Coming From a Public School?

Rock Solid Christian Academy is a different kind of school. We are a Christian school that takes the best attributes of homeschooling and the best attributes of a traditional private school, blending both into one model. Utilizing the University Model approach, we value parents as co-educators and welcome you as vital contributors to your student’s education. Our unique schedule (three days at school, two days at home) allows kids more time to be kids, to pursue outside interests, and retain quality family time. Most importantly, we teach from a biblical worldview and strive to consistently point kids to Christ. If you’re looking for a different kind of school, read on to learn more about Rock Solid Christian Academy.

A University-Model School® integrates challenging academics, student engagement, and Christ-like character development while affirming the parents’ role as the primary influence in their children’s lives by redirecting time from the school to the family.  The UMS approach employs a university-style schedule adapted to the elementary and middle school levels, gradually preparing and releasing students towards age-appropriate independence and organization.  Professional teachers, instructing in their areas of expertise, conduct central classroom instruction and provide direction for school at home days and assignments.

What kind of family is a good fit for the University Model?

• Families who desire a greater role in their child’s education
• Families with at least one parent (or other adult) who is committed to being actively involved and supervising your child on at-home days
• Families who want a Christ-centered education for their children

Questions about University-Model Schooling

What is the difference between homeschool co-ops and University-Model® Schools (UMS)? 

UMS and homeschool co-ops should not be equated. Homeschool co-ops are a good way for homeschooling families to pool their resources and expertise for specific and usually short-term study projects. One parent, for instance, may be especially proficient in math or science and teach a group of students that subject for a period of time. Generally speaking, homeschool co-ops are age-integrated, specialized, parent-run, and do not simulate a college structure. In some cases, co-ops also take over the primary responsibility of teaching certain courses instead of integrating the teacher and parent effectively for each course as is done in the University-Model®. UMS is also different by virtue of having specific grade levels, consistent accountability from semester to semester, a full spectrum of courses complete with prerequisites and diploma plans, and a professional administration and faculty responsible for curriculum and instruction, partnering with parents to deliver some instruction in the lower schools.

What if parents are not teachers? How can they co-teach their children if they have never homeschooled? 

Parents need not have teaching experience. Rock Solid takes the lead in the area of academics. New concepts are introduced and taught at school by paid professional faculty while the application of the concept often takes place at home, much like that of college studies. Rock Solid teachers provide detailed course overviews and online assignment sheets each week while maintaining open lines of communication. Parents act as co-instructors under the guidance and direction of the classroom teacher. In addition, the academy offers training to parents in various areas including academics and character development. Finally, bear in mind that as a child progresses to higher grade levels, the academic role of the parent gradually migrates from that of co-instructor to proctor/mentor, so that by the time a student graduates he is prepared (trained and experienced) to assume the individual responsibility required for success at the collegiate level.

I have children in several different grade levels. How much time will each need to spend doing schoolwork on their days at home? 

A rule of thumb at university-model schools is that for every hour spent in the classroom, an additional hour to hour-and-a-half on each core subject (Math, Language Arts, Science, and History) is required in the “satellite classroom” at home. This rule, of course, varies according to the need and increases a bit as students progress to higher grades. If a student is academically strong in a particular area, perhaps less time will be needed. If a student is weak in a subject or the subject is particularly challenging, then more time will be needed. Parents need to be alert to each of their children’s individual needs and lead them accordingly in the structuring of their time.

My wife and I both work full time outside our home. Will UMS work for us? 

Probably not. One of the most important ingredients in the success of the university model is an available parent who can assist and properly work with the student. For a family in which both parents work outside the home on a full-time, or almost full-time, basis, a more traditional 35-40 hours/week school is probably a better choice.

Since parents are team teaching with the teachers at school, how does communication take place between the two? 

Communication between teachers and parents plays a large role in a UMS, and there are several ways that clear communication can take place. Vitally important are the weekly lesson plans and assignment sheets that are prepared by the classroom teacher and made available to parents and students online and in hard copy via our Taxi system. Instructions to parents are included as part of these assignment sheets, as are long-term study projects that are forthcoming. Parents are also invited to communicate any of their questions back to the teacher as needed.

Does this type of schooling fulfill "state requirements?" 

Yes, our academic standards meet or exceed the requirements for grade levels in the public schools in Colorado.

What about standardized testing?

Rock Solid administers MAP Growth testing three times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring). Unlike traditional standardized tests, MAP Growth is an adaptive test that measures a student’s growth over time. These low-stress tests are administered in the classroom using iPads. Test results provide critical data that helps us tailor instruction to individual student’s needs. Results also help us assess and improve our curriculum and instruction.