FAQs
General Program Questions
Does The MorningStar Academy adhere to any specific denomination?
What makes The MorningStar Academy unique?
Is The MorningStar Academy a licensed or accredited school?
If we don’t like online schooling, are we committed to an entire year if we enroll?
What are the convictions of The MorningStar Academy?
What is your statement of faith?
What is the parent's role?
Curriculum and Materials
Are the costs of materials included in the program tuition?
When will we receive our materials?
What is the curriculum like? Does MorningStar supply ebooks, CDs, CD-ROMs, workbooks and other items?
What is included when we enroll?
What academic resources and features are included?
Are there books or materials that I need to purchase and where can I find them?
How is my child placed in a class?
What is the policy for a high school student graduating from the academy?
Do you have minimum standards for courses and instructional time?
What supplies and curriculum materials are included in the program tuition costs?
Program Tuition and Costs
How can your program tuition and fees be so reasonable?
Can you describe your subscription plan?
If we don’t like online schooling, are we committed to an entire year if we enroll?
What are the costs for the books and materials?
How do I remit my application/ registration fee? Is it refundable?
What is the price of program tuition?
How do the program tuition fees change if I enroll more than one child?
When are program tuition payments due?
Are there registration or enrollment fees?
Why are there registration or enrollment fees?
Why are there shipping and handling charges?
What are the charges for the books and other curriculum materials used in your program?
Does MorningStar have any payment plans?
Can I enroll for just one or two courses?
Teachers, Administration, and Staff
Special Needs students
Will your program work for my dyslexic child?
Do you accept students with special education needs?
How do students with ADD/ADHD perform at The MorningStar Academy?
Typical Daily Schedule for MorningStar students
What are the details of the flexible schedule?
What are the dates The MorningStar Academy follows for the school year?
At what age can my child start?
When is course selection for 6th-12th grade?
What about attendance… is there a specific time my child must be online each day?
What is The MorningStar Academy? How does it work with regulations?
When does registration for the 2007-2008 academic year begin?
Can my child select courses from different grade levels?
How many instruction days and hours does MorningStar offer?
We’re in a different time zone from the teachers. How will this work?
What is a Bible-based curriculum like?
I know about a "co-op" activity in my neighborhood. Can I attend and get credit?
Can teachers assign field trips? Can students get credit for participating?
How do tests and quizzes work?
How does The MorningStar Academy limit student cheating?
What is the study hall section?
What subjects ( courses, classes) are available?
How much time should my student(s) spend online every day?
Is there a time limit on completing a course or assignment?
What is a typical daily schedule at The MorningStar Academy like?
Who writes the lesson plans?
How long will it take to enroll my child?
Are there assignments that are not completed on the computer?
Other MorningStar Features
Can you tell me about the records that are available to me?
In addition to your online environment and world-class curriculum materials, what other features does MorningStar offer?
Technical issues and computers
What kind of computer and Internet access do I need?
Will your program work with a Macintosh?
If I enroll more than one child, do they each need their own computer?
We’re in a different time zone from the school. How will this work?
How can I read PDF (Acrobat) files?
What is online school like?
Can I print out the lessons for review while off the Internet?
How can I check the progress of my student?
Do you need to be able to type in order to complete the work?
I don't want to miss any important messages! How do I make sure I'm getting the e-mails?
General Program Questions
Does The MorningStar Academy adhere to any specific denomination?
The MorningStar Academy has no specific denominational or cultural focus and is doctrinally acceptable to a broad range of conservative Christian denominations. For more information, please see our Statement of Faith, which is on our website at http://www.theMorningStaracademy.org/statement.php.
Back to top
What makes The MorningStar Academy unique?
The MorningStar Academy offers students specialized assistance with its skilled team of academic professionals who assist parents in teaching. In addition to this qualified staff, The MorningStar Academy is unique among online schools because of the advanced use of technology. The MorningStar Academy provides the lesson plans, assignments, instant online access to your child’s current grades, and much more throughout the school year. Courses are available at anytime, anywhere and any pace within the 10 month school year of September to June.
Back to top
Is The MorningStar Academy a licensed or accredited school?
The MorningStar Academy is a fully accredited K-12 school registered in the state of Florida and serving students across the entire United States. As a registered private online school we offer an online distance program that combines the best of Private Schooling, Home Schooling, and Christian Schooling. MorningStar requires that the student meets Attendance Requirements and completion of all assignments before the last day of the school year. Our learning system generates all records such as transcripts, logs of instructional time and much more which can be used for requests, college entrance and other accountabilities to local school officials.
