The STAY Program F.A.Q.

The MCA STAY Program is a great way to homeschool with a community and certified teacher guidance.

Please read below for many of our Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers!).

Question 1

The Hybrid Program is our top choice, but we are interested in enrolling in STAY if the Hybrid Program is full. Do we need to apply for the Hybrid Program and the STAY Program at the same time?

As our STAY Program does not have cap levels similar to our Hybrid Program, you do not need to apply for both at the same time. If the Hybrid Program is your top choice, apply for that first. If you were to receive an email after application that the Hybrid Program is currently at capacity, we will then offer a link to enroll in the STAY Program. You do not need to fill out both forms right away - simply fill out the Hybrid Application to begin the admissions process at MCA! The STAY Program will still be an option if our Hybrid Program is full.

Question 2

How does the MCA Waitlist work if we are in the STAY Program?

Our STAY students will always be given the first opportunity to screen for any available spots in our Hybrid Program before moving to our public waitlist. In the spirit of transparency, we like to stress that our Hybrid re-enrollment rate is traditionally over 95% and there are rarely classroom seats available. Being a part of the STAY Program does not guarantee a spot in the Hybrid Program. The vast majority of our STAY students do not move off of our waitlist due to the high retention rates of our Hybrid Program.

Question 3

What does being enrolled in the STAY Program mean for new siblings and their admittance in the future?

Any STAY siblings wishing to enroll in the STAY Program will simply complete the enrollment form during the spring prior to the school year that they plan to join the STAY Program.

If you are looking for a new sibling to enroll into the Hybrid Program, a Hybrid application will need to be filled out in February and new siblings will need to go through our academic screening process as all new applicants do. Acceptance into the Hybrid Program is based upon academic screening results and is never a guarantee. All STAY siblings will be screened during our March screening process with all other new applicants. While screened with the rest of the new applicants, MCA STAY siblings are not charged a screening fee. This fee is waived as a gift from MCA.

Question 4

How often are STAY students on campus?

We love seeing our STAY students (and families) get involved! One of the best ways to connect with peers is by showing up. During our elective sessions, our STAY students are welcome to come twice a week for two hours per day for lunch/recess and to take an elective class. We also open our doors to our STAY students for our assemblies, Connections Committee events, and spring field trip. Furthermore, we offer multiple STAY Days per year where your student can come onto campus for a morning of learning geared towards our STAY community.

Question 5

What materials are provided/required for the STAY Program?

MCA provides all the needed curriculum for your school year. Please see the Curriculum Guide under Forms/Downloads for a list of all that is provided at each grade level. In addition, MCA provides a Reading Resource Box, Math Manipulative Kit, and a thumb drive of grade level resources for at home use during the school year. At home, families should have basic school supplies available for their student (pencils, crayons, colored pencils, scissors, erasers, glue sticks, highlighter, etc.) Students do not need access to a computer/iPad for at home learning. Everything can be done via paper/pencil. It is recommended that parents have a computer at home with printing capabilities as teachers will send out additional weekly resources to utilize.

Question 6

Do we have to hand in our Weekly Work to anyone?

While our teachers will email you your "assigned" Weekly Work Checklist every Monday, you are not responsible for actually turning the work back in! Here is where you get ultimate flexibility in structuring your homeschool program with expert teacher guidance. Our teachers' goal is to keep all of our STAY students on track with our Hybrid Program. We will recommend that you stick to the Weekly Work Checklists to stay on track with grade level goals for the year. However, because you do not need to physically turn any of your work into MCA, you have the freedom to complete assignments in a way that works best for your student/family!

Question 7

What does the end of year Evaluation Process look like?

During the month of May, the MCA Directors will send out a schedule for you to schedule your homeschool evaluation. This service is offered as part of your tuition - no extra fees! This evaluation is a state of PA requirement, not a MCA requirement. You may choose to have your evaluation done by a certified educator outside of MCA. When you attend your evaluation, you will need to bring your portfolio to present evidence of meeting your objectives for the year. The signed evaluation form will then be provided for you to turn into your local school district.

Question 8

Is the Pre-Kindergarten Program open to STAY families?

At this time, no. Due to a high demand from our Hybrid Program families and the desire to keep our Pre-K numbers lower, we are unable to offer the Pre-K Program to our STAY families.