Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you want to know about admissions, tuition, curriculum, daily schedule, safety, and school life at Seeds of Faith Christian Academy — organized by category for quick answers.
1What grades does SOFCA offer?
Seeds of Faith Christian Academy serves students from K2 through 8th grade. Availability may vary by grade level, so the best next step is to complete the enrollment process and allow Administration to confirm whether there is space in your child’s classroom.
2What is the mission and vision of Seeds of Faith Christian Academy?
Our mission is to provide excellence in Christ-centered education as an extension of the Christian home. In simple terms, we want children to grow academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially in an environment where they are known, loved, corrected, and challenged.
3What makes SOFCA different from other private Christian schools?
SOFCA is small enough to know your child, structured enough to challenge your child, and loving enough to help shape your child. We are not trying to be the biggest school; we are trying to be the right school for the families assigned to us. At SOFCA, academics matter, but character, respect, responsibility, and partnership with the home matter too.
4Is SOFCA a good fit for families coming from Camp David?
For many families, yes. Camp David gives parents a chance to experience our heart, our structure, our communication, and our care for children. It also allows us to observe students from many different educational backgrounds.
What we consistently see is that SOFCA students are well-prepared. They understand structure, complete assignments, read for comprehension, use phonics, answer in complete sentences, and carry themselves with a level of readiness that reflects the work being done here. That is not a criticism of any child or any school; it is simply evidence that our curriculum, expectations, and partnership with parents are producing fruit.
5How long has SOFCA been serving families?
SOFCA began in 2000, so we have been serving families for more than two decades. But more than counting years, we look for fruit. Former SOFCA students are now excelling in high school as valedictorian, class president, Top 25 graduates, and top GPA earners. That tells us the foundation built here continues to speak long after students leave our building.
6Is the academy faith-based, and how is faith included in the school day?
Yes. We are a Christian academy, and faith is not just something we mention during Bible time. Biblical principles guide how we teach, how we correct, how we encourage, how we handle conflict, and how we help children understand who they are in God.
7What are Georgia’s classroom ratio/class-size guidelines compared to SOFCA’s actual class sizes?
Georgia allows classrooms to be much larger than what many parents realize. For example, current Georgia childcare ratios allow one adult for 15 three-year-olds, one adult for 20 five-year-olds, and one adult for 25 school-age children. Georgia’s public-school class-size rule allows up to 21 students in grades 1–3 and up to 28 students in grades 4–8 core classes.
At SOFCA, we pay attention to class size because the number of children in a room directly affects the teacher’s ability to teach and the students’ ability to learn.
8What is SOFCA’s normal class size?
Our normal class size is usually 12 to 15 students, with a maximum of 18 students. That matters because smaller classes help us notice the child who is struggling, the child who is rushing, the child who needs a little more confidence, and the child who is ready to be pushed further. At SOFCA, we want children to be more than present; we want them to be known.
9Do younger grades have assistants?
We do not currently employ paraprofessionals assigned to individual classrooms. However, we do have strong administrative support throughout the building. Three members of our Administrative Team, along with one floating office support person, are available to step into classrooms and provide assistance when needed.
That support may look like helping the whole class during a busy transition, assisting with routines, giving the teacher an extra set of hands, or working with a student one-on-one for a period of time. Our goal is to make sure teachers are supported and students receive help when the classroom need calls for it.
10Are any grades combined?
At times, a small school may make classroom decisions based on enrollment, staffing, and academic needs. When that happens, the goal is never convenience; the goal is to make sure students are still receiving appropriate instruction, structure, and support. We are careful to make decisions that protect the academic environment.
11How does SOFCA maintain individualized attention?
Individualized attention begins with knowing the child. We notice when a student is struggling, rushing, guessing, shutting down, excelling, or needing to be challenged. Because we are smaller, students cannot easily disappear in the crowd. We see them, we correct them, we encourage them, and we partner with parents when support is needed.
12What happens if a class reaches capacity?