Back to top
If we don’t like online schooling, are we committed to a year if we enroll?
We believe that the only way to know “for sure” whether The MorningStar Academy is for you is to try us out. Therefore, we make this process very easy. You can withdraw anytime within 1 month of your student’s first day of school, and you will only be financially obligated for the 1st program tuition payment, registration fee, and shipping & handling. Those who withdraw after the 1month period are responsible for the complete yearly program tuition & fees.
Back to top
What are the convictions of The MorningStar Academy?
The MorningStar Academy believes that the Lord Jesus Christ is to be preeminent in all of life, including education. This comprehensive principle underlies every aspect of our academic studies, activities, and school life. The MorningStar Academy is committed to building a strong biblical, spiritual, moral, and academic foundation in students. We believe that children are precious gifts from God, with inherent abilities and dreams that need to be nurtured and drawn out; that children mature and develop at different rates; and that each child has different levels of ability. These factors must be considered in the selection of their course of study. A one-size-fits-all curriculum serves only a minority; each child deserves a personalized education. Home-based learning has significant benefits for both the learner and the community. Parents, under God, have ultimate authority and control over their child and his/her education.
Back to top
What is your statement of faith?
The MorningStar Academy statement of faith begins with the premise that the Bible is God's infallible written Word. We believe that it is fully inspired by the Holy Spirit and that it is without error in the original manuscripts. There is one God, existing in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is God, the Living Word, who became flesh through His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit. He was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life and atoned for the sins of people by dying on the cross as their substitute; He accomplished salvation for those who believe in Him by this action. He rose from the dead in the same body, though glorified, in which He lived and died. Men and women were originally created in the image of God, but they disobeyed God and are, thus, separated from their Creator. Man's nature is imperfect, and, apart from Christ, man is unable to totally please God. It is the privilege of all people who ask God for salvation to be born again and thus be assured of their salvation from the instant at which they trust Christ as their Savior. This assurance is not based on any action on their part but by the action of God. Every believer is called to live a life that is in a process of being conformed to the likeness of God. This is only possible via the power of the Holy Spirit who strengthens the believer so that he will resist sinful temptations and will overcome sin to the glory of God. Jesus Christ will return to the Earth. We believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ, His imminent return, the resurrection of His people to life everlasting, and the judgment of the unbelieving world to everlasting punishment.
Back to top
What is the parent's role?
The first and primary teacher of every child is their parent(s). Teacher help is available online every school day through both email and our live chat system (“Raise Your Hand!”) to help in areas that may be difficult. Our system tracks attendance and automatically grades many quizzes and tests.
Back to top
Curriculum and Materials
Are the costs of materials included in the program tuition?
All courses have accompanying materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, ebooks, and other learning materials; the charges for these are already included in the cost of your program tuition. The very few exceptions are clearly posted in our K-12 curriculum pages. We suggest you visit the course Description pages on our web site before finalizing your course selections to be sure you are aware of any additional costs involved for the courses you have chosen.
All courses come with a set of CDs containing essential audio and video necessary for your student to complete his courses. There is a 7.95 per CD Usage Fee in addition to the program tuition costs. Please be aware that each course is accompanied by one to ten CDs, with the average number of CDs per course being four. The CDs are mandatory. They must be rented in order for your child to complete tests and quizzes in their courses.
Back to top
When will we receive our materials?
Textbooks, workbooks, CD-ROMs and other learning materials should be delivered to all up-to-date accounts before the beginning of the learning year. Some materials are not needed until later in the year and may be shipped at that time.
Back to top
What is the curriculum like? Does MorningStar supply ebooks, CDs, CD-ROMs, workbooks and other items?
The Christ-centered curriculum uses state-of-the-art technology to provide a challenging and compelling program. This proprietary system is tuned to run perfectly on modem-speed Internet connections as well as high-speed broadband lines. Utilizing cutting-edge software, students will study, complete assignments, take quizzes and tests, and collaborate and socialize with classmates.
Back to top
What is included when we enroll?
Everything described in The MorningStar Academy website is included when you enroll. We do not have different levels of enrollment; every student who enrolls receives everything we offer. There are very few exceptions, clearly posted in our K-12 curriculum pages. We suggest you visit the course Description pages on our web site before finalizing your course selections to be sure you are aware of any additional costs involved for the courses you have chosen.
