Bannockburn Baptist Church

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the school established? 
The 2010/2011 school year was Bannockburn Christian Academy’s first year! We are excited to utilize the rich heritage given to us over the past 25 years of hosting satellite schools on our campus. We are creating a positive family and learning environment by combining our heritage with our vision to equip each child with the Biblical knowledge needed to answer questions about their faith, and the dedication to deliver affordable higher-level education to the families of South Austin. 
 
What is your mission?
Bannockburn Christian Academy exists to glorify God by provideing quality, Christ-centered education that will nurture students to become spiritually minded, academically versed, socially balanced, and equipped to make a positive impact in their community to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
What is your vision?
The vision of Bannockburn Baptist Church is to Guide generations to become passionate followers of Jesus Christ, one home at a time. Bannockburn Christian Academy (BCA) exists as a part of that church vision. Therefore, the vision of BCA is to Guide generations to become passionate followers of Jesus Christ, one child at a time.
 
 
What do you mean by Christian?
Each aspect of our educational endeavor is founded upon a Biblical worldview. We plan to have our students attend Chapel once a week where they will be reading and listening to Bible-based lessons.
 
BCA is home to families who are members of over 45 places of worship in Austin, Buda and Kyle. Our families worship at various Baptist, Catholic, Methodith, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, Evangelical, Non-Denominational and Community Churches.
 
What does the ethnic demographic of BCA?
 
BCA mirrors Austin's population demographics. For the 2010-2011 school year, our distribution was:
 
67.55%     Caucasian
17.88%     Hispanic
4.64%       African American
4.64%       Other
3.97%       Asian
1.32%       Indian
Why fifth grade in middle school?
 
From 5th grade on, students begin to be more aware of peer interactions. Using the Middle School Model to include 5th grade will allow student opportunities for positive peer interaction through organized instruction and programming. The social needs of 5th grade students can build stronger teams when included in the middle school (ie. inclusion in sports, fine arts).
Including 5th grade in middle school also provides targeted instruction and higher-order instructional levels. How? Teachers can be content area experts, as opposed to the Elementary School Model where teachers tend to work in content teams.
Students in middle school can begin more targeted instruction through courses such as Algebra, Foreign Language, Communications Applications, Health and Keyboarding. This allows each student to complete high school courses while still in middle school. 
Block scheduling (A/B with a compressed Friday schedule) allows 5th and 6th grades students to experience classes together, while 7th and 8th experience another set of classes together.
 
 
What preparations are being made for middle school students transitioning into high school?
 
Students in middle school can begin more targeted instruction through courses such as Algebra, Foreign Language, Communications Applications, Health and Keyboarding. This allows each student to complete high school courses while still in middle school. 
What does this mean? Depending on the number of high school courses your student completes while in middle school at BCA, he/she may be able to move into various Sophomore classes their Freshman year of high school. Thus allowing your students to complete college courses (or credit hours) while still in high school.
 
What Enrichment Classes do you offer?
 Bannockburn Christian Academy offers the following enrichment classes in Physical Education, Art, Music, Computer, Spanish and Library.
 
 
What grades will your school enroll?
 
Bannockburn Christian Academy is now enrolling grades Pre-K through 8th.
 
 
For what size student body are you planning?
Bannockurn Christian Academy enrolled 150 students for the 2010/2011 school year. BCA’s plans to increase their current student body to 225 students for the 2011/12 school year. BCA's goal is to eventually meet classroom capacity, with three sections in each grade. This would create a student body of approximately 450 students.
 
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What is your projected class size?
 
Bannockburn Christian Academy will have the following class sizes:
  • Pre-Kindergarten: 10 Students
  • Kindergarten: 12 Students
  • 1st - 8th Grade: 14-16 Students
Who are BCA's accrediting organizations?
Bannockburn Christian Academy is currently accredited by the Accreditation Commission of the Texas Association of Baptist Schools (TABS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).

SACS CASI Accreditation:
  • Affirms that the school meets standards of quality established by the international school community
  • Documents that the school is true to its own statements of missions, philosophy and goals
  • Provides a peer review process that recognizes external validity to the claims of the school
  • Promotes accountability
  • Improves instruction targeting increased student achievement
  • Stimulates a continuous process of self-assessment and systematic school development
  • Provides a complete review and written documentation of school program
  • Gives purpose and direction for long-range strategic planning
  • Provides for the organization and documentation of curriculum
  • Increases understanding of the entire school program by all who participate in the self-study
 
Is BCA a member of any associations?
Bannockburn Christian Academy is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ASCI), Texas Association of Non-Public Schools (TANS), and the Private Schools Interscholastic Association (PSIA). 
What does this mean? Through ASCI and TANS our teachers and staff can take part in ongoing staff development classes and seminars. Continuing to stay abreast of the latest trends, technology and teacher materials available allows BCA to give your student the best education possible. 
Through PSIA, students have the opportunity to compete with other non-public and charter schools in areas such as spelling, storytelling, impromptu speeches, and more. Students who compete and win in their academic area will move onto Regionals. 
 
