Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? After polling parents, teachers, principals, board members, students, and administration, we collected comprehensive answers to questions new and prospective parents commonly wonder about. Don’t see your question below? Feel free to ask one here:

Admissions

  • How do we apply for enrollment? What forms will I need to complete to apply?

    You may want to begin by inquiring for more information about Annapolis. In doing so, we’ll ask for some information about you, as well. This will help us to quickly identify how to best serve you and your family. After you’ve sent your enquiy, an admissions officer will contact you. At this time, we’ll answer your specific needs and questions, and set up a time for you to tour our school.  After you’ve done this, your next step is to apply online. You will need to create a username and password to begin this process.

  • How do I apply for re-enrollment? What forms will I need to complete to re-enroll?

    Returning families can begin re-enrollment by selecting the re-enrollment link under Admissions in the main menu above or by following this link. Registration for re-enrollment is completed online; when reenrolling, you will also see that at any time you can update a student’s medical or family information. You will also need to return a signed contract to the Annapolis main office.  All re-enrollment items (registration, contract, and payment) must be completed before the priority registration deadline, usually in mid-December. After this deadline, all families (new and returning) must enroll.

  • What are all the fees I’ll need to pay? What are they for?

    The application fee is $50 per family; and covers costs associated with testing and processing of the application.  The registration fee is $250 per student for returning families who complete re-enrollment and return contracts by the priority registration deadline. The registration fee is $750 per student for all families (new and returning) after the priority registration deadline. Registration fees are used to purchase curriculum, desks, and classroom school supplies.  The activity fee varies depending on grade level, athletic participation, and school year. This fee covers costs related to athletics (all participating students), retreats (7-12), the House system (7-12), and Formal (9-12).

  • Does Annapolis offer any financial assistance? How can I apply? What forms will I need to complete to apply?

    We do!  Annapolis offers financial assistance to families who qualify based on financial need. Annapolis uses an outside, impartial company, Financial Aid for Student Tuition (FAST), to process applications for financial assistance.  You can begin the financial aid application at any time during the admissions process. However, no determination of aid will be made until after the admissions process is complete and the student has been accepted.

  • Is there a placement test?

    Yes.  After you have applied, you’ll be contacted by an admissions officer to set up a time for testing that’s convenient for you.  Does Annapolis accept transfers? What are the common ages for students to transfer into Annapolis? What special considerations do transfer students need to make?  While many students naturally tend to transfer into the school at the beginning of the middle and high school grades, Annapolis accepts transfer students at every grade level PK – 11, and teachers are skilled at helping students make a successful transition whether coming from public, private, or homeschool.  To be accepted, transfer students must first complete a grade-specific placement exam and submit educational records from the school from which they are transferring. Annapolis offers a rich and challenging academic program and students who test below grade level may require tutoring prior to admittance.

Academics

  • What are Annapolis’ school hours?

    PK 3 & 4                                 8:30 – 12:30                            Tu – Th (3-day) or M – F (5-day)
    Kinder – 12th Grade       8:30 – 3:30                                M – F

  • What is the academic workload like?

    Generally speaking, we do not believe a school can be “too academic.”  This would be like asking a hospital to be less concerned about saving lives! Annapolis employs a rich, academically rigorous PK-12 classical curriculum that seeks to appropriately challenge (but not overwhelm!) students at every level. We serve a broad spectrum of average to above average students and have a balanced approach to workload that respects family time and is sensitive to student burnout. Teachers are trained to provide adequate time in class for completing assignments. Homework is limited on weekends and Wednesday nights. Curriculum focuses on a limited number of core academic areas rather than filling student schedules with unnecessary and time consuming work.

  • What curriculum does Annapolis use?

    Over the course of many years, Annapolis has developed a wide variety of quality curricular resources. We employ quality textbooks from a wide array of respected publishers including Saxon math, Shurley grammar, Alice 9 Phonics, Veritas History, Summit Bible, Novare Science, Wheelock’s Latin, and many other quality resources.

  • What are the class sizes?

    In PK – 1st, class sizes range between 10 – 12 students per class. In 2nd – 12, class sizes range between 12 – 20 students per class.

  • Why are students required to study Latin?

    The study of Latin is an integral part of the classical education method, and there are many, many benefits and reasons. Latin is the root language of English and Spanish and enables students to better understand English and Spanish vocabulary and grammar. Students of Latin also tend to score higher on the verbal potions of the SAT and other standardized tests. Annapolis students study Latin from 3rd through 9th grade, and can go on to study advanced Latin, Spanish, or French afterward.

  • What supplies will my student need for class?

