(Step1) PBA - Policies

Please read through the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR)

Sec. 13a.10.01.01. Home Instruction Program
A. Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to establish a procedure to be used by the superintendent of each local school system to determine if a child participating in a home instruction program is receiving regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age.
B. Written Agreement.
(1) A parent or guardian who chooses to provide a home instruction program for his or her child shall initially sign a statement on a form prescribed by the State Department of Education which:
(a) Indicates consent to the requirements set forth in §§C, D, and E of this regulation; and
(b) Shall be submitted to the local superintendent at least 15 days before the beginning of a home instruction program.
(2) Annual Verification. Annually thereafter, before the beginning of the school year, a parent or guardian shall verify the continuation of home schooling for his or her child with the local school superintendent or with the supervising nonpublic school or institution described in Regulation .05 of this chapter.
(3) Change in Status. A parent or guardian shall notify the local school superintendent or the supervising nonpublic school or institution described in Regulation .05 of this chapter if a change occurs in the home school status of a child during the school year.
C. Instruction Program.
(1) The home instruction program shall:
(a) Provide regular, thorough instruction in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age;
(b) Include instruction in English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education; and
(c) Take place on a regular basis during the school year and be of sufficient duration to implement the instruction program.
(2) The home instruction program may include enrollment on a part-time or full-time basis in courses offered by accredited or unaccredited colleges.
D. Educational Materials.
(1) A parent or guardian who chooses to provide a home instruction program for his or her child shall maintain a portfolio of materials which:
(a) Demonstrates the parent or guardian is providing regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the areas specified in §C(1) of this regulation;
(b) Includes relevant materials, such as instructional materials, reading materials, and examples of the child’s writings, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, and tests; and
(c) Shall be reviewed by the local superintendent or the superintendent's designee at the conclusion of each semester of the local school system at such times as are mutually agreeable to the local superintendent or designee and the parent or guardian.
(2) A parent or guardian who chooses to enroll his or her child under §C(2) of this regulation may elect to provide to the local superintendent or the superintendent’s designee a copy of a report card or transcript from the accredited or unaccredited college at the conclusion of each semester of the accredited or unaccredited college in lieu of a portfolio of materials for the courses in which the child is enrolled under §C(2) of this regulation.
E. A parent or guardian shall agree to permit a representative of a local school system to review the portfolio of educational materials and discuss the instructional program, provided that all of the following requirements are met:
(1) The review is at a time and place mutually agreeable to the representative of the local school system and the parent or guardian;
(2) The purpose of the review is to ensure that the child is receiving regular, thorough instruction as set forth in §C of this regulation; and
(3) There are not more than three reviews during a school year.
F. Additional Requirements. A local school system may not impose additional requirements for home instruction programs other than those in these regulations.

Sec. 13a.10.01.05. Home Instruction Under Supervision of Nonpublic School or Institution
A. A parent or guardian may provide a home instruction program for his or her child without compliance with the requirements of this regulation, other than the requirements of Regulations .01B(1)(b) and .04 of this chapter, if that program offers regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age and is under the supervision of a:
(1) School or institution offering an educational program operated by a bona fide church organization, and the supervision includes at a minimum all of the following components:
(a) Preenrollment conferences with parents or guardians;
(b) Textbooks, lesson materials, and other instructional materials or equipment designed to be used independently by the pupil at a site other than a school; and
(c) Conferences with parents or guardians at appropriate intervals during the period of enrollment; or
(2) Nonpublic school with a certificate of approval from the State Board of Education, and the supervision includes at a minimum all of the following components:
(a) Textbooks, lesson materials, and other instructional materials or equipment designed to be used independently by the pupil at a site other than a school; and
(b) Assignment of a school-based teacher to assist the home teacher in implementing the home instruction program and to assist the pupil by issuing progress reports, marking papers, and grading tests.
B. The home instruction program may include enrollment on a part-time or full-time basis in courses offered by accredited or unaccredited colleges.
C. Annual Verification. The supervising nonpublic school or institution described in §A of this regulation annually shall:
(1) Verify with the local school superintendent the identification of home schooled students whose instruction is continuing under its supervision;
(2) Notify the local school superintendent of the identification of home schooled students whose instruction is newly added to its supervision; and
(3) Provide the local school superintendent with the identification of home schooled students whose instruction is no longer under its supervision.
D. Change in Status. The supervising nonpublic school or institution described in §A of this regulation shall notify the local school superintendent if a change occurs in the status of a home schooled student whose instruction was under its supervision during the school year.
 