When a class reaches capacity, we pause. We do not keep enrolling simply because families are interested. A full room is not always a healthy room. We would rather create a waiting list than place too many children in a classroom and weaken the experience for the teacher, the students, and the families already enrolled.
13How do I enroll a new student?
The first step is to complete the online application and pay the $50 application fee. Once the application is submitted, Administration will review the information, determine whether space is available, and guide you through the next steps. Enrollment is not just paperwork for us; it is our opportunity to make sure SOFCA is the right fit for your child and your family.
14How do I re-enroll a returning student?
Returning families complete the re-enrollment process by submitting the required forms and fees for the new school year. A seat is not secured by intention alone; it is secured when re-enrollment is complete. This helps us plan classrooms, staffing, curriculum, and materials wisely.
15What documents are required?
Required documents may include a birth certificate, immunization records, hearing/vision/dental/nutrition screening, report cards, transcripts, standardized test scores, and any custody or medical information that applies. These documents help us serve your child safely, legally, and academically.
16Is there an application fee, registration fee, or enrollment fee?
Yes. There are respective fees based on your child’s grade level.
The application fee is $50, and the annual registration fee is $100. The enrollment fee is based on the grade your child will be entering.
When you complete the inquiry form and provide your email address, we will send you the prospective parent information packet, which includes frequently asked questions, tuition rates, and all grade-level fees. This allows families to review the full financial commitment before moving forward.
17Are seats guaranteed for returning students?
Returning families are important to us, but seats are not guaranteed until re-enrollment is complete. We cannot properly plan for a child based on verbal interest alone. Completing re-enrollment tells us your family is committed and allows us to prepare responsibly.
18Is there a deadline to enroll or re-enroll?
Yes. Deadlines matter because they affect staffing, books, classroom placement, and preparation for the school year. We encourage families not to wait until the last minute, especially if they already know they want SOFCA to remain their child’s school home.
19Do you accept students mid-year?
Mid-year enrollment may be considered if space is available and if the placement is a good fit. We review records, grade-level readiness, behavior, and the needs of the classroom before making a decision.
20Is there a waiting list?
Yes. If a class is full, a student may be placed on a waiting list. We would rather use a waiting list than overcrowd a classroom. Protecting the learning environment matters for the students already enrolled and for the child hoping to enter.
21What curriculum does SOFCA use?
SOFCA primarily uses the Abeka curriculum, which gives students a strong foundation in phonics, reading, language, writing, arithmetic, and Biblical worldview. We appreciate that it is structured, repetitive, and mastery-focused because children need more than exposure; they need understanding and retention.
22Do students receive Bible instruction?
Yes. Bible is part of who we are, not just a subject we add to the schedule. We want students to know Scripture, but we also want them to understand how Biblical principles apply to their behavior, choices, friendships, obedience, and identity.
23How are reading and math taught?
Reading and math are taught step by step. We believe strong foundations matter. Students are taught phonics, comprehension, spelling, number sense, arithmetic, and problem-solving in a structured way so they can build confidence and not simply guess their way through assignments.
24Do students take benchmark or standardized assessments?
Yes. We use assessments to help us see where students are strong and where they need support. We look at more than one thing: classroom performance, homework, seatwork, teacher observation, benchmark data, and standardized testing. A test score matters, but it never tells the whole story by itself.
25How do you support students who are behind?
When a student is behind, we address it directly and early. We identify the concern, communicate with the parent, monitor progress, and determine what support is needed. Sometimes the support happens in the classroom, and sometimes we may recommend outside tutoring if the student needs more than the school day can provide.
26How do you challenge students who are advanced?
Advanced students need to be stretched, not just praised. We challenge them through stronger expectations, quality of work, independence, deeper thinking, and responsibility. Our goal is not simply for students to finish first; our goal is for them to keep growing.
27Is homework assigned?
Yes. Homework is assigned, but it is derived from the curriculum. We rarely take the liberty to add extra assignments just for the sake of giving more work.
Abeka has done the research, and the homework is designed to reinforce what students need to revisit at home. We believe the school day is already a full responsibility for children, so our goal is not to overwhelm families with unnecessary worksheets in the evening. Students still need time for extracurricular activities, rest, and simply enjoying family life.
