FAQ
Is LMCA a school?
LMCA is not a school. LMCA is a state and federally registered non-profit organization, with a tutoring service designation. Parents of enrolled students plan, organize and instruct classes with LMCA assisting with curriculum and classroom supplies. Occasionally LMCA hires an outside teacher for special subjects.
What does a typical day at LMCA look like?
Students arrive between 9-9:30am. Classes meet for about an hour, with a break for lunch and recess. The day ends around 2:30pm.
What kind of commitment does this require for my student (s)?
Classes meet twice a week and require your student to complete additional work at home. Time spent at home varies from one to three hours per subject, per week, depending on the age of the student. Homework could include reading a text, completing a notebook, essay writing, preparing for group discussion or working on a project. Homework is not typically assigned for grades 1-3 students.
What commitment does this require for the parents?
Parents are required to instruct at least one class during the year. New parents may start as a classroom helper for the first year. Parents must lend a hand when needed by substitute teaching, lunch/recess monitors, cleaning up, organizing field trips and fundraising.
Parents with returning students are classroom instructors and are responsible for planning lessons for their class. Efforts are made to utilize a parent's interests, experience, abilities and educational or work background in filling the instructor roles. Please do not be intimidated - LMCA provides the support and encouragement you need to successfully teach a class.
Families who enroll in LMCA make a commitment to LMCA for the whole year: September through May. Tuition discounts are offered for families involved in the teaching at LMCA.
What books are used at LMCA? Who pays for these books?
Parents are responsible for purchasing the books used at LMCA. We make every effort to keep costs low by purchasing Co-Op licenses for curriculum and using literature texts available through the library system.
Can my student take just one or two classes offered?
Only high school students may enroll on a part time basis.
Why does it cost money to attend LMCA?
Although tuition is required to attend classes, LMCA is a registered non-profit organization and a majority of the expenses collected go towards rent for classroom space, insurance for the building and students, and classroom materials. A majority LMCA instructors are parents of students. Several instructors may be paid for their expertise in certain areas that are in great need such as high school level courses.
What kind of tuition assistance or discounts are available?
Tuition percentage discounts are offered to parents that are instructors or classroom assistants. 20%-75% discounts are applied to family tuition depending on the commitment of parent in the program.
The fourth full time student in the same family is half-tuition.
Tuition is invoiced in three payments due August, December and March.
EXAMPLE TUITION FEES
For a family of four
$3,500 Tuition ($1,000 per student, fourth student half-tuition)
- $1,750 Tuition Discount (50% discount if a parent teaches one class on both Monday and Wednesday)
+ $600 Class Material Fee ($150 per student)
$2,350 Total (tuition, with discounts, plus material fee)
Invoiced in three payments of $783.33
What else do I have to do to homeschool my kids in PA?
LMCA is not a substitute for homeschooling. Parents are still required to file all necessary paperwork for their district and meet the state guidelines for testing and subjects taught. The nature of our two-day per week program requires that some instruction happen at home.