Back to top
What academic resources and features are included?
Academic resources and features include: partnership with The MorningStar Academy, a national learning resource that is committed to helping you provide a quality education for your family; a comprehensive selection of courses in elementary, middle or high school that covers every academic topic, including electives, from which you may choose up to 6 each year to customize your student's course of study; textbooks, workbooks and offline activities, MorningStar Academy Academic Counselors, who will be available for an unlimited number of questions each school day; our curriculum development team members who create assignments, tests, quizzes, projects and guides throughout the curriculum.
Back to top
If there are books or materials that I need to purchase and where can I find them?
There are a few items that parents must purchase. These items are clearly marked in the course catalog and can be purchased in advance of the course from a retailer of your choice (we usually have some retailers listed, but the choice is yours), or may be charged to your account after you choose your courses. Materials that you are required to purchase (if any) are clearly marked when you register for courses. We suggest you visit the course Description pages on our web site before finalizing your course selections to be sure you are aware of any additional costs involved for the courses you have chosen.
Back to top
How is my child placed in a 6th - 12th grade course?
Parents select the courses. We want to give every student the opportunity to be 'placed' correctly. Should you decide to make any changes in courses, they are always welcome (There is a $25 fee for course changes).
Back to top
What is the policy for a high school student graduating from the academy?
High school students who have completed the required work and who meet our graduation requirements will receive their High School diploma from The MorningStar Academy. student academic credentials will be issued by The MorningStar Academy. For an in depth discussion of graduation requirements, visit The MorningStar Academy, then go to "140 courses," and click on "High School Graduation Requirements”.
Back to top
Do you have minimum standards for courses and instructional time?
The MorningStar Academy offers about 180 days of instruction and 300 days of homeroom access, September through June. Student attendance is logged as well as their hours of instruction. All courses meet or exceed state and national standards. There are 36 weeks of school, divided into 4 nine-week quarters. Specific attendance requirements by grade are:
- 900 hours and 170 days, or 180 days, for students in grades 4-12
- 720 hours and 170 days, or 180 days, for students in grades 1 - 3
- 540 hours and 170 days, or 180 days, for Kindergarten students.
A“day” is counted when a child spends a minimum of 2 hours (not necessarily consecutively) in a 24 hour period.
Parents may add additional school related hours in the Joy Directed Activities log. The link is found in the student’s homeroom. At the end of the year, both computer counted attendance and Joy Directed Activities are combined for total yearly attendance.
A student who has not met the attendance requirements as outlined may be denied the opportunity to pass to the next grade level.
Back to top
What supplies and curriculum materials are included in the program tuition costs?
Most textbooks, workbooks, CD-ROMs and learning materials are included as part of The MorningStar Academy program tuition. If an item is not included in the program tuition, it is plainly marked and can be purchased by parents from the retailer of their choice.
Back to top
Program Tuition and Costs
How can your program tuition and fees be so reasonable?
The MorningStar Academy serves students of all ages throughout the United States. This large population allows for a substantial savings for parents. Because we serve our families through the Internet and by telephone, we do not have large buildings or infrastructures to support. This enables us to budget more teaching and learning services for students at an unusually modest price, compared to traditional "physical" schools. Additionally, because our program provides a complete list of resources that can be used as needed, it does not inherit the extremely high cost of traditional schools or other curriculums that have simply been converted from that traditional model to an online model.
Back to top
Can you describe your subscription plan?
The MorningStar Academy has been structured with the needs of parents and students in mind. To that end, we have instituted a very special payment structure for those registering at the beginning of each learning year. In order for this parent-centered structure to be successful, we need all participants to adhere to strictly to its structure. Details can be found by browsing to www.TheMorningStarAcademy.org/tuition.php.
Back to top
If we don’t like online schooling, are we committed to an entire year if we enroll?
We believe that the only way to know “for sure” whether The MorningStar Academy is for you is to try us out. Therefore, we make this process very easy. You can withdraw anytime within 1 month from the date of enrollment, and you will only be financially obligated for the 1st program tuition payment, registration fee, and shipping & handling. Those who withdraw after the 1 month period are responsible for the complete yearly program tuition & fees.
Back to top
What are the costs for the books and materials?