28How are grades communicated to parents?
Grades are communicated through PowerSchool, report cards, completed assignments, Friday Envelopes, and teacher communication. Parents should not have to wait until report card time to know how their child is doing. We encourage families to stay connected throughout the grading period.
29How often do teachers communicate with families?
Communication happens regularly through ClassDojo, folders, Friday Envelopes, PowerSchool, email, conferences, and PTF meetings. We want parents to hear from us before a concern becomes a crisis, and we also ask parents to reach out early when they notice something at home.
30What time does school open?
Students may arrive as early as 6:30 AM. We open early because we understand that many of our parents are working parents, and we want to be a support to families.
31What time does school begin?
The school day begins at 8:00 AM, and students should be in the classroom by 8:05 AM. Those first few minutes matter because they help children settle in, prepare their minds, and begin the day with order.
32What time is dismissal?
School ends at 3:00 PM, and regular dismissal is from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM. We ask families to follow dismissal procedures carefully because they help keep students safe and the process moving smoothly.
33What time does the building close?
Regular dismissal ends at 3:30 PM. Students who remain after regular dismissal transition into After School Care, which ends at 5:30 PM. We will discuss ASC details, fees, and expectations in a later section.
34What is the tardy policy?
Students are tardy after 8:05 AM. We understand that life happens, but repeated tardiness affects more than attendance records. It causes children to miss instruction, interrupts the teacher, and can make the student feel like they are starting the day behind.
35What does a typical school day look like?
A typical day at SOFCA is structured, intentional, and full. Students receive academic instruction, Bible or Christian worldview teaching, classwork, lunch, recess or physical activity, and daily routines that help them grow in responsibility. Our goal is for children to be taught, not just watched.
36Do students have recess or outdoor play?
Yes. Children need movement, fresh air, and time to interact with their peers. Weather permitting, students have opportunities for recess or outdoor play, and physical education is also part of the school program.
37Do younger children take naps or rest?
Yes, our younger students have rest time built into the day. Little children need a balance of learning, structure, play, and rest. We want them to grow academically, but we also understand their developmental needs.
38Where can parents find the school calendar?
The school calendar is emailed to parents upon enrollment, posted on our website for easy access, and also shared on the Seeds of Faith Christian Academy Facebook page.
We encourage every family to save it and refer to it often because it includes school closings, early dismissals, programs, events, breaks, and important deadlines. SOFCA has its own calendar, so it is important for families to use our calendar as the official guide.
39What days is the school closed?
Closed days are listed on the official school calendar. SOFCA has its own calendar, so families should not assume we follow Fulton County, Atlanta Public Schools, or any other school system. Please use the SOFCA calendar as your official guide.
40Are there early dismissal days?
Yes. Early dismissal days are listed on the school calendar. We provide those dates in advance so families can plan ahead for transportation, work schedules, and after-school arrangements.
41Do you serve breakfast?
At this time, students eat breakfast before arriving at school.
For a small school like ours, offering a breakfast program is not as simple as placing food on a table. It requires staffing, food purchasing, storage, equipment, preparation, cleanup, waste control, and additional oversight. Those costs can become significant, especially when young children may or may not eat what is provided.
By asking students to eat breakfast before school, we are able to protect our resources and keep our focus where it belongs: strong classroom instruction, quality teachers, safety, curriculum, and the overall learning environment. We do ask parents to make sure children arrive nourished, settled, and ready to begin the school day.
42Do you serve lunch?
Students bring lunch from home each day.
We have found that this is the wisest and most practical option for a school our size. Providing lunch would require hiring food-service staff, purchasing food in advance, maintaining storage and equipment, managing preparation and cleanup, and absorbing the cost of waste when students do not eat what is served.
Children also have very specific preferences. Parents know what their child will eat, what they will avoid, and what works best for their child’s body and appetite. When families send lunch from home, it reduces waste, helps control cost, and gives parents the ability to make decisions based on allergies, sensitivities, preferences, and nutritional needs.
