FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

We encourage your family to learn more about Golden State Academy and if it is the best option for your family through the following options: Schedule an appointment (click here), emails us: [email protected], or Join Us for an Virtual Open House (click here)

Golden State Academy currently accepts scholars for enrollment who reside in Sacramento Countt, or who reside within a neighboring (adjacent) counties of Yolo, Placer, and San Joaquin counties.

Golden State Academy accepts applications through our website application system. For a step-by-step guide on how to apply, click HERE.

At Golden State Academy we use entrance assessment scores as one of the tools to evaluate the student’s knowledge from the previous school to ensure that accurate courses are assigned. Please note that the entrance assessment scores alone will not determine course assignments. A low score on an entrance assessment will not automatically result in a student needing to retake a course, as the we primarily factor in the student’s most recent report card or transcript, as well as the family’s input, when assigning courses. Think of the assessment as more of a “Student Success” and Placement Assessment. 

Golden State Academy offers an open enrollment, which means that students can start anytime. Students can begin:

Students who already completed some coursework at another school can enroll at GSA anytime during the school year. After the admissions process, their GSA Facilitator will help create a course schedule that best fits the student and their progress at their previous school. While not every course can be matched, we will do their best to make schedules as close as possible.

Golden State Academy follows a traditional academic calendar with the school starting in late August and ending in late May or earl June. We following the 178-180 day school calendar. 

Yes, Golden State Academy does accepts homeschooled scholars. 

Currently, Golden State Academy only accepts students in Sacramento County and its neighboring counties. This allows us to provide robust off campus/offline activities to engage our students. 

Golden State Academy currently offers a Summer Enrichment program and   a Summer “Early Start” program for the school year. 

Please contact us for more information about these proograms.  

Yes. Any transcripts or documents for scholars must be translated into English prior to application submission.

Once your student is enrolled, a Verification of Enrollment (VOE) can be requested by emailing [email protected] along with the reason for the request. Standard processing time is 3–5 working days, depending on the purpose of the VOE.

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Academics

GSA operates within an academic school year consisting of 178-180 instructional days with a defined first and last day of school. Coursework is assigned on school days from Monday through Friday with live weekly “kick-off”/Homeroom on Monday and live check-in and reflections on Fridays.

Students enrolled from the beginning of the school year are expected to complete all assigned courses within the 180 school days unless a summer school extension is provided; a summer school extension adds about 30 more school days to the student’s schedule.

The daily schedule is assigned within the online learning platform, which lists the assignments to be completed on Monday through Friday. Students are free to complete the daily assignments at any time throughout the day. Students should plan to complete the week’s work by Sunday night in order to stay on track for the year.

During the fourth quarter, GSA offers the IOWA standardized assessment for students in grades PreK-8. The IXL test, which is not a standardized assessment, is also available to students in grades PreK-8.

‍Additionally, guidance for college-preparatory assessments is available to students in grades 9–12

Our Student “Explorers” primarily learn online, as the textbooks are built into the learning platform. Students may still need to purchase additional material, typically for science and English courses. Families should review each course description for the phrase “Access Supply List”; these lists provide any textbooks, science equipment, and other materials needed for the course. If students are unable to access material, they can simply message their facilitator for support and options. 

High school students taking Advanced Placement courses or college courses using Golden State Academy’s Dual Enrollment Program may have required textbooks, which would be noted in the overview for each course.

Students with learning challenges will be evaluated by the student’s Facilitor and GSA’s Family Support team with consideration of the type and severity of the challenge, as well as GSA’s capacity to accommodate the challenges.

Although we enroll students who have used Individualized Education Program (IEP) services at other schools, Golden State Academy does not assess or update service plans. Our team customizes curriculum, assignments, and academic standards for families that seek accommodations through a customized support plan.

Golden State Academy also provides accommodations for students with diagnosed health impairments that do not require a service plan or academic accommodation. Your Facilitator will work closely with you and our principal’s office to support student success while enrolled with Golden State Academy.

‍Golden State Academy reserves the right to deny enrollment to any student if GSA lacks facilities and/or staffing to meet the student’s needs in the fullest possible way.

Your student’s GSA teacher/facilitator will answer your student’s academic questions via messages within the online platform. Phone support, screen sharing, and face-to-face video chat are also be available for students.

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Golden State Academy’s English Language Learners Program is offered to students in grades 8–12 whose first language is not English. The ELL Program provides targeted support through modified English courses, English language practice and lessons, and instruction by a trained ELL instructor. This program is designed to equip older intermediate and advanced English language learners for transition to standard courses.