    Different grades and subjects have different supply needs. You can find the supply lists by grade (and a lot of other helpful documents!) on the Parents page.

  • What is my child’s class rank?

    Due to its nature as a small, private school, Annapolis does not rank students. However, there are plenty of opportunities to distinguish yourself as a top ranked student by taking advanced placement, dual credit, and distinguished scholar tracks in the school of rhetoric.

  • What do I do if I think my child has a learning disability?

    If you think your child might have a learning disability, it is imperative that you get him/her tested and diagnosed. This process is invaluable in helping your child succeed academically and assisting Annapolis teachers in knowing how to best serve your student. While Annapolis does not have resources to serve students with severe learning disabilities, our teachers are trained to work with a wide variety of learning styles and high functioning students with learning disabilities.

  • How can I arrange a conference with my child’s teachers?

    Students succeed best when parents and teachers work in partnership and communicate often. For routine questions, it is convenient to just email a teacher a question. For questions and issues related to academic or behavioral issues, it is best to set up a face-to-face after school meeting with your student’s teachers. This can be done by calling the main school office at 991-6004.

  • How does Annapolis prepare my child for applying to college?

    100% of students graduating from Annapolis attend a 2 or 4-year college of their choice after graduation. We employ a highly intentional guidance program beginning in 9th grade to help students build their college resumes and distinguish themselves. In 11th grade, students take a full year course designed to help them research and identify colleges that will best fit their potential, practice writing application and scholarship essays, and prepare for the SAT / ACT.

  • My child is falling behind. What can I do to help?

    Meet with the teacher and principal asap to identify what the problems and issues are. The key is to not let your student fall so far behind they can’t recover. Take time at home to work with your child on the areas where they are struggling. Make sure your student is going to homework help after school to receive extra direct teacher instruction. Limit outside activities and distractions such as tv, sports, videogames. Secure local outside tutoring through Annapolis, Sylvan or Dynamic Learning Opportunities. Stay in regular weekly or daily contact with your child’s teacher to ensure progress.

  • My child failed a test. What should I do?

    Don’t worry, all students are bound to fail a test now and then. But take it seriously and take the necessary steps to prevent failure in the future. The key is to contact the teacher immediately and identify the cause for the failure and the teacher’s expectations for performance. Then, review the material that was missed to ensure your child understands the material they missed. Annapolis teachers are always willing to spend some time after school or during lunch with a student who proactively seeks out help. Also, be sure to know when your child’s next tests are and make sure they are adequately preparing in advance. The most important thing is to just stay informed, involved and provide added accountability measures and help to ensure failure doesn’t happen again.

  • My child isn’t doing his/her homework. What should I do?

    Sign them up for after school homework help. They will have teacher oversight and accountability which can be very helpful. Provide positive and negative incentives: take away priviliges and reward for work done. Don’t allow distractions during homework time. Turn off music and eliminate background distracting noise such as sibling play or TV. Make sure they have had a snack and a drink prior to engaging in homework so they aren’t distracted by homework. Sit with them to ensure the work is completed.

  • Do you give state mandated standardized tests like STAAR and TAKS?

    Annapolis is a private and independent school, receiving no tax funding or other government subsidies. We are therefore not subject to high stakes, state mandated testing. This also means that we are free to pursue higher educational goals and structure our curriculum and teaching to meet student needs for learning, not state mandated test scores. We do, however, use the ERB CTP4 standardized test to measure how well our students perform against other private, independent schools similar to us to ensure we are competitive with the highest levels of student learning nationwide.

  • What kinds of field trips will my child go on?

    Students take a variety of field trips in every class each year. Whether you are a kindergarten student visiting HEB to learn about how the food supply or you are an advanced physics student visiting the nuclear reactor at Texas A&M to learn about fusion, there is no shortage of learning that takes place outside the classroom at Annapolis.

  • Are there opportunities for international travel?

    Each year we organize a 10-day teacher led European tour. This provides valuable opportunities for students to experience international travel and to learn about the history of Western Civilization in the process.

Athletics

  • What sports does Annapolis offer?

Boys’ Football, grades 6-12
Girls’ Volleyball, grades 4-12
Boys’ and girls’ Basketball, grades 4-12
Boys’ and girls’ Track, grades 4-12
Boys’ and girls’ Soccer, grades 6-8
with Swimming, Tennis, and Golf when interest prevails.

  • What are the seasons/schedules for the teams?

    Find all athletic information here (or select Athletics under On Campus in the menu above).

  • Does Annapolis require try-outs?

    On occasion- typically, in late summer for fall sports, in early October for winter sports, and after Christmas for spring sports. Email our Athletic Director for specific details.

Student Culture

  • What are the behavioral expectations for students in class?

