See below for answers to frequently asked questions regarding Kolbe’s homeschool courses.

 

What is the Ignatian Method of education?

The Ignatian Method of education is based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, which has been developed and refined for over 450 years. The focus of the Ignatian Method is formation, not information. The fundamental goal is to help parents lead their children to the knowledge and love of God. The Method helps the parents train the student’s memory, understanding and will, so that the student can speak, write, and act well in life, for the greater glory of God. This is accomplished through self-activity, mastery of progressively more difficult material, and formation of the will through conscientious application of study habits.

 

Why choose a classical curriculum?

The study of a classical curriculum serves several purposes.  It:

• Focuses on the highest spiritual, literary and artistic achievements of Western civilization, elevating the mind and soul
• Introduces students to the greatest books in their original sources, not just textbook summaries
• Integrates the study of different subjects, showing the interrelationships that exist among them
• Provides a solid grounding in the basics, emphasizing the technique of learning by memorization in the lower grades
• Improves English by the study of Latin and Greek

 

The classical curriculum is implemented in phases.  We introduce younger students to ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, to begin to build an awareness of God’s preparations for the arrival of the Messiah.  We revisit Greece and Rome in high school, along with the Medieval and Modern worlds.  In high school, the literature and history courses go hand-in-hand:  while reading the Iliad in literature, the student reads Herodotus’ Histories; while reading the The Early History of Rome in history, the student is also reading The Aeneid in literature.  It’s about making connections between literature and history, between ancient and modern, between classical and Christian civilization.

 

What is the Principle of Subsidiarity?

The Principle of Subsidiarity states that nothing should be done by a larger and more complex organization that can be done as well by a smaller and simpler organization (Pope Pius XI’s Quadragesimo Anno).  Nowhere has this found greater expression than in the home schooling movement.  Kolbe Academy Home School has embraced the principle of subsidiarity by offering an educational program that you implement in your home.  We are not a correspondence program.  With Kolbe, you are the teacher and are truly in charge of your children’s education.  This is in keeping with the dictum of Pope John Paul II that “the parents have been appointed by God Himself as the first and principal educators of their children…their right is completely inalienable” (Familiaris Consortio 40).

 

Is Kolbe Academy accredited?

Yes! Kolbe Academy is fully accredited by both Cognia, a regional accreditation organization, and NAPCIS, the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools.

 

What is in the Syllabi, Course Plans, and Quarterly Tests?

The syllabi set parameters and goals for each course, generally including scope and sequence.  Course plans give suggestions (not requirements) for a week’s worth of work, such that a complete course can be finished in a typical school year.  Quarterly Tests with answers are keyed to the course plans; these are offered as samples and can be altered as needed.

 

How are the Course Plans formatted?

Course plans for grades K-8 are in a quarterly, daily format and most are based on a four-day work week.  For high school, course plans come in a semester, weekly format.

 

How do I go about adapting my student's course of study?

Your family advisor is available to help adapt plans and your course selections to the particular academic needs of your student(s).

 

What is an Academic Advisor?

Kolbe advisors are dedicated professionals selected for their knowledge and faithful practice of the Catholic Faith, as well as their academic background and life experience. They partner with families to set and achieve meaningful, attainable goals; review quarterly reports; answer curriculum questions; provide high school counseling and college application guidance; and assist parents in adapting the curriculum to best serve their students. Think of them as your trusted consultant and partner in your child’s education.

 

Can I get the course plans without enrolling full-time?

Yes! Students who are enrolled part-time can register in Kolbe courses, with the parent receiving access to the course's materials including the course plan. Course plans can also be purchased in our bookstore.

 

Is there a limit to how many times I can call the advisor?

Not at all! Your advisor is here for you during business hours by phone or email whenever you need guidance, clarification, or simply a listening ear. We encourage you to reach out as every question matters.

 

Must I administer an Assessment Test before I begin home schooling? What subjects are covered?

