Question 1

When Does School Start?

Accepted Answer

We do have students that attend all year-around and end up finishing two grade levels each year. But parents will be able to decide if they want their child/children to attend all year or to have the summer break. We are accepting new student registrations throughout the summer for the new school year. The new school year will start on August 24, 2026. Classes are Monday through Friday 10am to 2pm. We will continue to accept students until all the spots available are filled. We can create flexible schedules for parents that need their child to be free on Fridays for horseback riding, sports, dance, or other classes. We can also create a summer schedule for parents that want their child/children free for their family vacations, Vacation Bible School, music camp, and other summer activities. We will work with the parents to the best of our ability to meet their families' needs.

Question 2

Will there be an Open House to View The Academy?

Accepted Answer

Our school is renting the fellowship hall in a local church. If you're interested in having a Parent & Teacher Meeting please reach out to our principal Ms. Kathleen Redman on her cell at (928) 978-0729. You will be given the opportunity learn more about our teachers, the curriculum, the class schedule, and to ask any questions you may have. You will also be given the student registration forms and academy handbook.All families will be invited to visit our Christian-Based Academy at a time that works best for their schedule. You do not need to wait until school starts to apply.

Question 3

How Much Do the Meals Cost?

Accepted Answer

The healthy snacks we serve during our academy hours are fully covered through the tuition cost. We do have the academy meal plan available to view on our academy blog to see the snacks we offer. We list all the students' food allergies in the kitchen. We prefer parents bring their child's lunch from home. Please put their name on the outside of their lunch box. Let us know if their lunch needs refrigerated. Thank you!!

Question 4

What Classes Are Offered at the Academy?

Accepted Answer

Payson Academy of Excellence, offers a specialized education for 3rd to 6th grade boys and girls. Acellus Academy online teachers will teach Language Arts, Phonics, Spelling, Reading, Social Studies, Geography, History, Mathematics, and Science. We will be teaching the Bible classes, Arts and Crafts, learning games, penmanship, public speaking, reading outload, and character building classes while teaching Christian values. Our school focuses developing foundational skills in language arts, math, science, reading, writing, and social studies while students grow in their faith and character. This approach ensures that students receive both a solid academic foundation and spiritual guidance, promoting their intellectual growth alongside moral development in alignment with Christian principles.

Question 5

How Many Students Does the Payson Academy Have?

Accepted Answer

Payson Academy of Excellence is a small school located in a local church. We have made it our priority to give all our students one-on-one teaching and interaction, so we focus on having a teacher for every six students. We have two teachers at the moment, but will grow our staff as our academy grows. This low student-to-teacher ratio ensures abundant one-on-one instruction, allowing educators to closely monitor each student’s progress and provide targeted support. Students who require extra assistance receive individualized training to help them stay on track with the class curriculum.

Question 6

How does this Payson Academy communicate students’ academic progress and achievements to parents?

Accepted Answer

At Payson Academy of Excellence, the academic progress of each student is carefully monitored and communicated to parents to ensure they remain actively involved in their child’s education. All classroom work is graded, and report cards detailing the student’s overall grades across all subjects are sent home to parents every quarter. Additionally, copies of any tests administered in the classroom are provided to parents so they can thoroughly evaluate their child’s level of understanding and mastery of the material. To celebrate creativity and accomplishments, the student’s best art pieces are also showcased and shared, reflecting the academy’s commitment to nurturing both academic and artistic development for 3rd grade to 6th grade students.

Question 7

How does the Payson Academy of Excellence support families in applying for the ESA scholarship?

Accepted Answer

We are committed to assisting parents in registering their child/children for the ESA universal scholarship. Our staff will personally guide you step-by-step to ensure your application is completed accurately and timely.These funds can be used to cover a variety of educational expenses including tutoring, curriculum materials, clothing, school supplies, field trips, sports, books, and other extracurricular activities. This support reflects our dedication to providing families with available resources to enhance their child’s learning experience. To apply for the Arizona Universal Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA), parents must submit an online application through the Arizona Department of Education ESA portal, providing proof of Arizona residency (e.g., utility bill), the student's birth certificate, and signing a contract. The program is open to K-12 students, with applications processed year-round. This scholarship is given to children who are not enrolled in Arizona public schools or charter schools. Many free online arizona schools are also considered public schools. The child will have to be de-enrolled before applying for the ESA universal scholarship.Step-by-Step Application ProcessCreate an Account: Visit azed.gov/esa to register and create a new account, which takes about 60 seconds to set up.Submit Application & Documents: Complete the application, providing necessary documents including the student's birth certificate and proof of residency.Sign Contract: After approval, you will receive an ESA contract via email to sign.Set Up ClassWallet: Once approved, you will set up a ClassWallet account, which is used to manage funds and pay vendors. Key Information & RequirementsEligibility: Student must be K-12 and live in Arizona.Funding: Average award is roughly $7,000 per student per year, paid in quarterly installments.Processing Time: Applications can take up to 30 days to process.Usage: Funds can be used for private school tuition, tutoring, curriculum, and athletic clubs.Support: Contact the ESA helpdesk at 602-364-1969 or email ESACallCenter@azed.gov.

Question 8

What Made You Decide to Start This Academy?

Accepted Answer

After my divorce, I raised my five children on my own while earning my Associate’s degree from the community college in Payson. When my daughters expressed a deep desire to be homeschooled, I wanted to ensure I followed every legal requirement. I visited the Arizona Department of Education in Phoenix to inquire about licensing and was advised to take the Arizona teacher’s exam. I passed, obtained my teaching license, and dedicated myself to helping my daughters, who were struggling in the public school system.At the time, the middle school had placed one of my daughters in special education for learning disabilities because she was falling behind. However, I knew she was a passionate student who loved to learn. I began homeschooling her, and the results were transformative. When she eventually returned to the public school, the faculty was so impressed by her progress that she was moved out of special education and placed into honors classes.There is nothing more rewarding than watching a child’s face light up as they master a new skill or reach a milestone. I believe in an educational approach where students learn at their own pace. If a first grader is ready for third-grade math, or a second grader is reading at a fourth-grade level, I encourage them to embrace that challenge and provide the resources they need to succeed. My mission is to inspire, uplift, and empower every student to reach their full potential.

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