 
Purpose Statement

Patuxent Baptist Academy (PBA) is recognized as a non-public school with a Certificate of Approval from the State Board of Education, MSDE# 09-18-2849, operating within a bona fide church organization under COMAR 13A.10.01.05.  We are in direct contact with our Maryland State Department of Education representative as well as our local contact in St. Mary's County. We offer a home school oversight program under the supervision of Patuxent Baptist Church. This allows parents the freedom to educate their children in the way God has directed them while also fulfilling the Maryland state legal requirements under our supervision. Parents are given full control and responsibility for their homeschool program. Each family will choose, purchase, and implement the materials to be used in the education of their children. The family will decide how the material is covered.  PBA requires annual portfolio reviews as stated below to ensure state and local requirements are being met.

Enrollment
Enrollment is done on a per family basis. If your family is enrolled in PBA and will be adding a new student, fill out the Re-enrollment Application for the entire family. There is no need to do a New Enrollment Application.
New Family Enrollment
New family enrollment is available year-round. Once the application has been submitted, you will be contacted by PBA administration to continue the application process.
Re-Enrollment
Re-enrollment is open from April 1st - August 31st. In order to re-enroll with PBA, each family must be in “good standing” and must have completed an annual Portfolio Review, Renewal Application, Policy Agreement and Tuition Payment.  Failure to follow the proper re-enrollment procedures will be grounds for automatic withdrawal from the school.
Portfolio

Each family is required to maintain a ‘portfolio’ of samples of each child’s work for each subject covered during the year. The purpose of the portfolio is to document that regular and thorough instruction is taking place in each of the required subjects. For kindergarten through eighth grade, the subjects that are required to be covered during each school year are Bible/Christian Studies, English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Health and Physical Education. For ninth through twelfth grade, the courses that are required for graduation from PBA are listed on our High School Credit Requirements form found here. 

Portfolio Reviews

At least once during each school year, PBA Administration will objectively review your family’s portfolio. A full year of work does not need to be completed before the review. The purpose of the review is to verify that regular and thorough instruction is taking place in each of the required subjects. Portfolio review appointments will be scheduled on select days in February, March and April. Please make it a priority to schedule your review in this time frame. PBA Administration will notify you with multiple date and time options to choose from. Communication is key! If you cannot make the appointment options given, contact PBA Administration to coordinate a time. Failure to book your appointment and complete your review is grounds for automatic withdrawal.
Prior to the review, each family will complete a Portfolio Review Form listing the courses taken by each student and the material used for instruction of each course.  The reviewer will verify the information on the Portfolio Review Form and indicate whether regular, thorough instruction is taking place.  Documentation of the portfolio review, as completed on the Portfolio Review Form, must be completed before your re-enrollment application will be processed.

Portfolio Review Integrity

It is expected that all portfolios submitted for review are completed with integrity. Failure to do so is grounds for removal from PBA.

Portfolio Review Probation

If a family fails to cover required subjects during any school year, they will be placed into probationary status. The family will need to prove they are meeting the requirements by November 1st of the next school year by completing another Portfolio Review with PBA Administration. If they again fail to show satisfactory evidence of providing regular and thorough instruction in each subject by the deadline, the family will be considered for removal from PBA.

Change of Information

PBA Administration should be notified as soon as possible if any family information changes, such as mailing address, phone number, email address, or if a student is being added or removed from the school.

