The Net Christian Academy - School of the Arts, Business and Science

Overview
Last Updated: August 10, 2008

The Net Christian Academy School of Arts, Business and Science (TNCA-SABS) is a Christian church school being established in the Huntsville-Madison community. This school has been registered with the State of Alabama with plans to be fully accredited. Our educational services include providing a cover for homeschoolers, day care, and education for Preschool through Twelfth grade. We expect to open as a full-fledged school by the fall of 2009. We are planning for 50 students. TNCA is a magnet school of sorts which combines the best of church school with the best of public school. This school trains the mind, nourishes the soul and empowers the spirit. Our goal is to develop Critical Thinking, Creativity and Christianity in each child. Following the progressive educational model our curriculum is competency based and individualized for each child. Learning is evidenced through portfolio demonstration verses traditional testing. Students are well prepared not only for college, but also career and business ownership. The educational experience is embedded in real-life scenarios that produce positive contributions to society at large.

Science Focus - Implementation of Alternative Fuels in the Automotive Industry
		Business Focus - Implementation of Social Enterprises Creating a Community Wealth Building Economy that Supports the Church and School [Homes for Humanity, Thrift Store, Strait Edge Lawn Care, Alternative Powered Engine Conversion Kits and Production Shop
Art Focus - Using the Arts [Theatre, Drawing/Painting, Graphic Art, Music, Dance, Broadway Theatre Production, Street Theatre] in Presenting Positive Values in Our Community

Mission
Develop Critical Thinking Skills, Creativity and Christ-likeness in Every Child

Vision
A Strong Community Known for Quality Education and Community Impact

Motto
Every Student Can Make a Difference

TNCA Goals
As a new school our goals and objectives are:

1. To implement our philosophy of education
2. Provide a Christian educational environment for children to develop into healthy, caring and responsible adults prepared to succeed in a competitive marketplace
3. Help children build a positive relationship with Christ
4. Offer another educational choice for our community that meets the needs of high and low achievers and a diverse population
5. Provide quality Christian education at a fraction of traditional costs (if not free) in a cooperative community environment (Free to faithful tithe paying members of The Net Community Fellowship and participants in the Community Wealth Building Economy)
6. Provide high quality education balancing the creative non-traditional “right brain” environment with the traditional linear environment stimulating learning for various learning styles
7. Engage the hyperactive student by developing responsiveness to the dynamic process of learning
8. Provide excellent interactive arts, business and science programs
9. Develop local, national and international community networks exposing children to multiple careers and opportunities
10. Acquire skills, knowledge and attitudes that will lead to satisfaction and productivity in work and interpersonal relationships
11. Develop positive work ethics and values related to personal and moral beliefs and to the common welfare of society
12. Develop an understanding of the role of the individual within the family unit, the role of the family within society and the role of our society within a global context
13. Acquire a positive life perspective that puts God first and accepts personal responsibility to solve life's challenges
14. Develop servant leaders who are prepared to reach their destiny in this world and the next
15. Enjoy strong parental involvement that broadens the educational experience
16. Prosper in a collaborative multiage classroom environment that appreciates diversity and teamwork
17. Participate in a community environment conducive to genuine Christian fellowship, outreach, personal growth and development
18. Develop a respect for the environment and a commitment to the wise use of God's resources

It is our desire to prepare our children to succeed in this world and eternity. It is to facilitate individual educational ownership and responsible lifelong learning through interdisciplinary approaches to arts and sciences in a safe, Christian nurturing environment.