The cost of materials is included in the price of program tuition as long as the student's account is paid in full by the end of the school year (the few exceptions are clearly marked in the curriculum listings). Students who withdraw before the end of the year must either return all curriculum materials or pay for them.
Back to top
How do I remit my application/ registration fee? Is it refundable?
Enrollment/ registration fees can be paid by check, money order, Visa or MasterCard online.
To remit with a check or money order simply, mail to:
Academy Registrar
C/O 10151 University Blvd.
Suite 334
Orlando, FL 32817-1904
To pay with a charge card:
Browse to http://www.theMorningStarAcademy.org/parent and enter using your user name and password, and then click on "Make a Payment". Our online payment form is a secure and encrypted payment facility.
Normally your enrollment/ registration fee is not refundable, however if we are not able to accept your student for enrollment you will receive a full refund.
Back to top
What is the price of program tuition?
To view our current program tuition rates, click here.
Back to top
How do the program tuition fees change if I enroll more than one child?
Because of the low program tuition rate, The MorningStar Academy does not currently have sibling discounts.
Back to top
When are program tuition payments due?
For those who register early the academy offers a program tuition installment fee. Please browse to : www.TheMorningStarAcademy.org/tuition.phpfor details.
Back to top
Are there registration or enrollment fees?
The registration fee is $75.00 per student.
Back to top
Why are there registration or enrollment fees?
The registration or enrollment fees are for the process of setting up a new homeroom for each student, selecting and specifying course selections, and coordinating selection and delivering curriculum materials.
Back to top
Why are there shipping and handling charges?
The shipping & handling fee is $29.00 per student. This pays for all postage and labor for inventory, packing and shipping all regularly scheduled curriculum materials for the year.
Back to top
What are the charges for the books and other curriculum materials used in your program?
All courses have accompanying materials including textbooks, workbooks, ebooks, CD-ROMs and other learning materials; the charges for these are already included in the cost of your program tuition. There are a very few courses in which the parent is required to purchase a textbook or workbook, and in these rare cases, that information is posted in the course description.
Back to top
Does MorningStar have any payment plans?
For those registering before the learning year begins, The MorningStar Academy allows parents to break up program tuition into several payments. For specifics browse to www.TheMorningStarAcademy.org/tuition.php.
Back to top
Can I enroll for just one or two courses?
All MorningStar students enroll in our full-time program, which includes up to 6 courses of their choice. Although MorningStar does not currently offer single course enrollments many parents consider our program tuition so affordable that they use us for only a few specific subject areas.
Back to top
Teachers, Administrators and Staff
Can you tell me about your teachers?
MorningStar Academic Counselors are professionals who love kids and love teaching. They are infectious in their passion for communicating, and care for each individual they help. The MorningStar Academy teaching staff is available via our Message Center and Live Operator System.
Back to top
Special Needs Students
Will your program work for my dyslexic child?
Dyslexia has so many forms and levels that it is difficult, if not impossible, to respond properly to this question. The best advice would be to show the diagnosing physician MorningStar's curriculum and work together to decide whether MorningStar would be a good choice.
Back to top
Do you accept students with special education needs?
Yes, we do accept students with I.E.P.'s, although we do not offer special education services. It is important for parents to review the offerings of MorningStar and determine whether they would be able to meet your current needs. If our program appears to be able to meet your student's needs, you may wish to include MorningStar as a part of your special education program along with other resources in your community.
Back to top
How do students with ADD/ADHD perform at The MorningStar Academy?
Because of our online environment and multimedia rich curriculum, The MorningStar Academy seems to be extremely helpful for students with attention disorders. Our unique online applications allow students to work at very quiet places, accommodate rapidly changing energy levels and work at their unique pace. Although we do not offer "special education" services, the very nature of our engaging curriculum has been a wonderful solution and blessing to many students with attention disorders. We suggest that parents of children with special needs consult their health-care provider about the MorningStar learning environment to see whether it may be helpful.
Back to top
Typical Daily Schedule for MorningStar Students
What are the details of the flexible schedule?
School will continue on a 10 month per year basis, from September to June, to accommodate various learning schedules. students may work during traditional school hours or at more convenient times, such as evenings, early mornings or weekends. Some households prefer a traditional school schedule, while others prefer a very informal program. The MorningStar Academy curriculum and teaching program has been developed to accommodate all styles of learning.
