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. Some years we also offer 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, with teacher’s permission, eighth graders are  permitted to enroll in many classes at NCHS and seventh graders are  allowed to take our Spanish 1 class, 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; 

• We do not do any fundraising; 

• We have a low registration fee ($60/family); 

• We offer membership in a National Homeschool Honor Society chapter for  qualified students;

• Our students have the option of participating in community service  projects throughout the year; 

• We offer clubs with leadership opportunities for students. 

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 $60 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.  

Do you have study halls? 

NCHS has a study hall available for the purpose of quiet study for  students waiting between classes during 10:00 AM – 2:40 PM. Students  who wish to use study hall during any part of that time need to complete  the Study Hall Registration form and pay $30 per semester. There is no  study hall available before 10:00 AM. Students not in classes before  10:00 AM should not be on the premises unless they are accompanied by  a parent. 

Do you sponsor a National Honor Society chapter? 

We offer students the option of enrolling in the Kappa Tau chapter of  Eta Sigma Alpha, the National Homeschool Honor Society. Students  must meet GPA and test score requirements set forth by the national  organization in order to join our chapter.  

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 teen must be absent due to illness, please email your teen’s teacher(s). Please do not send a sick student to class. Please keep your  teen 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 the NCHS Board 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.