This allows SOFCA to be a wise steward of tuition dollars and keep our resources directed toward the classroom, our staff, curriculum, student safety, and the learning environment.
43Do students bring lunch from home?
Yes. Students bring lunch from home each day. We ask parents to pack a lunch their child can eat and manage comfortably during the school day.
44Are snacks provided, or should students bring snacks?
Students may bring snacks from home, and snack expectations will be communicated by the classroom or Administration. We ask families to send snacks that are simple, appropriate, and not distracting to the learning environment.
45Are microwaves available?
Yes, microwaves are available, but lunch should not require preparation. Food should already be cooked, placed in a microwave-safe container, and ready to warm. Parents should also pack everything the child needs, including utensils, napkins, and condiments.
46Is SOFCA a nut-free campus?
We take food allergies seriously and ask parents to provide accurate allergy and medical information. If a classroom has a specific allergy concern, Administration will communicate any restrictions or precautions that families need to follow. Our goal is to keep students safe while being clear and practical with parents.
47What is the policy for food delivery services like DoorDash?
Students may not receive food deliveries from services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, Grubhub, or similar platforms. Parents should send lunch from home with the student each morning.
48How are food allergies handled?
Food allergies are handled through accurate parent communication, updated records, and proper notification to Administration. Parents must make sure allergy information is current in the student’s records and in KidCheck. We cannot protect what we do not know, so clear communication is essential.
49What are the tuition rates?
Tuition rates are based on the grade your child will be entering. When families complete the inquiry form and provide an email address, we send the prospective parent information packet, which includes the full tuition schedule, fees, and frequently asked questions. We want families to review the full financial commitment before moving forward.
50What fees are due at enrollment?
Fees vary based on whether the student is new or returning and the grade the child will be entering. Generally, families should expect an application fee for new students, an annual registration fee, and a grade-level enrollment fee. These fees help us prepare responsibly for books, workbooks, testing, instructional materials, and classroom needs.
51Are there payment plans?
Yes. SOFCA offers tuition payment options because we understand families manage tuition in different ways. Families may choose the plan that works best for them, but once a plan is selected, it becomes the family’s tuition agreement for the school year.
52Is tuition monthly, weekly, or annual?
School tuition is not weekly. Families may choose from the available tuition payment options, including one-payment, two-payment, or ten-payment plans. The ten-payment option allows families to spread tuition across the school year.
53Are sibling discounts available?
Yes, sibling discounts are available for families who have more than one child enrolled in elementary grades and above.
Preschool rates are not eligible for sibling discounts because those rates are already intentionally kept as affordable as possible.
54Are there late fees?
Yes. Late fees apply when payments are not made on time. We try to communicate clearly so families know their due dates, but tuition must be paid on schedule because the school also has obligations that must be met on schedule.
55What happens if an account becomes past due?
Past-due accounts affect more than paperwork. Tuition is how we meet school obligations, including payroll, curriculum, materials, utilities, and daily operations. When an account becomes past due, a student may not be permitted to attend until the account is current. This policy is not personal; it is part of responsible stewardship.
56Are fees refundable or transferable?
Fees paid to SOFCA are non-refundable and non-transferable. Once a family enrolls, the school begins planning, purchasing, staffing, and preparing based on that commitment.
57What payment methods are accepted?
Accepted payment methods will be provided by Administration and may include online payments, cash, cashier’s check, CashApp, and Zelle. We ask families to follow the payment instructions carefully so payments are properly credited to the correct account.
58Do you offer before-school care?
Students may arrive as early as 6:30 AM. We open early because we understand that many parents have work schedules that begin before the traditional school day. This is one way we try to support working families.
59Do you offer after-school care?
Yes. After School Care is available for students who need to remain on campus after regular dismissal. Regular dismissal ends at 3:30 PM, and students who remain after that time transition into ASC.
60What are the after-school care hours?
After School Care begins at 3:31 PM and ends at 5:30 PM. We ask families to plan pickup carefully because our staff members have served children all day and must be able to close on time.
61Is there an additional cost?