Philosophy of Education Integrating the Mastery of Communication [Reading, Writing, Oral Presentation, Art, Interpersonal Relationships, Keyboarding, Social Studies/History (Bible), Proposal Development, Law, Foreign Languages], Math [Life Skills, Business and Science Applications, Problem Solving] and Spiritual Maturity [Personal Discipline (Morals, Health, Work Ethic, Habits), Teamwork, Compassion, Leadership] in a Progressive Learning Environment that Produces Practical Applications of Knowledge, Responsible Adults, Strong Families and a Strengthened Community.
Operational Principles Christ is central to this educational experience. Creative arts, business and science are the emphasis of the curriculum and the vehicle through which much of the curriculum is studied. Exhibits, shows, performances, demonstrations, outreach, publications, and other methods are used to showcase student work, both within TNCA-SABS and within the community. Much of the academic work is interdisciplinary, thematic, cooperative and project orientated. Hands-on, experiential learning is an integral component of the academic program. Local artists and scientists work directly with students and staff. Families are encouraged to be actively involved in all aspects of TNCA-SABS. Because of the smaller school setting they have greater opportunities to become active throughout the students' formal education.  All students work in multi-age classrooms, whereby students are encouraged and taught to work cooperatively rather than competitively. The school community - students, staff, and families - design and develop the specific guidelines under which TNCA-SABS operates on a daily basis. School and community service projects help students develop a sense of responsibility and citizenship. Alternative assessments are used to determine student progress.  Portfolios of student work are maintained for each student.  Everyone learns best when learning is part of their lives through meaningful  participation. Participating and practicing the arts, business and sciences in an environment that is linked to church, family and community is the means by which the students achieve personal academic success and emotional security.
Sample Day This sample day is just an example of the non-traditional structure of the school day. The teachers will design the actual schedule. Monday 6:30 School Bus Run 7:00-8:00 Early Care program 7:45 8:00 Arrival 8:00 First Bell 8:05 Opening Worship with Pastor Follette attendance pledge of allegiance daily planning meeting 8:35 – 9:35 Math Time Block Math Baskets & math centers small groups with teachers self-paced math activities 9:35-9:50 Recess 9:50-10:35 Communication Arts Time Block journal writing spelling Daily Oral Language (grammar) writing projects keyboarding & computers 10:35-11:30 Theme Studies (M-Science,T- Social Studies,W-Art, Th-PE, F-Music) 11:30-12:00 Personal Development & Interpersonal Relationships Block 12:00-12:45 Hot Lunch 12:45-1:45 Reading Time Block Instructional Library small group reading (teacher and parent led) independent reading 1:45-2:15 Specialist (M-P.E., T-Art, W-Music, Th-Current Events, F-Languages) 2:15-2:30 God’s Nature Study Block 2:30-3:00 Menu Time (Student choice between teacher –created options) 3:00-3:15 Daily Debrief and clean-up 3:15 Dismissal 3:15 Aftercare available till 6pm

Multiage Setup
Grades: Pre-school/Day Care, K4-K5, 1-2, 3-6, 7-8, 9-12 – Each classroom will have a teacher and an assistant. The Academic Dean, an Alabama Certified Teacher, will coordinate instruction for all the children. Each classroom will be arranged with personal study cubicles for focused independent work, a relaxing lounge for reading and story time, and tables for group work and projects. Each classroom will be equipped with state of the art AV equipment and each student will own their own personal notebook computer.

Curriculum
The curriculum will be developed in collaboration with the Headmaster, Academic Dean, Teachers, parents and students. The Louisiana Department of Education has developed benchmark grade level indicators of essential knowledge entitled What Students Should Know.  This guide includes grade level indicators for Arts, English Language Arts, Math, Foreign Language, Social Studies, and Science. These guides support a progressive learning environment where competency is shown rather than standardized. Utilizing these or similar standards, we will use progressive learning techniques to achieve each child’s learning goals. Within multi-grade classrooms our children will gain a well-rounded education because they will learn in their own way at their own pace. Their creativity will be stimulated and critical thinking skills will be developed. Inductive and deductive reasoning skills will be enhanced and exposure to real world biblical principles will be taught. An example of how a multiage classroom might run can be found at  http://www.multiage-education.com/multiagen-b/curriculum.html.

