General Information [Top]
Does your school offer a Bible class?
At present we do not offer a separate Bible class for students. Biblical principles are integrated into every part of the day but are especially evident through our science, history and literature programs. In the younger grades we have such limited time with the students that we feel a Bible class is not necessary but rather the privilege and responsibility of the parents and their local church. We offer a Worldview course in high school based on apologetics. Biblical studies may be added as an elective to the high school in the future.
What is a University-Model School?
A University-Model School is a unique educational model in which two proven elements of educational success are combined. The classroom instruction of a teacher and the home mentoring of a parent are combined into a single, unified, college simulated program. Students are taught in the classroom by qualified teachers for two or three days per week while parents remain central in the character formation and education of their child by working with them on the alternating days.
Are you a Christian school?
We are a non-denominational Christian school. We believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, the salvation of individuals by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ, and the regeneration of the soul by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. A more complete rendering of our doctrinal statement of beliefs is incorporated in our school catalog. Parents and students must sign a statement agreeing with and supporting the fact that Veritas will incorporate these beliefs as the foundation of our educational methods and teachings. They must support their integration into all of Veritas programs and classes. By way of example, Veritas holds to the Creationist view of the origin of the world. Though evolution will be presented as a theory, it will be presented as one that is counter to the Bible and thus in error.
When does registration begin?
Registration begins each January and continues through the end of May. Registration fees increase from $100 per student to $150 per student after March 1st, and increase to $200 per student after April 1st.
Where are you located?
Veritas Academy is hosted by the Pinellas Park Church of the Nazarene, 6565 78th Avenue North, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 Effective August 2008, Veritas will relocate to First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774
What grades do you offer?
We offer grades Kindergarten through 12th grade.
What are the qualifications of your teachers?
All core courses are taught by certified teachers or qualified individuals holding a bachelors degree or higher.
What is your discipline policy?
Veritas has a discipline policy modeled in keeping with the Biblical ideal that children should 1) be respectful of those in authority and 2) that they should love one another as they love themselves. As such, we have attempted to avoid legalism while at the same time ensuring that children act in accordance with Scriptural guidelines. For more details, please consult our school catalog.
Do you have a uniform policy?
We do have a dress code which requires modesty and a certain level of uniformity. Although spelled out in greater detail in our school catalog, children are required to wear khaki or navy colored pants, skirts, or shorts, etc. and a Veritas logoed polo shirt in white, navy, or red.
If shopping locally for Veritas logoed shirts, contact Allen's Sports in Seminole. If you would like to order Veritas logoed shirts online, you can do so from Land's End. Click here to outfit your children from Lands’ End School online catalog.
Ordering Instructions-please read before proceeding:
Visit the Lands' End School website (click on link).
Choose the category (Uniforms for Girls or Uniforms for Boys) and click on the appropriate size range.
Choose a product category (polos, pants, shorts, etc.).
Select the item and click the size next to the color you would like.
Enter the preferred school number in the box that appears after the item is ordered. The number for Veritas is 900115734
Click "Add to Shopping Bag."
On the "Shopping Bag" page, click "Keep Shopping" to order more items, or "Proceed to Checkout" to complete your purchase.
All Lands' End school products will be displayed. Please keep our dress code and logo policy in mind.
If you have any problems placing an order, or if you have questions about an existing order, please call 1-800-469-2222.
What is your lunch offering?
Students may participate in the mylunchmoney program at Indian Rocks Christian School or they may bring their own boxed/packed lunch on Mon/Wed/Fri. For more information on the lunch program at Indian Rocks Christian School, please visit www.MyLunchMoney.com
Classes and Schedule [Top]
How does your school calendar compare to other schools?
As a family friendly school, our classes are scheduled on a 32-Week schedule in where the school is closed four-five weeks for the Christmas holiday.
When are classes scheduled?
Kindergarten through 6th grade meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 until 2:45. Grades 7 through 12 meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 until 2:50.
What is your average class size?
Our maximum class size is 16 with an average class size of 12.
Can my child attend part-time?
For grades 7 and higher, you may enroll your child on a part-time basis. We do require a minimum of 2 classes for 9th - 12th Graders and a minimum of 3 classes for 7th & 8th graders. You may enroll your child in our extracurricular activities regardless of your enrollment status.
What type of curriculum do you use?
Basic Curriculum used for K-6
Basic Curriculum used for 7-12th
Do you accommodate learning disabilities?
Due to the rigors of our curriculum and the shorter amount of classroom time, we are regrettably unable to accommodate serious learning disabilities.
How do you place students in grades?
At Veritas, we seek to place students based upon their mastery of the material rather than the child's chronological age. Therefore, it is possible that your child may work at a level above or below their normal age in one subject while still working on grade level for their other subjects. We believe this allows the student to achieve his or her maximum potential. Placement is initially made based upon the results of a pre-admission test.
What electives do you offer?
