FAQs: Find answers to common questions about STEM Christian Academic Collaborative

  • Is STEM Christian Academic Collaborative a homeschool covering? 
    No. We are a collaborative of homeschool families and dedicated classroom facilitators seeking to offer high school credit courses and opportunities to homeschool students. We are not a covering, but we highly recommend a cover school for homeschooling families. There are many options in this area and each one is different. Contact admin if you would like suggestions.
  • Where is STEM Christian Academic Collaborative located? 
    We are blessed to be meeting at Calvary Bible Church, 607 Drake Ave, Huntsville, Alabama 35802.
  • How much does it cost? 
    There is an annual per family STEM fee, plus the cost of individual courses. Refer to the Registration page for the annual fee. Each facilitator determines their own fees for individual courses. Refer to the Course Descriptions document for those fees.
  • What days/times do you have classes? 
    We have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Times are listed on the Course Schedule.
  • Do you have a school calendar? When do you start and end the school year?
    Yes! We meet 15 weeks in the fall and 15 weeks in the spring.  You can find dates on the Classes and Calendar page.
  • How do I register for classes?
    Registration begins in March. All the instructions regarding registering for classes are on the Registration page.
  • What if my driving student has a break between classes, can they wait in their car? What do they do?
    If students have a break between classes, they may either go to study hall or leave campus.  Students cannot remain in the parking lot  or on campus without an adult. Students register for study hall like they do other classes. 
  • Can I drop my student off early for their class? 
    As stated in the handbook, students may arrive at most 10 min early for a class. Students either need to be in class, study hall or off campus.
  • What if we have to go out of town or are sick and have to miss a class? 
    All coursework and grading is discussed with individual facilitators. Each facilitator establishes their own policies regarding absences due to sickness. Most will offer a schedule of assignments for several weeks or a semester at a time.  This allows students to plan ahead for scheduled absences. 
  • Can my student audit a class?
    Students attending STEM classes are expected to complete the work assigned by facilitators, and to maintain an average of 70%, so sitting in on a class without doing the assigned work does not fit into STEM’s educational philosophy.
  • Does STEM or its class facilitators offer accommodations for students with special learning needs?
    STEM is not a school and therefore does not provide IEPs or any other type of formal learning accommodations.Classes meet once a week and time is limited, therefore it may be difficult for facilitators to make accommodations for students in their classes.  Any accommodations needed for the student should be discussed with individual facilitators and agreed upon before registration
  • Do you offer help with high school /college planning and transcripts?
    STEM is not a school or a covering and therefore does not publish grades or issue transcripts.  However, some of our administrators do offer planning and transcript assistance for an additional fee. Facilitators issue grades directly to parents.
  • If we decide a class is not a good fit for us, can we get a refund?
    Facilitators set their own refund policies, but generally refunds are not issued once classes have started. It is advised to research classes before signing up and/or reach out to facilitators with any questions or concerns.   
  • What are your COVID Guidelines?
    STEM follows the COVID guidelines the church sets for us. Currently, we have no restrictions regarding COVID.
  • Do you have other questions? 
    Email us at admin@stem-ca.org to send us a question. Please note that STEM Administration works hard to provide an efficient, positive, and Christ-Centered option for you and your families. Emails will be answered on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 8:45 am and 2:00 pm during the school year.  During non-school months, email is monitored weekly. If there is an immediate need during the school year, please contact your Classroom Facilitator.