Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why Classical Education?

The classical model follows the normal stages of human intellectual development in its curriculum and approach. Thus, the emphasis in the grammar stage (elementary school) is on basic knowledge mastery and skill acquisition. The emphasis in the logic stage (middle school) shifts to analysis and critical thinking. Finally, the emphasis in the rhetoric stage (high school) shifts to application and refining the art of expression, both written and oral. Each dimension (grammar, logic, rhetoric) is present in every stage, but the emphasis differs according to students' natural intellectual proclivities at each age level.

2. Why does Veritas teach Latin?

There are many reasons to teach Latin early. Not only does it provide a foundation for learning other romance languages and extend students' English vocabulary tremendously, but it also sharpens students' analytical skills to prepare them for the logic stage in middle school. Thus, learning Latin can enhance students' reading and writing skills, as well as their math and science skills.

3. Is this type of education elitist by nature?

Classical education is not about elitism. It's about excellence. We believe that classical Christian schools, by means of a blended model, make an excellent education available for a fraction of the cost of typical five-day schools. This makes schools like Veritas more affordable than most private schools and accessible to a broader range of people, both economically and ethnically.

4. Why do students at Veritas wear uniforms?

We believe uniforms enhance the learning experience by reducing the typical emphasis on outward appearance and social competition, and establishing a more disciplined atmosphere. Uniforms are also simpler and more economical for families, and we believe they increase confidence and decrease distractions in the classroom.

5. What is a "blended model"?

A blended model of schooling is a plan whereby children attend school two days a week in grammar school (currently T/R) and two and a half days per week in upper school (currently T/R/F). The other days the students work at home with the assistance of parents.

6. What if parents are not experienced school teachers? How can they teach their children if they have never homeschooled?

Veritas Classical Academy assists parents in the educating of their children. All new concepts are introduced and taught at school by the Veritas faculty. Parents receive detailed information and instructions to help their children work at home, where the emphasis is on practice and application of concepts taught in the classroom.

7. How much is assigned on the home days?

Homework amounts depend on grade level and, to a lesser extent, on student ability levels. Typically, however, students have about 1.0-1.5 hours of work at home for each in-class day at the kindergarten level, and that increases by about an hour each year. Thus, a 3rd grader typically will have 4.0-4.5 hours of work at home for each day in class (or 8-9 hours per week). This workload is not uniformly distributed throughout the week, but is slightly weighted toward Friday-Monday, given the extended amount of time available to complete work during this period, compared to Wednesdays.

8. What is the cost of a Veritas education?

Because of the nature of the blended model, the cost of tuition will be less than a typical 5-day a week school. However, our desire to attract and retain the very best teachers will be reflected in our tuition as well. For the 2008-2009 academic year tuition for Pre-K will be $2450, K-5 will be $2300, and grades 6-9 will be $2900. Books and uniforms are not covered by tuition.

9. Are scholarships available?

Yes, scholarships based on financial need are typically available, due to the generosity of faithful friends of Veritas who donate money specifically for scholarships. Contact the school for details on applying.

10. Will this type of schooling fulfill "state requirements"?

Yes, students in good academic standing who transfer out of Veritas to another school will be at or above grade level and should exceed the requirements for state mandated courses.

11. Is there an entrance exam for admission to Veritas?

Yes, an entrance exam is required, which assists us in determining whether a prospective student is likely to be successful in rising to the challenge of the curriculum, and at what grade level a prospective student should be placed. We prefer scores on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, but many other, nationally-normed tests are acceptable.

12. How do we apply to Veritas?

For detailed information about deadlines, fees, and a downloadable application, click on the ACADEMICS tab.

13. Is Veritas governed by a church?

No, a board of men and women from the community govern the school. For more information about the board, click on the ABOUT VERITAS tab.