 
Describe BCA's application process for the 2011/2012 school year?
Bannockburn Christian Academy is currently accepting applications for the 2011/2012 school year. Priority consideration will be given to returning families who submit applications on or before January 14, 2011.  After January 14, 2011, BCA will open registration to new students. All new applications received on or after January 14, 2011 will be considered as openings are available.
  • Submit recommendation forms to the applicant's current teacher and administrator. These forms should be mailed or faxed from the applicant's current school directly to the Admissions Office at Bannockburn Christian Academy.
  • After receiving the completed application and registration fee, parents will be contacted to schedule a Family Visit (student assessment and parent interview). Family Visits will be scheduled on Mondays or Fridays after 9:30 AM.
  • After all application forms are received and reviewed, the Admissions Team will render decisions and parents will be notified. If an offer is made, an Acceptance Letter and Tuition Contract will be mailed. The Tuition Contract, along with 10% of your child(ren)'s tuition and supply fee, will be due upon receipt. The remaining tuition can be paid in one lump sum, or families can make monthly payments throughout the school year. Payment terms for scholarship applicants may be different.

Please note, children who are not four years old on or before September 1 of the school year in which they are applying, will not be considered for admission. We do encourage you to apply the following school year.

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Will BCA require students to wear uniforms?

Campus Wear Guidelines have been adopted and are based on the following biblical precepts: 
  • We do all to the glory of God (1Cor. 10:31)
  • We are not to offend others by being stumbling blocks (Rom. 14:13, 1 Cor. 10:32-33)
  • We are to do everything in love (1 Cor. 16:14)
  • We are to be examples in speech, life, love, faith, and purity (1 Tim. 4:12)
  • We are to draw attention to God, not to ourselves (John 3:30)
The purpose of BCA’s Campus Wear Guidelines is to encourage and promote self-respect, school pride, respect for others, good taste in personal appearance, and provide a healthy atmosphere for study which is free from distractions.  Clothing that is disorderly, non-functional and excessive in style or appearance does not uphold this conviction.  BCA seeks a higher standard and purpose: that of honoring our Lord in appearance and behavior. 
 
Will BCA offer scholarships?
 
Scholarship funds are limited and awarded on an individual basis. Scholarships may not be combined with other student and/or family discounts and are reviewed on a first-come-first-serve basis. The Scholarship Team will meet to review all complete applications - explanation letter and FACTS assessment - February 1, April 1, and July 1, 2011 (if funds are still available).

For consideration, please submit a letter to the Scholarship Team explaining your family's need by emailing scholarships@bcaaustin.org. BCA will also be utilizing FACTS Grand & Aid Assessment to conduct a financial need analysis for families applying for scholarships. Please visit www.factstuitionaid.com to apply.

The following information is required in order for FACTS to process your application:
  1. Signed and completed online application. Faxed or copied applications will NOT be accepted. Please do not submit multiple applications. FACTS will process one online application per household.
  2. Payment of the $25 nonrefundable application fee.
  3. Copies of your 2009 IRS Federal Form 1040, 1040A or 1040-EZ U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, including all supporting tax Schedules C or C-EZ, Schedule E, Schedule F, Depreciation Form 4562, S Corporation Form 1120S & K-1, Partnership Form 1065 & K-1, Estates and Trusts Form 1041 & K-1 and Form 8825.  If applicant and co-applicant file separately, we require both tax returns for the same tax year.  We do NOT accept State tax returns.
  4. Copies of all 2010 W-2 Wage and Tax Statements for both you and your spouse.  NOTE:  If you are applying before you have received all 2010 W-2 Wage and Tax Statements, please submit them as soon as they become available.
  5. Copies of all supporting documentation for household Social Security Income, Welfare, Child Support, Food Stamps, Workers' Compensation, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
If you have questions or concerns about the application process, you may speak with a FACTS Customer Care Representative at 1-866-315-9262.

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What are the school hours?
School hours, for grades Pre-K through Kindergarten, are 8:00am – 2:45pm Monday through Friday. For grades 1st through 8th, school hours are 8:00am – 3:00pm Monday through Friday. 
 
How much is tuition?
Tuition fees for the 2011/12 school year are:

Grades Pre-K (3 Day): $4,120 (Plus a $650 Supply Fee)

Grades Pre-K (5 Day) – 4th: $6,180 (Plus a $650 Supply Fee)

Grade 5th: $6,695 (Plus a $650 Supply Fee)

Grade 6th – 8th: $7,210 (Plus a $650 Supply Fee)

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Do you offer Extended Day?
 
Bannockburn Christian Academy’s Extended Day Program is open to all enrolled students. BCA’s goal is to create a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment; one in which a child is loved and enriched spiritually and physically with a combination of teacher-led and self-initiated activities. There will be an opportunity for vigorous play, quiet time, study hall and healthy snacks allowing a child to relax and re-fuel, do homework, and socialize.

Coming Soon! Enrichment classes and programs optional to students in the following areas: Sports, Fine Arts and specialized Tutoring.

BCA will offer Extended Day five days a week (Monday – Friday) from 3:00 – 6:00 PM. Fees for Extended Day are not included in your child’s tuition and are due on the 15th of every month. 

Extended Day fees are as follows:

2 – 3 Days/Week = $18 

4 – 5 Days/Week = $15

Please note there is an annual Registration Fee of $50 and a Supply Fee of $100. Both fees are due with your Extended Day application. A 10% discount will be offered to siblings, after the enrollment of your first child into the Extended Day program. The discount applies to the cost/day fee only.

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What is your Nondiscriminatory Policy?
 
Bannockburn Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, national origin and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school, and that it shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.