Yes. After School Care is billed separately from tuition. The rate is $10 per day for the first child, $8 per day for the second child in the same family, and there is no charge for additional children in the same family.
62What happens if a child is picked up late?
Late pickup fees apply after 5:30 PM. We understand emergencies happen, but late pickup affects staffing and closing responsibilities. If a parent is experiencing an emergency, they should contact the After School Care staff as soon as possible.
63Do students complete homework during After School Care?
Homework is completed at home rather than during After School Care.
After a full school day, ASC is designed to give students a safe, supervised space to unwind, have a snack, and transition from the school day while waiting for pickup. Because students are grouped by different ages and grade levels, ASC is not structured as a homework or tutoring period.
Parents should plan to review folders, assignments, and homework at home each evening.
64Do you offer karate, dance, music, or other extracurriculars?
We offer extracurricular and enrichment opportunities when there is enough interest, the schedule allows, and we have the right instructor or vendor available. We love giving students opportunities beyond the classroom, but we are careful not to offer activities just to say we have them. We want anything connected to SOFCA to be organized, safe, meaningful, and worth the family’s investment.
65Are extracurriculars included in tuition or separate?
Extracurricular activities are usually separate from tuition. Tuition covers the academic school program. When an outside instructor, vendor, uniform, materials, or special schedule is involved, those costs are typically paid by the families who choose to participate.
66What grades may participate?
Participation depends on the activity. Some opportunities may be appropriate for younger students, while others may be better suited for elementary or older students. We consider age, maturity, safety, supervision, and whether the activity is developmentally appropriate.
67Do students take field trips?
Yes. Students may take field trips during the school year. We believe learning should extend beyond the classroom when the experience is safe, purposeful, and age-appropriate. Field trips require parent permission, and the cost is the responsibility of the participating family.
68Are there chapel services, programs, or performances?
Yes. Chapel, programs, and performances are part of our school culture. These moments give students opportunities to worship, present, serve, build confidence, and participate in the life of the school. We want students to grow academically, but we also want them to grow spiritually, socially, and personally.
69Are there clubs or enrichment activities?
Clubs and enrichment activities may be offered based on student interest, staffing, scheduling, and available resources. We are always open to meaningful enrichment, but we want to be honest with parents: we will announce opportunities when the details are confirmed and we know we can support them well.
70What safety procedures are in place?
Student safety is one of our highest priorities. We use structured arrival and dismissal procedures, KidCheck secure check-in/check-out, visitor guidelines, parking lot procedures, and updated emergency contact information. Safety works best when the school and parents follow the same procedures consistently.
71How do you handle student pickup and authorized adults?
Students are released according to the authorized pickup information in KidCheck. Parents are responsible for keeping approved adults, phone numbers, custody information, and emergency contacts current. We cannot release a child to someone who is not properly authorized, even if the child knows the person.
72Are staff background checked?
Yes. Student protection is important to us, and appropriate screening is part of our hiring and staffing process. We are careful about who is allowed to work with and have access to children.
73What is the discipline policy?
Discipline at SOFCA is firm, fair, and rooted in love. Our goal is not to embarrass children; our goal is to help shape them. We want students to learn respect, self-control, responsibility, kindness, and obedience. Children are still growing, but growth requires correction, consistency, and partnership between the school and home.
74How are behavior concerns communicated?
Behavior concerns may be communicated through ClassDojo, teacher messages, phone calls, conferences, written notices, or administrative intervention, depending on the concern. We want parents to know what is happening early, before a behavior becomes a pattern or a crisis.
75What is the illness policy?
Sick children should stay home so they can recover and so the rest of the school community can remain healthy. If a child becomes ill at school, parents will be contacted. We ask parents to be considerate of other children, teachers, and families by following the health policies carefully.
76How are medications handled?
Medication must be handled through the school office with the proper documentation. Parents should not send medication in a child’s book bag. Medication must be properly labeled, brought by the parent, and accompanied by the required forms so we can protect the safety of the child.
77What happens in case of emergency?
