Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pella Hill Virtual Academy a Christian school? 

Yes. Pella Hill is an evangelical ministry.  Jesus is at the heart of everything we do.

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Evangelical: Evangelical Christianity is a branch of Protestant Christianity characterized by an emphasis on the authority of the Bible, a relationship with Jesus Christ, and conversion. Evangelical Christians tend to be more conservative in their theology and social beliefs than other branches of Christianity.

Do we have to be Christians to have a child attend?

No, you do not have to be a Christian to have a child attend Pella Hill. However, please be aware that our classes are taught from a Christian perspective, and all staff and faculty are committed Christians.

Why is Pella Hill a better option than public school?

Choosing the right school is a weighty decision. At Pella Hill, we believe that the integration of faith-based education with academic excellence sets us apart from public schools. Our curriculum incorporates Biblical teachings and principles, fostering spiritual development alongside intellectual growth. With smaller class sizes and individualized learning plans, our students receive personalized attention and are well-prepared for their future. Our emphasis on moral and ethical values, strengths-based learning, and strong parental involvement creates a supportive community where students feel valued and find their purpose. Additionally, our educational philosophy includes extracurricular activities, leadership training, and service opportunities, making Pella Hill a compelling choice for families seeking an education that aligns with their faith and values.

How do I enter the WI Parental Choice Program? 

Click the link: WI Parental Choice Program (WPCP) 

The process can be a little intimidating, so don't hesitate to reach out for help.

What does Pella pay for? 

At Pella Hill, we create personalized and well-rounded educational plans, selecting curricula and materials to match each student's needs and abilities. Beyond academics, we fund extracurricular activities, field trips, and sports—ensuring every student can grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Once you join the WI Parental Choice Program and choose Pella Hill, we'll guide you through the onboarding process and explain everything in detail. For a deeper dive into how Provision (allotment) works and what it covers, check out Newsletter Volume 3!

What are some examples of curriculum? 

Pella Hill offers two curriculum tracks, each designed to provide high-quality, effective education while allowing flexibility for teachers and parents.

• Track 1: Through a collaborative process, teachers and parents will curate materials tailored to each student. All materials must align with our core standards and meet specific criteria for approval. If you have questions about whether particular materials qualify, please contact us.

• Track 2: We have selected Right Start Math for elementary students, a program that combines structured learning with interactive tools. For high school language arts, we will use a combination of Apologia’s Writers and Readers in Residence and American Literature, along with Compass Classroom’s Writing through the Wardrobe and Writing with the Hobbits.

As we continue hiring, our teachers' expertise will help refine additional curriculum choices.

What is used for the Bible and Chapel curricula?

Bible and chapel are essential parts of Pella Hill and will receive careful attention.

• Bible curriculum will go through the same rigorous approval process as other materials.

• For young children, video-based options like What’s in the Bible serve as excellent conversation starters. Teachers will design lesson plans around the selected video series and monitor growth through discussions and portfolios.

• For elementary and middle school students, resources such as Big Truths for Young Hearts or formal Bible courses like what Compass Classroom provides are being considered.

• Chapel: We are seeking a theologically trained teacher to lead chapel. If we are unable to hire someone with the right qualifications, we will partner with a trusted, Bible-teaching pastor to ensure a strong foundation for this important time. We are currently considering curricula from Ratio Christi and Foundation Worldview.

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Bible instruction is the most important subject we will offer, and it will be held to the highest standards.

Do items need to be returned?

This policy is currently being reviewed. Please subscribe to our interest list to receive the latest updates.

Is this "online schooling?" 

The amount of time a student spends on a computer is largely determined by you. Through a collaborative process, teachers and parents determine what Track is best suited for your student. Track 1 has the option to take online courses while Track 2 requires attendance in live, online, synchronous classes.

Is Pella a homeschool platform?

No. While we recognize that parents play an instrumental role in a child's education, and we collaborate with parents regularly, Pella is teacher directed. As a private school, we are ultimately responsible for each student's instruction, assessments, record keeping, and reporting. We understand that when a child is doing schoolwork at home, it is easy to refer to it as "homeschooling." 

Can my child be held back, suspended, or expelled?

Yes. Like any other school, if a student fails to meet academic benchmarks, is truant, or has significant behavior issues, a different school environment may be more suitable. All policies and procedures are explained in the student handbook.

Does Pella Hill have special education programs?

At this time, Pella does not take part in the Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP) and doesn't have traditional Individualized Education Plans (IEP). However, our Learning Plans are tailored to each student, similar to how IEPs are customized. The presentation, pace, and curricula can be specifically chosen to accommodate most of a special education profile.

Is Pella Hill accredited?

Pella Hill is pre-accredited through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and in the Impact Christian Schools (ICS) consortium. 
ACSI: https://www.acsi.org/

ICS: impactcs.org 

Where can I learn more?

1. Sign up to be a subscriber. We promise not to flood your inbox!        SUBSCRIBE HERE
2. Come to an information meeting. RSVP HERE

3. For even more FAQs answered, check out our newsletters HERE.