Yes, we accept the Opportunity Scholarship for full-time students. We are in the process of becoming a direct payment school, and while we are not yet listed in the portal dropdown, you can select “unknown” for now since you have until October 1st to select your school. To take advantage of the scholarship, apply through the state portal before the March 2nd deadline.

Please note our policy for part-time students: We currently cannot accept the Opportunity Scholarship for part-time enrollment. The NCSEAA requires a fixed, streamlined part-time track, whereas our academy offers an "a la carte" model so families can custom-select individual courses.

Consequently, a la carte students must self-pay. However, for families with a provable financial hardship that are unable to utilize the state scholarship for this or any other reason, we offer internal institutional financial aid to ensure our program remains accessible to those in need.

Yes, we offer both full time and part time options. Students can be enrolled full time, for full days Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We also offer courses “à la carte” where families can select specific courses and students can come during the selected course timeslots.

We offer three enrollment pathways designed to support family flexibility: Fully Remote, In-Person, and a Hybrid-Flex option. The Hybrid-Flex model allows our in-person students to attend classes virtually during temporary absences due to travel, illness, or transport issues, ensuring academic continuity without interruption.

St. John’s Orthodox Academy is a legally recognized, diploma-granting institution, and we are in the process of registering with the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE).

Why we are intentionally unaccredited: We choose to remain independent of secular accreditation bodies. This autonomy ensures our curriculum is governed by the Church’s traditions rather than shifting secular benchmarks, while also redirecting administrative costs away from bureaucracy and into the classroom.

Our Standards of Excellence:

• State-Verified: Our standing is in the process of becoming verified by the NCSEAA, allowing us to participate in the NC Opportunity Scholarship program.

• University-Ready: Our University Model fosters the self-discipline and independent study habits required for college success through our two-day "Satellite" schedule.

• Objective Testing: We utilize nationally standardized testing annually to validate academic growth and ensure our students remain competitive.

Our students graduate with a valid high school diploma, a rigorous academic portfolio, and the mature study habits necessary for higher education.

It is not a homeschool co-op, but we do have options for students who are homeschooled to be co-enrolled by selecting ala carte classes from our course catalog.

Parent Volunteer Requirements

We believe that parents are essential partners in the educational process. We encourage active participation in the life of the school through:

• Volunteer Roles*:

  • Event Planning (e.g., cultural festivals, holiday celebrations, school fairs)

  • Transportation and Chaperone Duties

*Note that all volunteers are required to complete a background check

• Family Involvement in Religious Life:

  • Parents are encouraged to attend weekly services at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, or their home parish if attending another Orthodox jurisdiction.

To provide a seamless learning environment, parents may schedule a 45–60 minute classroom observation with 24–48 hours' notice, provided they maintain a silent, non-interactive "fly on the wall" presence in designated seating.

Our Academic Foundation

Faith is our atmosphere, not an isolated subject. We anchor our studies through the Prologue of Ohrid, following the Lives of the Saints and the Liturgical Cycle to ensure academic and spiritual formation remain inseparable.

A Unified Educational Model

• The Law of God (K–12 Signature Course): A unique, tiered theological curriculum exclusive to our school, crafted and taught by a scholarly clergyman. Students move from foundational scriptural narratives to advanced dogmatics, moral theology, and the Nicene Creed, ensuring they graduate with a profound "Phronema" (mind of the Church).

• Mystery of History: Our chronological historical spine, with a specialized focus on the Byzantine Empire. We emphasize the "Golden Age" of Christendom, the reign of St. Justinian, and the defense of the Orthodox faith, helping students see history through a Patristic lens.

• The Good and the Beautiful (TGTB): Integrated across several subjects—including Math and Science—to support our "Family Style" schoolhouse model and home "Satellite Days."

• IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing): Our gold standard for English, ensuring students master the structure and style of the written word.

• Stanley Schmidt’s Math: A creative, narrative-driven series that challenges students to apply logic to mathematical problems.

• Novare Science: Utilized for Earth Science, Biology, and Physical Science to provide a mastery-based understanding of the natural world.

• The Children’s Garden of the Theotokos: A tactile, beauty-focused baseline that introduces our youngest students to the life of the Church through nature and play.

Standard Rates:

• Full-Time: $7,148–$7,942 sliding scale (based on household income)

• Part-Time (A la Carte): $1,000 per year-long course

Internal Financial Aid for Needy Families: For self-pay families with a provable financial hardship, we offer an institutional discount of 50% off our standard tuition rates:

• Full-Time: $3,971

• Part-Time: $500 per class (except Physical Education, which is $250)

We understand some families may need to utilize monthly installments to manage tuition. Please use our contact form to reach out to us, and we will do everything we can to assist you!