    The two best words to describe the Annapolis classroom experience are “joyful” and “high standards.” Annapolis strives for a classroom environment that is focused on joyful learning. We provide structured environments that reward discipline and hard work and minimize distraction. We expect students to demonstrate respect towards peers and teachers, contribute to class activities and be attentive and engaged with lessons with positive attitudes.

  • How are students expected to treat other students?

    Students are expected to treat each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Bullying of any kind or mistreatment of fellow students is dealt with swiftly and appropriately. While not every student will be best friends with every other student, all students are expected to treat others with respect and contribute to an incusive social environment. Cliques and other forms of social exclusion are highly discouraged and actively broken up.

  • Does Annapolis hold Chapel? When and where? Can parents come to Chapel?

    Yes, Annapolis holds two separate interdenominational Chapel services for the School of Grammar and the School of Logic and Rhetoric, both on Wednesday mornings in the Annapolis sanctuary. Chapel plays a central role in our program for spiritual formation as it properly orients our academic activities in worship of our Creator. Chapel services last about an hour each and parents are encouraged to attend. Services are led in part by students and in part by a chaplain and consist of a call to worship, singing, reading of scripture, prayer, and a brief homily. Services will frequently include demonstrations of student learning and recognition of student achievements.

  • What is a House System? Why does Annapolis have a House System? What do students do in the House System?

    A basic explanation is that the House System is a way to segment the entire student body into smaller and more diverse social groups, although there is much, much more to it. Annapolis students and faculty in the Schools of Logic and Rhetoric (grades 7-12) are divided into four Houses. Throughout the school year, Houses compete in competition, cooperate in service opportunities, and participate in games and celebrations.

  • What clubs and extra-curricular opportunities are offered at Annapolis?

    Annapolis offers a variety of clubs and extracurricular opportunities including drama, dance, ceramics, art, robotics, drum corp, orchestra, tae kwon do, and, of course, athletics like basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, and track.

Parents

  • Why does Annapolis require 10 volunteer hours?

    As a small, privately funded independent school, Annapolis depends on the generosity of volunteer services to help keep costs (and tuition!) down. Parents are our first line of support when it comes to helping with events, fundraisers, classroom parties, board governance, office and classroom support, and a host of other opportunities.

  • What are Annapolis’ expectations for parent involvement in students’ education?

    Education works best when there is a strong sense of partnership and involvement in the school community. At a minimum, parents should make every effort to attend the back to school bash, new parent orientation, convocation and parent academy nights at the beginning of the school year. Parents should also stay informed about school wide issues by regularly reading the weekly e-newsletter, The Warrior Weekly, and keeping up with events and volunteer opportunities as they are posted on Facebook. Additionally, parents should seek to support teachers by reinforcing in the home lessons learned in school. Encourage your child when they are tired and provide accountability for homework and studying for tests. If they struggle on their owne, ensure they get the help they need to succeed with tutoring or attendance at homework help. Be sure to attend as you are able events where your child will be performing, including sporting, fine arts, and chapel performances. Be sure to check in with your child’s teacher on a regular basis. Drop in and have a quick 5 minute face-to-face at pickup. If a longer discussion is needed, be proactive and schedule a parent/teacher conference.

  • How can I find out about parent volunteer opportunities?

    Be sure you have signed up to receive the Warrior Weekly. This is the official weekly school newsletter and contains information on all events and volunteer opportunities. You can also follow us on Facebook where we post daily things that are going on in the school. Also, check in with you room parent from time to time to keep up on classroom needs. Last but not least, become a member of PALS (Parents of Annapolis Lending Support) and attend their monthly meetings as they organize volunteer committees throughout the year to accomplish the needs of the school.

  • How can I show my appreciation for the faculty and staff?

    There are various opportunities throughout the school year to show staff appreciation. A couple times a year, room parents will organize a collection to buy a gift for the teacher around Christmastime or to fund a classroom project / item. Contributing to these collections is a great way to maximize a gift and show your appreciation. There is a also a formal Teacher Appreciation committee that organizes a luncheon once a semester and you can participate in that by donating a dish or helping serve. Another way to show appreciation includes writing thank you notes and encouraging words to help teacher spirits and morale throughout the year.

  • Is there any kind of parent organization at Annapolis?

    Yes.  Parents of Annapolis Lending Support (PALS) is a independent parent organization that supports Annapolis faculty and staff by volunteering to welcome new families, coordinate events, host teacher appreciation events, and more. There is a $10 annual fee to join.

  • I forgot my username and/or password to check my student’s grades! What do I do?

    Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! Use the email address that you used to create your account to request forgotten information. If you still require assistance, let us know.

