Admissions Policy

Patten Academy seeks applications from young men and women of good Christian character who have demonstrated scholastic achievement. A grade-point-average (GPA) of 2.0 in the most recently completed semester is necessary for admittance of new students as well as all returning students. Students with a GPA between 2.0 and 1.5 may be accepted on conditional status.

Patten Academy maintains academic standards which lead to excellent college placements. Ethnicity, color, or national origin have no bearing on consideration of an applicant's acceptability. Acceptance is based upon the evaluation of a personal interview, references, grades, and a student's stated desire to attend the Patten Academy of Christian Education as well as space availability in the class.

Admission Process

The process of enrollment at Patten Academy prior to final acceptance includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Submission of a properly completed application forms and registration.
   
2. Payment of application fee.
   
3. Parent/student interview with an administrator and/or coordinator to ensure that:
   a) the parents desire a Christian education for their child;
   b) family beliefs and practices are consistent with the standards and values of the school;
   c) the child expresses a desire to attend the Academy and the student and parent agree to live in harmony with school standards;
   d) students with a history of behavioral problems have cleared their records with previous schools and now demonstrate a commitment for a changed lifestyle in both personal testimony and character references.
   
4. Entrance evaluation (K-12): all applicants are subject to an on-site evaluation as deemed appropriate by the Admissions Committee and the classroom teacher.
   

Upon completion of these steps, parents are notified as to the decision of the Admissions Committee.

The Admissions and Retention committee conducts interviews, reviews information, does on-site evaluations, and classifies decisions into three categories: clear admission, conditional admission, and denial of admission. Parents of students who have been granted admission are required to complete all necessary forms, sign a tuition contract and pay all fees.

Patten Academy offers a program for students who desire an education in a Christian environment and who are capable of achieving in a program dedicated to academic excellence. All students admitted to the school are expected to perform at or above grade level. If a student has been enrolled in a special education program, the Admissions Committee will contact the student's previous school to ascertain past academic progress, conduct, and long-term potential.

Completed Application File

An application file is considered complete when it includes:

1. A completed application form.
2. A recent photograph of the applicant.
3. Transcipt of grades for high school students.
4. Report cards for grades 1-9 applicants for current and previous years.
5. Completed health questionnaire and medical examination report.
6. Copy of immunization records and birth certificate.
7. Letters of recommendation (educator and pastor).
8. Recent achievement test scores for current and previous years.
9. Parent's and student's "Statement of Purpose" (grades 5-12).
10. Entrance evaluation.
11. Written essay (grades 9-12).
12. A signed policies and procedures agreement form.
13. A signed emergency contact form.
14. Paid application fee (nonrefundable).

Church Attendance Requirement

All students (K-12) and parents are required to attend the scheduled Friday Night Service (7:30 pm) at Christian Cathedral, the school's sponsoring church. At these services, students are able to participate in worship and develop their vocal and instrumental skills by assisting with the music program and perform in concerts on these nights. Parents are also able to interact with faculty in a church setting. No student is officially admitted to Patten Academy without the parent(s) signing the "Parent Agreement Form" signifying agreement to comply with all school policies, including Friday evening church attendance.

Non-Discriminatory Policy

Patten Academy of Christian Education admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded to or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in its administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, tuition assistance programs, athletics, music and other school administered programs, nor in the hiring of faculty or administrative staff.