There are 36 weeks of school, divided into 4 nine-week quarters. Overall, there are 300 days of homeroom access and 180 individual lessons in all core courses. Specific attendance requirements by grade are:
- 900 hours and 170 days, or 180 days, for students in grades 4-12
- 720 hours and 170 days, or 180 days, for students in grades 1 - 3
- 540 hours and 170 days, or 180 days, for Kindergarten students.
A“day” is counted when a child spends a minimum of 2 hours (not necessarily consecutively) in a 24 hour period.
Parents may add additional school related hours in the Joy Directed Activities log. The link is found in the student’s homeroom. At the end of the year, both computer counted attendance and Joy Directed Activities are combined for total yearly attendance.
Astudent who has not met the attendance requirements as outlined may be denied the opportunity to pass to the next grade level.
Back to top
What are the dates that The MorningStar Academy follows?
The 2007-2008 learning year runs from September 7, 2007 - June 30, 2008.
Back to top
At what age can my child start with MorningStar?
Children grow at different rates and the "starting" age for different children should be different as well. If you feel that your student(s) are able to benefit from MorningStar, they may enroll at any age although the average age to begin Kindergarten is 5 years. The only thing of which we would remind you is that different states have different ages for mandatory attendance.
Back to top
When is course selection for 6th-12th grade?
Learners in K-5 do not have to select courses individually because they receive a complete elementary school curriculum automatically. Learners in grades 6-12 must select courses from our online listing of curriculum during the enrollment or re-enrollment process.
Back to top
What about attendance… is there a specific time my child must be online each day?
The MorningStar Academy has a philosophy of any time, anywhere, any pace education. This allows students to work at their own time, speed and place. As long as the work is completed by the end of June, The MorningStar Academy will offer you a high degree of flexibility. Generally speaking students are required to attend school (log into their student homeroom and take lessons) 180 days per school year. Students who wish to participate additional days and hours are encouraged to do so. The online system is open 24/7 for student and parent access during the 300 school days. Some states have specific minimum requirements for instructional time; MorningStar is accessible far in excess of all state time requirements.
There are 36 weeks of school, divided into 4 nine-week quarters. Overall, there are 300 days of homeroom access and 180 individual lessons in all core courses. Specific attendance requirements by grade are:
- 900 hours and 170 days, or 180 days, for students in grades 4-12
- 720 hours and 170 days, or 180 days, for students in grades 1 - 3
- 540 hours and 170 days, or 180 days, for Kindergarten students.
A“day” is counted when a child spends a minimum of 2 hours (not necessarily consecutively) in a 24 hour period.
Parents may add additional school related hours in the Joy Directed Activities log. The link is found in the student’s homeroom. At the end of the year, both computer-counted attendance and Joy Directed Activities are combined for total yearly attendance.
A student who has not met the attendance requirements as outlined may be denied the opportunity to pass to the next grade level.
Back to top
What is The MorningStar Academy? How does it work with home-schooling regulations?
The MorningStar Academy is an independent Christian K-12 school. We are accredited by the National Association of Private Schools and are fully registered with the Florida Department of Education. Because we are a private school students enrolled here must follow our assignments. Instruction is delivered through the Internet and includes a combination of online and offline components, including etexts, traditional textbooks, workbooks, CD-ROMs and other media infused with multimedia intensive interaction.
Students attend MorningStar full-time and are enrolled in our school, are awarded credits, are issued transcripts as well as a High School diploma upon fulfilling the requirements. Because home-schooling regulations vary from state to state it is our recommendation that parents participate in and adhere to local home-schooling regulations because of the various state laws as well as local interpretations of the mandatory attendance sections of these and other related laws. Some localities interpret mandatory attendance regulations as being subject to the "physical" location of the student rather than the educational facility of the student. It is our opinion that most of these regulations are a result of laws not yet "catching up to the technology". However while they are still in place or remain unmodified MorningStar recommends being cautious by following any local home-schooling laws that may apply to you. MorningStar record keeping will provide necessary documentation to verify enrollment, attendance and instructional time in the MorningStar school.
Back to top
When does registration for the 2007-2008 academic year begin?
Our 2007-2008 registration is currently in progress.
Back to top
Can my child select courses from different grade levels?
Yes. For instance, it would be perfectly acceptable for a 7th grader to take 6th grade English and 8th grade math, simply because these are the levels at which they are.