Correspondence with Patuxent Baptist Academy
Please include your Family ID number with all correspondence. Your Family ID number will be included in your acceptance letter.
School Records

All school records are kept confidential. They will be released only upon receiving a request from a parent, a student or as otherwise required by law.

Fees
Enrollment
Enrollment fee is $75 per family and is due by July 31st. Please write checks to Patuxent Baptist Church with PBA in the MEMO. Give directly to the PBA Administration.
Report Cards
PBA does not issue report cards unless requested.
Transcripts

Transcripts are available upon request by authorized personnel. The fee is $5.00 for each transcript.

Transcripts will not be kept for K4-8th grade unless requested. 

High school transcripts will be based on the information submitted on the student’s High School Credit Report, which is to be submitted annually to PBA after the completion of each grade.

For administrative purposes, there will be a two week minimum waiting period from when the High School Credit Report Form is submitted and the requested Transcripts are released.

Diplomas

Diplomas are awarded upon completion of the high school credit requirements. To receive a diploma, submit a completed portfolio review, a high school credit report form, and a $60 diploma/final transcript fee. This fee covers; the diploma case, a certified Diploma of Graduation and a certified copy of the final transcripts.

Code of Conduct

As we represent Patuxent Baptist Church, it is important that we always honor the Lord and follow the biblical command of modesty and distinction. To help us with this, we have guidelines to follow as we enjoy our chapels, field trips, and other special events. 


Philippians 1:27 “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:…”


Ephesians 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”


EVERYONE BRING:


·      A Good Attitude


·      Christ-honoring Conversation


·      Kindness


·      Obedience


·      Modesty 

Dress Code - Special Events
LADIES - SUNDAY BEST
Modest skirts, dresses that are below the knee. Slits must also go below the knee. Modest, loose-fitting tops or blouses. Neckline must not go any lower than two fingers from the collarbone. Dress shoes w/dress socks, tights or nylons. No sleevless tops, pants, capris or shorts. 
GENTLEMEN - SUNDAY BEST
Suit or sport coat w/dress slacks. Collared dress shirt with tie. Dress socks and shoes. No sleeveless tops or shorts.
Dress Code - Casual - Chapel & Field Trips
LADIES
Modest skirts, dresses, or loose-fitting culottes that are below the knee. Slits must also go below the knee. Modest, loose-fitting tops or blouses. Neckline must not go any lower than two fingers from the collarbone.  No shirts with questionable pictures, text, or emblems. No sleeveless tops. No pants, capris, or shorts.  PBC t-shirts or polos are welcomed. Tennis shoes recommended.
GENTLEMEN
Normal loose-fitting jeans or casual pants w/belt or wind pants. No shorts, sweatpants, sagging pants, or “skinny” jeans. Modest fitting t-shirts and polo shirts are acceptable. No shirts with questionable pictures, text, or emblems. No sleeveless shirts. PBC t-shirts & polos are welcomed. Tennis shoes recommended.
Parents and/or chaperones are asked to follow PBA's Code of Conduct and Dress Code Policies while attending special events, chapels and field trips.
Thank you!
Refunds
Tuition refunds will not be given once the application process has been completed and your student has been approved for enrollment.
Policy Changes

PBA reserves the right to change any policies at any time. Enrolled families will be notified if any policy changes are made.

Policy and Fee Agreement
I hereby CERTIFY that I understand and will abide by all PBA policies and fees. 
Please select all that apply.
 
Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR)
Please select all that apply.

