc., parents are responsible to take an active role to uphold our nation's religious freedom to follow their conscience regarding the education of their children. As stated in the Bible, "train up a child in the way they should go" (Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6:7), and "bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4), are mandates given to parents, not government institutions. Currently, the California University system rejects non-WASC accredited schools and therefore is rejecting many Christian high school students' credits. Many public high school districts have also rejected these credits. All students are accepted at private schools, Christian schools/colleges. Mountainside Academy graduates will still be able to earn a state university degree by attending a community college before transferring to the state systems. The discrimination is directed toward high school students and does not affect students in K-8 grades. We encourage parents to keep students in a Christian environment with a biblical worldview throughout college years.
Are only Christian families accepted?
Yes. Parents are required to be faithful tithing members of a Christian church. Because it is our desire to minister to families, if parents are not attending a church, the student will be accepted if they attend Mountainside Ministries' children/youth program.
Please see the Pre-Enrollment Standards and Policy
What is the yearly schedule?
September to June. A ten-month school calendar and a summer session as needed.
Who is invited to attend summer school?
Only Mountainside Academy students, or those from other schools also? Christian families are invited to use the summer school program. Summer session is a 6-8 week program from early July through August. Consult the website calendar for dates.
What is the cost to attend Mountainside Academy?
See the program outline.
Do we offer scholarships (financial aid)?
Mountainside Academy has offered a very affordable amount necessary to support the ministry of the school. For this reason we do not offer further discounts.
Do we offer distance learning?
Yes. We invite parents to use Mountainside Academy for academic support, curriculum, and record keeping. We also welcome our distance learners to use the on-site teachers and facility for emergency help, science courses that require labs, and a graduation ceremony.
Do we have before and after school care?
After school hours until 6 PM at reasonable cost is offered by staff. Academy administration may have referrals to local providers: please ask. Parents may join Academy Parents: for posting messages to other enrolled families to discuss extra-school needs.
Do we have a physical education/sports program?
Yes. Swimming is one area we will offer because we have a large pool. Other sports scheduled in the school year are volleyball and basketball.
Do students at the school get to use the ranch or the pool? Both activities may be drawn on for 'free-time' or earned privileges as well as classes.
Do we require uniforms?
Yes. Uniform information is included in the official enrollment package.
When is support due?
The first day of every month of the academic calendar. The academy is an integral and inseparable part of Mountainside Ministries and thanks parents for faithful support to preserve the financial health of the ministry.
What is used for disciplinary measures?
This will vary depending on the age of the student. 'Time-out'/detention time, suspension, and if necessary expulsion. Incentives are also an important part of teaching discipline. Earned Field Trips, free time, and good behavior awards all help motivate students and lack of earning the incentives provides a source of discipline as well. Parents are called when warranted to address behavior that needs immediate attention.
Do we accept volunteers?
If a parent or relative of an enrolled student wishes to assist in any area of the academy or church, they must undergo a criminal background check at their own cost through the church's approved screening provider and sign a liability waiver. Then, as the need arises for a volunteer, we contact you.
How large is our enrollment?
What is the student/teacher ratio? Mountainside Academy has the capability to accommodate a large student body within the church's 59+ acre campus. Kindergarten ratio is 1:10; Grades 1 to 2 is 1:15; Grades 3 to 12 is 1:20.
What nationalities is our enrollment?
We will know this once the enrollment session is complete. We accept and appreciate all nationalities. Mountainside Academy is not eligible to accept non-US citizen students at this time.
Do we offer transportation, half-day for Kindergarten,
or a preschool?
No. A full-day academic program for Kindergarten begins with phonics. Parents need to provide transportation to and from Mountainside Academy.
At what age may a child start Kindergarten?
Four years of age.
Do you have field trips? Where?
Mountainside Academy plans educational and recreational off-campus outings for all grades. Outing destinations may include libraries, farms, manufactories, theme parks, historical sites, sports events, and other places relating to students' course of studies. Overnight outings for camping or academic conventions may be in the school calendar.
What denominational background is the church
and school associated with?
Mountainside Ministries is an interdenominational Christian church.
May I review the church's articles of faith?
What We Believe
Do you require background checks on all staff?
Yes. All ministry staff is required to undergo a national criminal background search. Staff working with minors may be subject to greater search detail. Parents are invited to take advantage of the California Department of Justice website (Megan's law) database as an informational tool.
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