Philosophy

  • What’s classical education?

    Classical education is a rich and complex theory of education that has its roots in the Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian tradition of the liberal arts and sciences. A one sentence definition is that “Classical education cultivates wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on Truth, Goodness, and Beauty by means of the liberal arts and sciences.”

  • Why private/why not public?

    Private schools offer many benefits over public schools. First, in our view, public education has taken a disasterous detour away from “real education” by obsessively focusing on only those aspects of education that are subject to measurement and test scores. This modern obsession with quantification is destroying education which should be about cultivating our humanity to its full potential. Because they are not tax subsidized, private schools are free to pursue a true and healthy vision of education independent from state and fedral government intrusion. Another benefit is that private schools are selective. Students who are disruptive, ill behaved, academically unfit are not generally accepted into private schools. This selectivity provides a superior learning environment for students who are serious about education.

  • What’s Christian education?

    Christian education is about the formation of the Christian person, whole and complete in Christ. It seeks the cultivation of Christian ways of thinking, acting, and being. It seeks to produce well-educated and virtuous Christian people capable of serving God and others.

  • Why Christian/why not secular education?

    In addition to providing food, shelter, protection, and care, parents are also instructed by God to bring their children up in the “fear and education of the Lord” (Eph.6:4). Paul is saying here that Christian kids need a Christian education which is more than just Sunday school lessons about Bible stories. Christianity is a holistic world and life view which must be cultivated over a long period of time in a disciplined way through Godly mentors and teachers. This cannot be done in a secular institution that intentionally excludes God from every aspect of education. The only thing secular schools aim to produce is secular people and this is an unaccaptable goal for Christian families seeking to be faithful to God.

Policy

  • Does Annapolis require student uniforms? What is the dress code?

    Yes, Annapolis students wear a uniform in grades K-12 (preschool classes don’t).  There are multiple uniform options for both boys and girls that vary slightly depending on grade level. Clothing can be purchased through Annapolis’ Uniform Shop at Lands’ End according to the guidelines in the Student Handbook, Uniform Policy and Guidelines, and Chapel Uniform Requirements.

  • Why does Annapolis require student uniforms?

    All people with a definite place in society wear uniforms: Police wear uniforms, doctors wear uniforms, business people wear “uniforms.” Our goal is for students to “look like students” and to dress appropriately and professionally for their place in society. Uniforms also enable us to set appropriately high standards for the look and feel of the learning environment we desire to create. Clothing can often be distracting and used as a sign of social status and to draw attention to onself. We desire students to distinguish themselves and draw attention by their character. Unfiorms enable us to “level the playing field” in this regard.

  • What’s Annapolis’ policy on cell phones?

    Cell phones have become a monumental distraction to student learning. It is hard for students to focus on the quadratic equation when they are constantly tempted to check their facebook status or respond to a text. Students are not allowed to use cell phones during school hours. Students may turn in their cell phones at the beginning of the school day, and they are kept in a secure location until the end of the day.

  • Why does Annapolis require summer reading? Where can I find the summer reading lists?

    Well educated people are well-read people and one of the marks of a truly educated person is literacy. It is important for students to develop a love of reading and a love of quality literature. Our summer reading program is desigend to cultivate habits of good reading and reading good books even outside of the regular school year. It also helps minimize summer “brain drain” and reinforces things learned from the school year.

  • How will the school respond to an emergency (either external or medical)?

    The safety of students is our top priority and all faculty and staff are trained in CPR and use of an epipen. In addition, Annapolis has a detailed Emergency Operations Handbook which covers every conceivable emergency procedure from fire to flood to intruder. In general, any school wide emergency requires either a building evacuation or a shelter in place. Both of these emergency procedures are practiced regularly throughout the year. Annapolis also has security a campus wide security camera system and an emergency PA system equipped in every classroom for communication. In the event of a real life school emergency, Annapolis also employs a mass communication system to notify parents through text, email,and phone call.

  • How many days of school can I miss?

    It is imperative that students be in school as much as possible for their success in our program. However, we have a generous policy that allows students to miss no more than 10 days in a semester whether planned or unplanned.

  • What happens if I miss more than 10 days of school?

    Students who miss more than 10 days of school or 10 classes in a semester will not matriculate to the next grade or receive credit for the class in which the days were missed.

  • We have scheduled a vacation and will need to miss a number of school days. What do I need to do in advance?

    If you are planning to miss school, you must notify your teacher and the school principal two weeks in advance. Your child will then be given work that will be covered in his/her absence. Students who miss school due to planned absences are still responsible for the work they missed and will not be given extra days in which to complete it.