Description

Please read through the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR)

Sec. 13a.10.01.01. Home Instruction Program
A. Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to establish a procedure to be used by the superintendent of each local school system to determine if a child participating in a home instruction program is receiving regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age.
B. Written Agreement.
(1) A parent or guardian who chooses to provide a home instruction program for his or her child shall initially sign a statement on a form prescribed by the State Department of Education which:
(a) Indicates consent to the requirements set forth in §§C, D, and E of this regulation; and
(b) Shall be submitted to the local superintendent at least 15 days before the beginning of a home instruction program.
(2) Annual Verification. Annually thereafter, before the beginning of the school year, a parent or guardian shall verify the continuation of home schooling for his or her child with the local school superintendent or with the supervising nonpublic school or institution described in Regulation .05 of this chapter.
(3) Change in Status. A parent or guardian shall notify the local school superintendent or the supervising nonpublic school or institution described in Regulation .05 of this chapter if a change occurs in the home school status of a child during the school year.
C. Instruction Program.
(1) The home instruction program shall:
(a) Provide regular, thorough instruction in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age;
(b) Include instruction in English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education; and
(c) Take place on a regular basis during the school year and be of sufficient duration to implement the instruction program.
(2) The home instruction program may include enrollment on a part-time or full-time basis in courses offered by accredited or unaccredited colleges.
D. Educational Materials.
(1) A parent or guardian who chooses to provide a home instruction program for his or her child shall maintain a portfolio of materials which:
(a) Demonstrates the parent or guardian is providing regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the areas specified in §C(1) of this regulation;
(b) Includes relevant materials, such as instructional materials, reading materials, and examples of the child’s writings, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, and tests; and
(c) Shall be reviewed by the local superintendent or the superintendent's designee at the conclusion of each semester of the local school system at such times as are mutually agreeable to the local superintendent or designee and the parent or guardian.
(2) A parent or guardian who chooses to enroll his or her child under §C(2) of this regulation may elect to provide to the local superintendent or the superintendent’s designee a copy of a report card or transcript from the accredited or unaccredited college at the conclusion of each semester of the accredited or unaccredited college in lieu of a portfolio of materials for the courses in which the child is enrolled under §C(2) of this regulation.
E. A parent or guardian shall agree to permit a representative of a local school system to review the portfolio of educational materials and discuss the instructional program, provided that all of the following requirements are met:
(1) The review is at a time and place mutually agreeable to the representative of the local school system and the parent or guardian;
(2) The purpose of the review is to ensure that the child is receiving regular, thorough instruction as set forth in §C of this regulation; and
(3) There are not more than three reviews during a school year.
F. Additional Requirements. A local school system may not impose additional requirements for home instruction programs other than those in these regulations.

Sec. 13a.10.01.05. Home Instruction Under Supervision of Nonpublic School or Institution
A. A parent or guardian may provide a home instruction program for his or her child without compliance with the requirements of this regulation, other than the requirements of Regulations .01B(1)(b) and .04 of this chapter, if that program offers regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age and is under the supervision of a:
(1) School or institution offering an educational program operated by a bona fide church organization, and the supervision includes at a minimum all of the following components:
(a) Preenrollment conferences with parents or guardians;
(b) Textbooks, lesson materials, and other instructional materials or equipment designed to be used independently by the pupil at a site other than a school; and
(c) Conferences with parents or guardians at appropriate intervals during the period of enrollment; or
(2) Nonpublic school with a certificate of approval from the State Board of Education, and the supervision includes at a minimum all of the following components:
(a) Textbooks, lesson materials, and other instructional materials or equipment designed to be used independently by the pupil at a site other than a school; and
(b) Assignment of a school-based teacher to assist the home teacher in implementing the home instruction program and to assist the pupil by issuing progress reports, marking papers, and grading tests.
B. The home instruction program may include enrollment on a part-time or full-time basis in courses offered by accredited or unaccredited colleges.
C. Annual Verification. The supervising nonpublic school or institution described in §A of this regulation annually shall:
(1) Verify with the local school superintendent the identification of home schooled students whose instruction is continuing under its supervision;
(2) Notify the local school superintendent of the identification of home schooled students whose instruction is newly added to its supervision; and
(3) Provide the local school superintendent with the identification of home schooled students whose instruction is no longer under its supervision.
D. Change in Status. The supervising nonpublic school or institution described in §A of this regulation shall notify the local school superintendent if a change occurs in the status of a home schooled student whose instruction was under its supervision during the school year.