Frequently Asked Questions

What is NCHS?

NOVA Catholic Homeschool (NCHS) is an academic supplement for Northern Virginia families homeschooling high school students.  Since 2014, we have been providing high quality, college preparatory classes to supplement what homeschooling families are doing in the home.  Students are welcome to enroll in one course or several.

Where is NCHS located?

We meet at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Sterling, Virginia, on Tuesdays from 9:00 AM — 3:45 PM. We also offer some live online and hybrid classes (mix of in-person & live online).  Please check our schedule and course descriptions pages for details.

Can non-Catholic students enroll in classes at NCHS?

We welcome students from all faith backgrounds.  Please note, however, that all subjects are taught from a Catholic perspective at a Catholic church.  We ask that all students be respectful of Catholic traditions and teachings.

Do you have to be a high school student to take classes at NCHS?

Generally, yes.  However, eighth graders are permitted to enroll in classes at NCHS with teacher's permission, but they must be mature and ready for the rigor of high school-level classes. Priority for all classes is given to high school students.  

What are the advantages of NCHS?

• Our teachers are top-notch, highly-qualified, experienced instructors;
• Our classes meet once per week (cuts down on your driving!);
• Unlike a co-op, there is no requirement for ongoing parent involvement (other than potentially filling in for a lunch or study hall monitor if needed);
• We do not do any fundraising;
• We have a low registration fee ($55/family);
• Our students have the option of participating in community service projects throughout the year.

How do I register for classes at NCHS?

There are two steps to registering for classes:

1. Contact the teacher of the course in which you want to enroll using the contact information provided in the course description.  Payment for the class will be made directly to the teacher.
2. Complete the NCHS registration forms located at the ‘Registration’ tab on the website and send them with your $55 NCHS registration fee and any applicable Study Hall fees to the address provided on the form. Please be sure to send your completed Registration Form, Study Hall Form (if applicable), and signed Code of Conduct form with your check.

What is the deadline for registering for classes?

NCHS registration payment and paperwork are due no later than May 1st in order for students to remain on class rosters.  Acceptance into classes is on a first-come, first-serve basis, with current NCHS families receiving priority.  

How do I pay for classes?

Payments for classes are handled directly with the teachers.  Please contact each teacher for information on enrolling and paying for classes since each teacher handles course enrollments differently. 

Why is there a separate NCHS registration fee?

We donate most of the funds collected to Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church for generously allowing us to use classrooms there.  We also use funds to purchase required insurance, pay Virtus fees, and cover minor incidental costs.

What are parents’ responsibilities at NCHS?

We ask that parents review with their students the Student Responsibilities section of our NOVA Catholic Homeschool Policies document and ensure that their children attend class regularly and on time.  We also ask that parents with a student needing special accommodations discuss their needs with teachers well in advance of the start of classes to see if NCHS can properly accommodate the student’s needs. 

Are parents required to stay at NCHS while their students are taking classes?

We do not require parents to remain onsite during classes.  If you have a child that is present at the facility during lunch or study hall, we may ask that you fill in for our lunch or study hall monitor if the need arises.  

Do you have study halls?

NCHS has a study hall available for the purpose of quiet study for students waiting between classes during 11:05 AM – 2:55 PM.  Students who wish to use study hall during any part of that time need to complete the Study Hall Registration form and pay $25 per semester.  The funds are used to pay a Virtus-certified study hall monitor, per Diocesan rules. There is no study hall available before 11:05 AM.  Students not in classes before 11:05 AM should not be on the premises unless they are accompanied by a parent.

What are students’ responsibilities at NCHS?

Students are expected to attend classes faithfully and complete all work assigned, and they are expected to treat teachers, adults, peers, and church property with the utmost respect and Christian charity.  

What is the dress code at NCHS?

Students should wear modest/appropriate attire and should ensure that all clothing logos are respectful and in good taste.  A general guideline would be to dress as if you were attending a daily Mass.  

What is the cell phone policy for students at NCHS?

Cell phone use at NCHS is prohibited during class unless requested by the instructor for class projects.  Phones may be used in Study Hall for reading and research, but they must be muted and may not be shared with other students. Students should refrain from using cell phones during the limited lunch period to encourage interaction and socializing.

What should I do if my student is sick?

If your child must be absent due to illness, please email your child’s teacher(s).  Please do not send a sick child to class.  Please keep your child home if s/he has a fever.  Students should be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to class.

What is your weather policy?

In the event of inclement weather, NCHS generally follows Loudoun County Public Schools for late arrivals to morning classes.  A determination for afternoon classes will be made by NCHS teachers at least an hour and a half before the scheduled start time of these classes, so please be sure to check your emails for updates on whether or not they will take place.  Since NCHS meets only once a week, every effort will be made to hold class, but the safety of students is paramount.  If morning and/or afternoon classes must be canceled, teachers will email families with either links to virtual classes or notification of work the students can do at home.

Where can I find all of NCHS’s policies?

Our policies are part of our registration packet available at the ‘Registration’ tab on our website.

How can families show gratitude to Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church for hosting NCHS?

We take up an additional annual collection during the school year to donate to the church in thanksgiving for hosting us, and we participate in occasional church-sponsored service projects to show our support.  We are grateful to those who participate in these efforts, but they are not mandatory.

How can I contact NCHS?

You can email us at novacatholichomeschool@gmail.com.