In an emergency, we use the contact information parents have provided. That is why updated phone numbers, emergency contacts, medical information, and authorized pickup information are so important. In schoolwide emergencies or closings, we communicate through ClassDojo and may also use text or email when needed.
78How can parents stay involved?
Parents stay involved by reading communication, checking folders, reviewing assignments, attending meetings, supporting school policies, and communicating concerns early. Partnership does not always mean being in the building; it means staying engaged and walking with us in your child’s growth.
79Do you have parent meetings or PTF?
Yes. We have Parent/Teacher Fellowship meetings during the school year. These meetings help us keep families informed, answer questions, and strengthen the connection between home and school.
80How does SOFCA communicate with parents?
We communicate through ClassDojo, PowerSchool, folders, Friday Envelopes, email, phone calls, conferences, and schoolwide updates. Each tool serves a different purpose, but the goal is the same: to keep parents informed and connected.
81Are parents allowed to volunteer?
Yes, when volunteer opportunities are available and approved by Administration. We welcome parent support, but we also protect safety, structure, and classroom order. Volunteering must be scheduled and approved so that it helps the school day rather than interrupting it.
82What should parents do when they have a concern?
Bring the concern to the person who can help resolve it. We ask parents to avoid gossip, side conversations, and group-chat frustration. If there is a concern, contact the teacher, call the office, or reach out to Administration. We can only help resolve what is brought to us directly.
83How does SOFCA partner with families spiritually and academically?
We believe the school and home must work together. SOFCA is not a replacement for the Christian home; we are an extension of it. When parents and the school are moving in the same direction, children are more secure, more accountable, and more likely to thrive.
84Do students wear uniforms?
Yes. SOFCA students wear uniforms. Uniforms help create structure, consistency, and school identity. They also help students understand that school is a place of order, learning, and excellence.
85Where do parents purchase uniforms?
Uniforms are purchased through Flynn O’Hara Uniforms, our official uniform provider. Families should make sure they purchase the correct SOFCA-approved items so students are in compliance with the dress code.
86Are there chapel uniform requirements?
Yes. Chapel days have specific uniform expectations. Because chapel is part of our Christian school culture, we ask families to take chapel attire seriously and make sure students are dressed appropriately on chapel days.
87Is there a school supply list?
Yes. Families receive access to the official school supply list. Having the correct supplies helps students begin the year prepared and helps the classroom function smoothly from the first day.
88What items should students bring daily?
Students should bring what they need for the school day, including their book bag, folder, lunch, supplies, and any items requested by the teacher. Prepared students help the school day begin with less stress and more order.
89What items are not allowed?
Students should not bring items that distract from learning, such as unauthorized toys, cards, electronic devices, gum, or personal items that are not needed for school. Unless the school has given permission for a special activity, those items should stay at home.
90What kind of student thrives at SOFCA?
A student who thrives at SOFCA does not have to be perfect, but the student does need to be teachable. Children do well here when their families value structure, faith, academics, correction, accountability, and partnership with the school.
91What expectations do you have for parents?
We expect parents to partner with us. That means reading communication, honoring deadlines, keeping accounts current, supporting homework, following policies, and bringing concerns to the right people. SOFCA works best when the school and home are moving in the same direction.
92What expectations do you have for students?
We expect students to be respectful, responsible, teachable, and kind. We know children are growing, and growth includes correction. But students must be willing to follow directions, respect authority, complete assignments, and treat classmates and staff appropriately.
93How does SOFCA prepare students for the next grade level?
We prepare students by teaching strong foundations, reinforcing concepts, monitoring progress, and holding students accountable for their work. We want students to be promoted because they are prepared, not simply because the calendar changed.
94Why should a Camp David family consider enrolling at SOFCA?
Camp David families have already experienced our heart, our structure, our communication, and our love for children. If your family values what you have experienced during camp, SOFCA may be a natural next step for the school year.
95What is the next step if a family is ready to enroll today?
The next step is to complete the inquiry or application process and submit the required information. Once we receive your information, Administration will review it and guide you through the next steps. We encourage families not to wait, because seats, staffing, materials, and classroom planning are all connected to completed enrollment.
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