Most Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between public, charter and private schools?
Public schools get their financing from local, state, and federal government funds. In most cases, they must admit all students who live within the borders of their district. The curriculum must follow the mandates of the State Board of Education which includes removing all references to God from the pages of history, particularly concerning the discovery of America, our miraculous victory in The War for Independence, the divine inspiration in the writing of the Constitution and in the founding of our nation.
Charter schools are autonomous, "alternative" public schools started by parents, teachers, community organizations, and for-profit companies. These schools receive tax dollars but the sponsoring group must also come up with private funding. Charter schools must adhere to the basic curricular requirements of the state but are free from many of the regulations that apply to conventional schools and the day-to-day scrutiny of school boards and government authorities.
Private schools rely on tuition payments and funds from non-public sources such as religious organizations, endowments, grants, and charitable donations. These schools select from among students who apply for admission, usually through an interview process, those students and families which the school deems most fitted to the standards of the school, i.e. academically, and behaviorally. They must be willing and able to abide by a code of conduct.

  • Class sizes are significantly smaller.
  • Academic standards are typically higher with test results well above average.
  • Teachers are selected on a basis of their ability to mentor and inspire the students through a reflection of the lives they live as well as their knowledge and personal academic achievements.
  • Curriculum is selected for its superiority in content, is of a classical genre, and is drawn from original sources acknowledging God's hand in man's endeavors and in the fulfilling of His purposes. It is multi-sensory in method of instruction and is language intensive. Classical education trains the mind to analyze, draw conclusions, defend truth and apply wisdom gained to the individual life. A classical education is rich in math, the sciences, art and music, recognizing the importance of achieving physical skills and a healthy body.
  • The aim is to educate the hearts of the children as well as their minds and to fit them for leadership and discipleship in His service.

Can a private school really be affordable?
When considering the number of tax dollars spent per student in the public schools, a private education is an incredible value. The government is coming closer to a decision in favor of Parent Choice in Education which will enable families to take their tax dollars to the school of their choice, in the meantime it is heartening to see the number of families of average incomes who prioritize their children's education near the top of the family budget and are able to send their children to a private school.

"But, I need to save money now for my child's higher education."
"Parents often attach the most importance to higher education, yet elementary school has a far greater impact. Except for family and church, no institution is so influential. We ask elementary schools to help shape our students' first and lasting ideas about themselves, their country, and the world. ...children gain- or fail to gain- skills they will need throughout their educational careers. They develop habits and values they will carry the rest of their days....its mission dwarfs all others. ...Elementary schools hold the responsibility of transmitting to each new generation what may be called our 'common culture'. ...our legacy from all the ages that have gone before us. It is the knowledge, ideas, and aspirations that shape our understanding of who we are as a people." p. 10-11 The Educated Child by William F. Bennett. Without the best possible elementary education children may lack the desire or skills necessary to go on to higher education.

What testing is done to ensure proper placement and to determine progress?
It is necessary that all incoming students have their most current test results sent to the school for proper placement. Additional testing may be required. Each spring students at American Legacy Academy take the Iowa Basic Battery of Tests.

How can I best help my child succeed in school?
Parental involvement is highly encouraged at ALA. Weekly letters are sent home from the teachers informing the parents of lessons to be taught that week and the home work that will be assigned. When a child knows his parents are excited about what he is learning and anticipates a daily report, he becomes more engaged as a student, puts forth his best efforts and comes to understand that what he gets out of a class depends in part upon what he is willing to put in to it.

I.Q. or E.Q. what contributes most to a child's ultimate success in life? And what more can I do to help prepare my young child for school?
At American Legacy Academy we recognize and teach parents the tools to help their children develop their E.Q. This basic emotional development lays the foundation for the proper development and ability to process and use the cognitive learning which rapidly increases in the Kindergarten years. Our child development specialist is available to coach parents in our Mom and Me Preschool Class for children 3 months to 3 years.

Emotional intelligence includes, among a host of other things, the ability to deeply empathize with others, to lead wisely or follow with grace, to honor our limits as well as celebrate and fulfill our talents and to give and receive love and support. A properly developed EQ is vital to our well being and overall success in life. Social and emotional skills continue to be taught and developed throughout the grades.

Does ALA have a uniform policy?
The ALA school uniform policy is specified in the Parent Handbook. The French Toast Uniform Co. carries the navy and red plaid skirt and jumper which are required for girls.

Test Your Independence Day Knowledge.

  1. Who was asked to write the Declaration of Independence? Where did he write it and how long did it take him?
  2. When the votes were cast from each of the delegates of the thirteen colonies on July 1, 1776 it appeared that the Declaration wouldn't pass. A horseman was sent immediately on an 80 mile journey to get something. Where did he go and what did he get?
  3. The word of independence reached New York City on July 9, 1776. How did the soldiers react to the news?
  4. John Adams rejoiced over the decision to break away from Great Britain. How did he say this day should be remembered?
  5. What rather strange thing happened exactly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration?

Answers.

  1. Thirty three year old Thomas Jefferson was asked to write the draft of the declaration. To have a safe place to work he rented a small room in the house of a bricklayer, Jacob Graff who lived in Philadelphia. He finished it in only two weeks. John Adams said of him, "If George Washington was the sword of the Revolution, Thomas Jefferson was the pen."
  2. Since Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and New York were not initially in favor of separating from Great Britain, a fast horseman was sent to the farm of Caesar Rodney, Delaware's third delegate, to get his vote. Rodney was a strong supporter of independence but had strayed away because he was ill with cancer. He listened to the rider and knew how much his vote was needed. Rodney rode all through the night. The vote was then taken and passed giving the colonists permission to move ahead towards independence.
  3. George Washington and his army of 28,500 soldiers were stationed at Bowling Green, New York. By order, the Declaration was read to each brigade. The men reacted to the news by yanking the statue of King George the III from off its pedestal. They melted the 1,000 pound lead figure to form into bullets that were used six weeks later in the Battle of Long Island. George Washington was not pleased with this action. He remarked that the action showed a lack of self discipline. The British had forced people in America into jails or prisons who owed money and couldn't pay their taxes to king. When the Declaration was read the people were finally set free because they were considered no longer under British rule.
  4. John Adams said, "July 4th ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever."
  5. Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, died exactly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration. That same day, the second president of the United States, John Adams, also died. Jefferson was 83, and Adams was 90 years old. James Monroe, our country's fifth president also died on July 4th, five years later at the age of 73.