Back to top
How many instruction days and hours does MorningStar offer?
We offer about 300 days of instruction, September through June. Students are subject to their own state's home-schooling attendance minimums. The MorningStar Academy online system tracks and keeps records of all instructional time, and reports can be generated when necessary.
Back to top
We’re in a different time zone from the Academic Counselors. How will this work?
Access to The MorningStar Academy homeroom and all your student's courses is available 24/7 during our 300 days of school instruction as long as your account is in good standing. students with questions may contact Academic Counselors through teacher/parent email and/or our Live Operator System during regular business hours, 9 am to 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday.
Back to top
What is a Bible-based curriculum like?
The MorningStar Academy materials are founded on the belief that we live in a created universe, in which all truth emanates from God. The materials are intended to support instruction that establishes Christian truth as the complete truth and a real, dependable guide for life. Our Bible-based curriculum expresses that knowledge is both discovered and revealed. Thus the Bible is presented as the inspired, inerrant Word of God and the only true authority. The Christian courses underscore the following truth: humankind is specially created in God’s image, man’s "sub-creative" imagination and powers are inherent from that creation, man is fallen and there are consequences from the Fall.
Back to top
I know about a "co-op" activity in my neighborhood. Can I attend and get credit?
A student can attend any co-op you choose as long he or she is accompanied by a parent. Simply fill out the Joy-Directed Form on the right hand side of every class homepage. This accountability will create a permanent record of your activity which may be printed and remain a part of the student's instructional time record.
Back to top
Can teachers assign field trips? Do students get credit for participating?
Some assignment are field trips. They can be as simple as going outside for a walk to observe something, or even meeting in groups with other students. Field trip assignments require students to write a report on the trip. The activity will then become a part of the student's permanent record at MorningStar.
Back to top
How do tests and quizzes work?
Test and quizzes are a common part of learning at The MorningStar Academy. We work very hard to help students do their very best. There are many kinds of tests and quizzes ranging from multiple choice to essay and short and long reports. A number of tests and quizzes are graded automatically by our system, and students will receive their grades immediately. Those tests and quizzes that require a teacher to grade will take a few days.
Back to top
How does The MorningStar Academy limit cheating by students?
Our system has a number of ways to avoid cheating. Tests in a specific class often have the order of the questions changed from student to student. Also, certain tests can give different questions to different students. Cheating is an EXTREMELY serious infraction.
Back to top
What is the study hall section?
Study hall can be used to make sure students get time credit for doing work while they are away from the computer, reading a book, or on a website other than The MorningStar Academy's site. The students must right-click the Study Hall icon and choose "Open Link in New Window" to keep Study Hall open the entire time they are doing school work.
Back to top
What subjects ( courses, classes) are available?
We offer over 110 courses in K-12, covering the core curriculums such as science, language arts, history and math. We also have valuable electives such as physical education, art, music, and many more.
Back to top
How much time should my student spend online every day?
This depends on the student's learning style and grade level. Elementary students should spend anywhere from 1/2 hour to 2 hours online. Middle school and high school students will spend 2-4 hours online during a normal school day. The remainder of the work is done offline.
Back to top
Is there a time limit on completing a course or assignment?
Morning Star is an "anywhere, anytime, any pace" learning environment. students have up to 10 months, September through June, to complete a course. We may offer an optional summer extension session for an additional fee, for those who need extra time to complete their courses. Students who choose to enroll in the summer extension program are not able to add additional courses to their roster after May 15. Therefore, the courses a student is working on going into the summer extension program are the courses the student will continue to work on over the summer.
Back to top
What is a typical daily schedule at The MorningStar Academy like?
Parents and students are in charge of their own daily schedule. students can do all of their work at one time, or it can be spaced throughout the day. Some students enjoy working on one subject each day, while others enjoy moving though all of their subjects every day. MorningStar has a mixture of online and offline assignments. Middle and high school students typically spend 2-4 hours online per day... and elementary students spend about 1/2 of that time.
Back to top
Who writes the lesson plans?
MorningStar Academy curriculum developers post daily, weekly and monthly lesson plans and schedules. Parents and students can participate in all or just a selection of those activities. Vacations, unusual work schedules and other activities can easily be accommodated.
Back to top
How long will it take to enroll my child?