This is a different way of doing education parting from traditional methods that are authoritarian in nature. This will require parent’s commitment to this different system of education. Grades and grade levels are products of the traditional system. A competency based approached is more accurate in determining what a child actually knows. From public school we can see fully accredited agencies passing kids from grade to grade who can’t even read. We must look beyond grades and grade levels to see what our children need to master and learn. This perspective will empower us to identify the learning styles of our children and allow the educational experience to be the most productive.
Rest assured that educational progressivism provides a complete and rigorous experience for children and, I might ad, for their parents as well. This system requires a significant investment from parents who participate in their child’s education along the way.

Tuition
We are seeking to provide a low-cost alternative to quality Christian education that is not dependent upon tuition. We have a Community Wealth Building Economy as an alternative funding source. Those who participate in this economy and/or are faithful tithe paying members of The Net get to attend free of charge. Other parents pay $300 a month for the first child and $200 for each additional child. Because we believe it takes a village to raise a child, we strongly recommend all of our families to be a part of our fellowship. This is so beneficial to the entire educational experience. Our Community Wealth Building Economy is designed to financially support the church and school. The Community Wealth Building Economy is a central part of our total school program. It not only meets financial needs, it teaches students a positive work ethic and the importance of community participation. This Community Wealth Building Economy is designed to help people develop wealth through employment, saving, education (human capital), home ownership, and small business development.  

Community Wealth Building Economy

Houses for Humanity Houses for Humanity is central to our Community Wealth Building Economy. The cycle of Houses for Humanity begins with identifying vacant homes in need of repair and occupancy and families in need of development and housing. The owners of these homes are canvassed to contribute their asset to our non-profit corporation in return for a tax right off. We align with various banks to provide the funding needed to prepare the home for occupancy or to purchase the home in the event it was not donated to us. We then employ subcontractors who in turn employ our members to do the renovation work. A portion of our member’s earnings goes into a savings account to be used to cover closing costs on their home mortgage and to fund their education to prepare them for high paying employment or development of their small business. Their savings are matched with government or philanthropic funds. When the homes are ready for occupancy, affordable mortgages are secured so that these families gain home ownership. The families obtain continued support as they grow to the point of helping other families accomplish their goals. When these homes are sold to these families, they maintain a portion of equity in the home and the other equity goes back into the ministry to continue to support our church and school. Houses for Humanity is open to any family willing to fully commit to our Community Wealth Building Economy.
Straight Edge Home Care Service In addition to our housing program we have a lawn care company that solicits donations from homeowners in return for their lawn care. Our youth gain not only work opportunities but also valuable skills they will need to manage their own homes. Homeowners are given the option of donating cash or assets. These asset donations can become part of our developing thrift store.
The Net Thrift Store One mans junk is another mans treasure. Items donated without a service attached are valued for a tax exemption to the giver. Thrift stores provide a tremendous resource for the community at large.
Health Store Our ministry is very concerned about the health of our community. It is vitally important that we make our knowledge of timeless health principles available to the general public. What you don't know may hurt you. We want to make information and products available to improve community health.		Usana-Rated #1 Nutritional Supplements

As new ideas come to the table along with talented parents and children other social enterprises are expected to be established to support our ministry.

Enrollment Requirements Commitment to Jesus Christ or be open to living out Christian values and growing in ones faith Parental Commitment to participating in total school program Student commitment to school handbook Willingness to actively engage in technology focus including communicating by email Monthly Tuition or full participation in Community Wealth Building Economy

	Where We are still looking for the ideal location.
Does this church and school sound appealing to you?

You may place your child on our waiting list by sending an email to: PastorJoe@LovingTheNet.com

We are accepting donations too support this school. You can send donations to

Pastor Joseph L. Follette, Jr., Headmaster
The Net Christian Academy
1593 Hughes Road, Suite D-121
Madison, AL  35758
FAX: (925) 522-4887

You may also give directly through google below.

SUPPORT OUR FUNDRAISER

Contact Pastor Joseph L. Follette, Jr. for more information.
(256) 651-8729 email

Thank you for your support and prayers.

More about The Net Community Fellowship