While Golden State Academy offers rigorous honors-level coursework, they do not currently offer Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Golden State Academy easily help families customize course levels and tailor their student’s schedule by swapping between grades. 

Golden State Academy will be offering athletic programs at the elementary, middle school, and high schools. 

Our partnerships with the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, and MLS allows us to offering programs for grades K-8. 

We offer club programs for high school student-athletes. 

All athletic programs are considered part of the physical education requirements for school and our included in enrollment. 

GSA also provides NCAA-approved courses for student-athletes in grades 9–12. Students in grade 8 can take some high school-level NCAA-approved courses per Facilitator approval.

More information can be found on GSA’s Athletic page.

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Accreditation

TBA…

Yes, all of our core high school courses are approved through the University of California. 

Curriculum

Students will be provided access to their Student Orientation within a few days of their course start date. 

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GSA  offers three programs for students K-12.

GSA generally offers students:

  • Five core courses each school year: Bible, English, history, math, and science.
  • A Large amount of electives across all grade levels.

Scholar Life

Social events are offered throughout the year, including:

  • Student Council elections
  • Student Council-hosted events such as a Talent Show
  • Multiple social activities for students in all grade levels, such as the Art Club and Meet & Mingles
  • Field Trips & Retreats for every age group throughout the school year
  • Student Chapels each month during the school year

Additionally, during Student Social Week, families can register their students for various social activities.

  • 1–2 days of absence: Simply have the student work ahead of time (if possible) and afterward to catch up on overdue assignments.
  • 3-10 days of absence: Parents should submit GSA’s Absence Form. Have the student work ahead of time (if possible) and afterward to catch up on overdue assignments.
  • 11+ days of absence: Parents should submit GSA’s Absence Form. The Principal’s Office will contact the parent with more information to approve the absence.

There are no specific times that students need to work each day. Students can log in at any time of the day for most days of the school year. Staff and Faciliator support are available during standard school hours, which are typically 8 am to 4 pm Pacific Time.

Yes. Exlporers are expected to wear their uniform polo for all LIVE interaction including classes and video recordings. A full uniform will be required for participation in any on-campus enrichment, gatherings and field trips. 

To support your scholar, we recommend parents establish a structured routine, create a dedicated learning space, and familiarize themselves with the online platform. Actively monitoring progress, maintaining regular communication with Facilitators, and ensuring your child has the necessary technology is essential. Additionally, providing emotional support and guidance throughout the learning process, while promptly addressing any challenges or questions, is crucial for a successful GSA learning experience.

Yes, Golden State Academy provides has Family Support and Services counselors available to support scholars’ emotional and mental well-being, while YOUR teacher/facilitator also serves as your academic advisor. They will work closely with scholars to guide their academic progress, assist with course planning, and help them achieve their educational goals. Together, these resources ensure a well-rounded, supportive experience for our scholars.

Spiritual Life

Golden State Academy provides various resources for the spiritual development of its students:

  • Spiritual Awareness Week, which is an annual event discussing GSA’s spiritual focus for staff, faculty, students, and their parents
  • 1–2 Bible studies each month during the school year. During the Bible studies, students and their peers meet with an GSA team member to dive into the Bible.
  • Student chapels each month during the school year. During student chapels, students join in on worship, hear a message from a member of our Bible Leader/Chaplain, and socialize with their peers.
  • The Faith in Action Program for students in grades 9-12. The Faith in Action Program provides students with biblical and theological knowledge tailored to ministry, one-on-one feedback from the coordinator, live speaker engagement, and student-parent led ministry goals
  • Recordings ofchapel services are shared on Golden State Academy’s Youtube channel
  • Theology in Action videos to encourage family conversations on Biblical principles.
  • Weekly prayer sessions by GSA’s staff/team. Students and their families can make use of this offering through a prayer submission form to let our team know of any prayer needs.

Graduation

No there is no graduation fee charged at Golden State Academy.

The primary expenses for graduation will be for cap and gown. 

Students in grades 9–12 will meet with their Facilitator regularly  to help build life skills, and they may be able to take the following courses:

  • Advanced Placement (AP) courses (grades 9–12)
  • Dual Enrollment (DE) courses to take college classes at the school of their choice while attending Enlightium Academy (grades 9–12)

Additionally, counselors hold college and career readiness meetings with students.

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