FAQs

Q1: With which Christian denomination does Ascension Academy most closely align?

A1: We are a non-denominational school. We have a published faith statement that aligns with the Bible. We hope to partner with any church that is like-minded and in agreement with our faith statement. 

Q2: If my child is gifted what kind of advancements are available?

A2: We will assess each student to see his or her areas of strengths and weaknesses. If a child is advanced for his or her grade level, we will have a combination of approaches from giving that student more challenging projects to moving them up a grade in one or more subjects.

Q3:  Is IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) Offered?

A3: Not initially, but we might be able to offer IEPs after we are more established. We are looking at offering 504 plans. IEPs sometimes require additional staffing which would not be a feasible option in our beginning years. 

IEP Defined

The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child with a disability attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services.

504 Plan Defined

The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child with a disability attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.

Q4: What is my access to sports?

A4: We will partner with Cumberland Athletic Associations which are run independently and sponsored through 6th grade.

Q5: What kind of music program is offered?

A5: We will be offering vocal music in all grades. We will offer some level of instrumental music in upper elementary.

Q6: How many volunteer hours are required?

A6: We do not have a firm decision on this, but our starting goal will be that each individual student completes 10 hours during the school year along with each classroom completing a class service project.

Q7: Are there scholarships available?

A7: Yes, we will have need-based scholarships available.

Q8: Is the school a discipleship or outreach school?

A8: We are a discipleship school, meaning that each student who attends will have at least one parent who agrees with the Ascension Academy statement of faith and is a professing believer in Jesus Christ.

Q9: How are the scholarships awarded?

A9: We will be using a service called TADS, Tuition Aid Data Services. This service will determine the need level of each family who applies. Scholarships will be given based on the determination we receive from TADS.

Q10: How does the school teach sex education?

A10: We will be leaving sex education to the parents. We might offer an elective, after-school option if parents have an interest. 

Q11: Is there part-time enrollment?

A11: Yes, we will have options available for homeschool families to partner with Ascension Academy on a part-time basis. 

Q12: How does the school handle remote learning?

A12: We believe that in-school learning is best, so we will work with parents to offer the necessary resources if the need arises.

Q13: What curriculum will Ascension Academy be utilizing?

A13: Our curriculum committee is viewing several options. Our curriculum will be infused with biblical truth. 

Q14: How many teachers will you have?

A14: We will hire our teachers according to the enrollment numbers. At a minimum, we will have two teachers.

Q15: Will my child stay on track academically if he or she attends Ascension Academy from public school or homeschool?

A15: We believe in academic excellence, and we will ensure that children enrolled at Ascension Academy are meeting the expected benchmarks. We expect students will exceed these benchmarks. 

Q16: What kind of learning environment will you have at Ascension Academy?

A16: We are studying various options including Traditional, Montessori, Project-based, Classical, and Principle Approach. We desire to take features from several of these approaches. 

Q17: How will you know if students are learning the right material to prepare them for junior high school, high school, and even college?

A17: The average ACT for Wisconsin public schools is 20.1 with a national average of 21.52. The average ACT score for a Wisconsin private school student is 24. Our goal is to be above the Wisconsin average on standardized testing. 

Q18: What is the food program at Ascension Academy?

A18: We will have a pay for the service option and cold lunch will be an option too. We are currently in the process of looking at various meal service options, but we want to provide students with healthy and tasty options. 

Q19: Will there be busing options for students that attend Ascension Academy?

A19: Section 121.54(2)(b)1., Wis. Stats., specifies that in order to be eligible to receive transportation services from the school district in which the private school pupil resides, all of the following criteria must be met:

1. The pupil resides 2 miles or more from the private school he/she attends;

2. The pupil resides within the private school's approved attendance area; and

3. The private school is located within the boundaries of the pupil's resident school district or not more than 5 miles beyond the boundaries of the school district measured along the usually traveled route. In a union high school district, with underlying elementary districts, the 5 miles from the district's boundaries is measured from the union high school district boundaries, not from each of the elementary school district's boundaries.