Once the initial application and registration fee is received, we are usually able to process an application within 2-3 school days. After courses are selected, we ship curriculum materials in 2-4 school days (beginning in late summer to accounts that are in good standing). Students are welcome to begin on the online assignments while waiting for their curriculum materials to arrive. students with courses with ebooks will receive a fully-executed access license for the entire learning year. Students can print most ebooks if they prefer to study from "paper," rather than a "computer screen".
Back to top
Are there assignments that are not completed on the computer?
Our courses include a great mix of online and offline assignments. Remember, MorningStar Academy courses include a variety of curriculum materials, such as traditional textbooks, workbooks, CD-ROMs, e-books and others. Most tests and evaluations are completed online; some are graded instantly and others require additional time for parent evaluation.
Back to top
Other MorningStar Program Features
Can you tell me about the records that are available to me?
Accurate student records and portfolios of work: The MorningStar Academy online system will keep accurate records of your student's progress throughout the year. Our system allows parents to keep full and complete records of both online lessons and offline activities, like field trips and community service activities.
Back to top
In addition to our online environment and world-class curriculum materials, what other features does MorningStar offer?
MorningStar offers the following: morning devotions, encouraging and inspiring messages and stories; credibility with your child's local school district; annual portfolios; a full academic transcript college guidance and written recommendations; membership in a specialized community of online learners, where support, encouragement and resources are freely shared and perhaps most importantly, you will have ongoing, continual, dependable support that will reduce stress and enable you to home-school longer and more successfully.
Back to top
Technical Issues and Computers
What kind of computer and Internet access do I need?
The MorningStar Academy online school has been designed to work well with a wide range of computers. The minimum requirements are: a Pentium III processor, 256K RAM, 6 gig hard drive, CD-ROM drive, and a 56K modem or faster connection. Although not required, we highly suggest a high-speed modem if available and a printer.
Back to top
Will your program work with a Macintosh?
We do not guarantee MAC compatibility, although a lot of the software and videos work on MACs. In order to make certain that everything is accessible, the student should have a Windows-based computer.
Back to top
If I enroll more than one child, do they each need their own computer?
If the students have separate computers with Internet connections, it makes the learning process much easier. The importance of having "one computer per student" changes from elementary school (not so important) through high school (more important). It is more important to log each child's time separately than it is to have separate computers. Ask an Academic Counselor for help or call student Services at 1-866-STUDY-20 Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST, Saturday 9 am to 5 pm EST.
Back to top
How can I read PDF (Acrobat) files?
You need the free Acrobat reader. Go to the following link, and follow the download instructions. http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
Back to top
What is online school like?
Utilizing the Internet for both the delivery of instructional materials, and for the creation of new and compelling educational materials is becoming a popular option for parents who are looking for alternatives to traditional education. Learning through the Internet can take different forms. Some programs look similar to correspondence courses. Some online schools put workbooks online and have the student print out the pages and fax them to the "supervisor." Some are completely computer-based and are self-contained units that are modular to accommodate self-directed or self-paced learning.
The MorningStar Academy curriculum is none of the above. The MorningStar Academy program is not one long computer program that looks much the same for course after course, and requires the student to sit at a computer all day. It is not video courses transmitted by satellite or a VCR. It is actually the best parts of those programs and so much more.
At The MorningStar Academy the materials are sent to the student through email, postal mail and/or the Internet. Some of the work is offline, as in literature assignments, and some is online through our web-enabled courseware. With engaging activities, colorful graphics, animated materials, and the infusion of multimedia, such as digitized sound and videos, distance education is transforming education.
Back to top
Can I print out the lessons for review while off the Internet?
Lessons and ebooks can be printed for reference and study. They can only be used by the person enrolled and may not be redistributed or used by others.
Back to top
How can I check the progress of my student?
Every parent has access to a "real-time" online progress report which displays the hours of attendance as well as the assignments completed for every class and the grades received for those assignments.
Back to top
Do you need to be able to type in order to complete the work?
Traditional typing skills are an advantage but not a necessity. There are many students who find that their "picking and pecking" typing works just fine.
Back to top
I don't want to miss any important messages! How do I make sure I'm getting the e-mails?
Unfortunately, sometimes e-mail services mistake e-mail that you want to read for e-mail that you'd rather not be bothered with. To make sure this doesn't happen to our e-mails, visit our Downloads pagea nd download "Staying in Touch" for step-by-step instructions on how to add us to your approved-senders list.
Back to top