Kolbe offers placement tests, which are required for new online and asynchronous students. Returning online and asynchronous students, or students completing homeschool courses can opt into placement testing for a small fee. Read more about online placement testing here.

 

Kolbe also offers end of grade level assessment tests as an optional tool for parents who are unsure of their student’s grade level in certain subject areas. The tests are designed as an end of the year assessment in reading, spelling, grammar, and math. These assessments are located here. These assessments do not take the place of required placement testing for new to online students.

 

How long is an enrollment period?

An enrollment period corresponds to a specific academic school year (for example, 2026–27) and lasts 12 months from the school start date selected during enrollment.

 

Within that 12-month period, most states require approximately 180 days of school attendance, and Kolbe’s course plans are designed with this in mind. To ensure you are meeting your state’s specific requirements, we recommend reviewing the guidelines provided by the Home School Legal Defense Association at www.hslda.org.

 

Kolbe allows an additional three months after the close of your enrollment period to report grades in the Kolbe Portal for that academic year.

 

Must I join HSLDA, the Home School Legal Defense Association?

Although it is not mandatory to join HSLDA, it is strongly encouraged. HSLDA is a national advocacy and lobbying organization for home schooling families. Kolbe families receive an application in the Welcome Packet and will receive a discount on the regular rate.

 

What is a grade reporting?

Grade reporting refers to the process of reporting the final grades for a student's registered homeschool courses and sample coursework. Grades are reported for all registered courses in the Kolbe Portal. Kolbe staff reviews the work, verifies the grades assigned, and sends a report to the parents. Grades are verified by sending in one sample of student work for each subject every quarter in grades K-8, and two samples of student work for each subject per semester in grades 9-12. Parents can review our grade reporting articles for more information. We suggest starting with reviewing Grade Reporting in the Kolbe Portal and the FAQ: Grade Reporting to get started.

 

Is grade reporting a requirement?

Grade reporting is a service, not a requirement. However, if no reports at all are filed, or if the required elements are not sent in, Kolbe Academy cannot validate the grades provided by the parent on grade records.

 

Is there a deadline on filing grade portfolio? Must I file every quarter?

Grades for homeschool courses should be reported by the end of the enrollment year. We encourage parents to submit grades at the end of each academic term (quarter or semester) for the following reasons:

• This will help parents keep on top of the paperwork.
• For high school students, regular reporting assures students are on track to graduate.

 

How do I get a transcript, grade record, or a diploma?

Transcripts, which are grade records that reflect high school courses for credit, are requested through Parchment. Report cards for K-8th grade students and unofficial transcripts for 9th-12th grade students are emailed to the parent upon processing of the reported grades submitted in the Kolbe Portal. Families who have students completing only Live Online and/or Asynchronous courses can email their family advisor or [email protected] to request a copy of their student's grade record. The Kolbe diploma for both 8th grade and high school can be requested once the student has met the requirements for earning the diploma.

 

Is there an additional fee for grade records, diplomas or transcripts?

There is no additional fee to receive a report card or unofficial transcript. All requests for official transcripts are fulfilled through Parchment, which charges a small fee.

 

What is the difference between a report card and a transcript?

A report card is issued for Kindergarten through 8th grade when parents need official records sent to another school. Transcripts are issued for high school students. This record displays high school credits and grade point averages assigned to courses.

 

Does Kolbe Academy keep cumulative files for students?

Yes, Kolbe establishes a cumulative file for each student upon enrollment. If a student has attended another school before enrolling with Kolbe, parents may ask the school to send their records to us. Kolbe Academy has over 40 years of experience preparing and safeguarding accurate and complete grade records for its students and families. You can be confident that your important records will be carefully and confidentially maintained for as long as you are enrolled and for five years after withdrawal.
 

What if I have a question that was not answered here? 

• Non-enrolled families can schedule a pre-enrollment appointment or email generic academic questions to [email protected].
• Currently enrolled families should contact their assigned family advisor.
• Questions regarding the Kolbe Portal, the enrollment process, and tuition should be emailed to [email protected].