  • Does Annapolis allow students to date?

    The development of romantic attachments in adolescence, while natural, can be a huge distraction to the work of students and creates unnecessary emotional drama for them personally and for the school community of which they are a part. We encourage students to form lasting bonds of friendship but we discourage “dating” and we do not allow students to demonstrate any public displays of affection while at school or school functions.

  • Does the school allow dancing?

    Not only do we allow it, we teach kids how to do it. Dancing is a beautiful and graceful art form and an appropriate social grace when conducted properly. We desire that our students possess both the physical grace and social grace that are cultivated through dance and we seek to provide opportunities for students to engage in this wonderful activity.

Fundraising

  • Why does Annapolis need to raise funds?

    Fundraising is vital to Annapolis. Tuition only covers about 80% of our normal operating expenses. Your gift helps us to sustain and enhance our scholastic programs by providing technology in the classroom, professional development for our faculty, scholarships for deserving students, and capital improvements to our facilities.

  • What’s the Warrior Fund for?

    The Warrior Fund provides the necessary operational expenses that aren’t covered by tuition each year. This includes purchasing new technology for classrooms, providing professional development opportunities for our faculty and staff, and giving scholarships to qualified families. Gifts towards the Warrior Fund are used in the same year they’re given.

  • What’s the Capital Campaign for?

    The Capital Campaign is used to refurbish, expand, and construct new facilities. These updated and new buildings give our academic, athletic, and fine arts programs the right space to thrive. Whether it’s replacing old air conditioning systems to keep classrooms cooled, building a new gym to offer our athletics teams a suitable place to train and compete, or anything else that our campus might need, gifts to the Capital Campaign make it possible.

  • How can I give?

    You can make a one-time gift or set up a recurring donation online (or select Donate under Support in the menu above).  Alternately, cash or check donations can be dropped off in person at the Annapolis Front Office. We also have a form to fill out if you want to make a donation in person using a credit card.

  • Why should I give if I pay tuition?

    Tuition alone does not cover all the costs of providing a quality classical Christian education. Generous giving enables the school to flourish and thrive and provide enhancements that would not be available otherwise.

Operations

  • What are Annapolis’ school hours/class schedules?

    Class schedules vary from grade to grade. Students can be dropped off at the school as early as 7:45 am with classes beginning at 8:30. The office is open from 8:00 to 5:00. Grammar school pickup is at 3:30 Monday – Friday and School of Logic and Rhetoric pickup is at 4:00.

  • Do you give recess?

    Students in grades PK – 6th are given regular recess times throughout the day.

  • Does Annapolis offer a lunch program? How do I sign up and pay for it?

    At this time, students must bring a sack lunch from home. We are working to replace our hot lunch program to better fit the needs of our families.

  • What are your facilities like?

    The Annapolis facilities are state of the art educational facilities consisting of a 14-acre campus housing an early childhood center, a school of grammar, a school of logic, and a school of rhetoric, a competition gymnasium, a chapel sanctuary, a drama theatre, an art center, two playgrounds, and a sports complex.

  • Do you offer after-school care? Can I drop of my student early?

    Yes. We have supervised student care beginning at 7:45 am and after care until 5:30 pm.

Institutional

  • Is Annapolis Accredited?

    Yes.  Annapolis is an accredited member of the Association for Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS) and the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission.

  • Are Annapolis teachers certified?

    Yes.  Annapolis teachers are required to complete a year-long certification course through the ACCS in their first year at Annapolis. Many of our teachers have additional certifications, including state-level teaching certification. All teachers have a degree in either education or the field of study that they teach, and many hold or are pursuing advanced degrees.

  • Is Annapolis a non-profit organization?

    Yes.  Annapolis was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 1995.

  • When was Annapolis founded? How did Annapolis get its start?

    Annapolis officially began in 1995, and grew out of a local homeschool co-op.

  • What beliefs/faith does Annapolis ascribe to?

    Annapolis is an independent Christian school. We’re not affiliated with any specific denomination or tradition, and our faculty, staff, and students represent many Protestant and Catholic churches.  You’re welcome to read our Statement of Faith, Mission, and Vision Statement.

  • Who’s on the Annapolis Board? Who’s the Headmaster? Who’re the Principals?

    You can see a list of current Board members, Annapolis administration, Principals, and teachers on our Administration/Faculty page.

  • I might consider joinging the Annapolis Board, or I know someone who should be on the Board. What do I do?

    If you are interested in joining the Annapolis Board of Directors, or know someone who is or should be, please review the Qualifications for Board Membership (.PDF) and then download, complete, and submit a Board Nomination/Application form (.PDF) to the Headmaster in the school office.