In the elementary years, children are taught English, history, science, math, and physical education as their core courses. Electives consist of the after school activity programs from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays. For grades 7 and above, in addition to their core courses, students may elect to take Spanish, Geography, Art, Public Speaking, Government, Economics, Health, Personal Fitness, Concise Theology, Choir, and World View.
Extracurricular Activities [Top]
What types of sports and activities do you offer?
From 3:00PM until 5:00PM on Mondays and Wednesdays, we will offer our extracurricular activities. These activities will be offered in 1 hour blocks. As we are committed to providing our students a well rounded education, we will offer the following activities: Art (K-5th Grade) Board Games (K-12th Grade) Enterprise Village (5th-6th Grade) Finance Park (7th-8th Grade) Guitar (3rd-12th Grade) Intramural Soccer (3rd-5th Grade) Music (K-2nd Grade) Sign Language (K-5th Grade) Sports/Games (K-5th Grade) Study Hall (3rd-12th Grade) Yearbook (6th-12th Grade) Sports teams will be added as enrollment and interest allow.
Do you offer extended care?
We do not offer extended childcare before or after school beyond our scheduled extracurricular activities.
What is the cost of the after school activities?
Students may take any or all of the EXA activities in a semester for $50 per activity block, with sports and other offerings requiring a supply fee. Non-enrolled students are eligible for the same $50 per activity block, plus a $100 registration fee per year. See more information under "Extracurricular Activites" off of homepage.
Tuition and Fees [Top]
Do you offer a discount for multiple children?
We have priced the tuition at the best possible value, and at this time we do not offer a discount for multiple children.
Where do I mail my registration application and check?
Checks can be made payable to Veritas Academy, Inc. and they can be mailed with student application to: Veritas Preparatory Academy 6565 78th Avenue North Pinellas Park, FL 33781 Effective August 2009, please make all applications to: Veritas Academy at Indian Rocks 12685 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL 33774
What is your tuition?
K-6 $2,425
7-12 $3,525
This is still less than half of most traditional, private Christian schools. This tuition cost EXCLUDES curriculum/books and all after school activities.
Do you offer tuition installment plans?
Families have the option of paying in full and receiving a discount or paying in ten equal installments beginning on July 1. The discount is as follows for full payment by July 1st: K-6 $150 discount, 7-up $200 discount
What other fees must I pay?
All students must pay an annual, non-refundable registration fee of $100-$200 depending on date of registration. The school may also charge a $40 placement test fee if such placement testing is deemed necessary by the school administrator. Students will pay a $100 supply fee and are also required to purchase their own text books and materials. To the extent that the text is to be utilized in the next year, the school will endeavor to facilitate the resale of the student's old text and the ability to purchase used texts for the following year. A fee of $45.00 will also be accessed at the end of the year for the SAT Achievement Test. However, parents may opt to include this fee on their Financial Agreement. Students registered in Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Anatomy must pay a $30.00 lab fee.
What is your attitude towards fundraising?
There are two major fundraisers each year that we require parents to participate in. These events will be held to improve the facilities and activities of the school. Your participation is essential in developing the school's maximum potential. The school is IRS recognized as a 501©3 organization, therefore any donations (but not tuition and fees) are tax deductible. Parents that are unwilling or unable to participate in fundraising events will be assessed a $125.00 fee per student, per fundraiser.
What is the application deadline?
Registration opens each January and continues through the end of May. Registration fees increase from $100 per student to $150 per student after March 1st, and increase to $200 per student after April 1st. Class seats will be offered in the order registration is received and application by the deadline does not guarantee admission. Applications will be considered on a space available basis after May 1. All applications must be accompanied by the appropriate registration fee.
Parent Involvement [Top]
Who is the primary educator?
Veritas believes that the parent must be a central participant in the education of their child. At the primary level parents are responsible for instruction three days a week and hence share the instructional responsibility. Parents of middle and high school students will oversee the work of their children two days a week. Veritas provides the evaluation of the student's performance, retains records relating to the students performance, selects the curriculum, and provides a majority of the instruction for middle and high school.
Can I retain my homeschool status?
A homeschool parent may have the option of retaining their homeschool status while participating in a private school program. The school deems it the responsibility of the parents to seek legal counsel on this issue.
Must I volunteer?
In keeping with our philosophy that a Veritas education requires both the school and the parent, parents are required to volunteer 24 hours per year. Parents who are not able to volunteer will be assessed a fee of $50 per every 6 hours, or $200.00 ONLY if parents aren't planning on volunteering. If necessary, we can work with parents to provide a variety of options to fulfill the volunteer hours with our various needs. Call the school office for more info.
What type of security arrangements do you have?
While many of the particulars of our security policy is still being developed, you can be assured that we have the safety of your child as an utmost priority. As an example, all visitors must sign in when visiting the school.
Thursday December 4, 2008
What's Coming Soon:
1/5/09
Teacher In Service
1/6/09
Teacher In Service
1/7/09
Classes Resume
1/9/09
Progress Reports