FAQs | ascendtc3

Details of Program & FAQ's

General14

This LINK provides an overview of: Where, When, Class Detail, Student & Teacher Expectations, Learning, Serving, Fellowship, Financial & the Admission process.

Is this a supplemental program or a primary curriculum program?

The ASCEND program is a primary curriculum program, including the following core classes: Bible, Writing & Literature, Science, as well as History and H.S. Social Studies.
We are not a supplemental program. Most of the families who have secondary, or supplemental programs outside of ASCEND, are usually attending classes including, but not limited to: musical programs, theater, foreign language, etc.

Program at a High Level

Challenging Academics: ASCEND’s purpose in striving for Academic Excellence is to prepare, motivate, and inspire students to passionately pursue their purpose before God and engage in lifelong learning. We do this with reputable, Christ-Centered curriculum, and further challenge students to dig deeper in those areas that inspire.
All members study the same reputable, Christian curriculum, at their grade level.

Smaller class sizes and combination grades allow for individual student attention, presentations and group discussion.
Combined Grades: Elementary (upper & lower), Middle School, and High school.
K-8: Bible, Science, History, Writing, Enrichment 2/sem.
9-12: Bible, Science, Social Studies, Eng. Lit./Writing, Enrichment 2/sem.
Each week we’ll begin with a parent meeting and all-school worship, to start our morning.
Our Co-op covers both core subjects and enrichment classes. In addition, we offer educational field trips and monthly ministry outreach days.
The ASCEND program aims to instill a love for learning.
We focus on striving towards our greatest potential, and to ‘work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.’ Colossians 3:23

May I pick & choose core classes?

K-8 Students are required to take all core & enrichment classes. The core curriculum is used by all students and homework for each class is part and parcel of our program as well.
The only exception to this is for High School students who have overlapping college courses. HS'ers are only required to take one core class, and may pick and choose other classes.

Is homework required?

Yes. Students will be expected to complete all assignments listed in their syllabus, as outlined by the ASCEND program, while schooling at home.
Parents will be made aware of missed work.

What enrichment classes do you offer?

Enrichment classes are decided upon based on the gifts and talents of our parent teachers. The class schedule is built during the summer following the compilation of our Co-op member list.
Two Enrichment Classes are offered per semester and change each year.
- Examples: Leadership, Cooking, Dance/Drama, Performing Arts, Arts & Culture, Manners Etiquette & Dating, Life-Skills (Decision Making, Self-Defense, Baking, Health /Nutrition,CPR/First Aid, Car/Bike Maintenance, Survivor Skills), Physical-education, Spanish, & Yearbook Staff.
Students have up to 2 weeks after the semester begins to switch their enrichment choice. Otherwise, they’re expected to complete the course.

Are there grades and tests?

There are grades given for 7-12th graders, homework is reviewed for completeness & correctness. We track work completed work for 5-6th, however do not offer grades. It is ultimately the parent’s responsibility to assign grades for transcripts.
Parents will be made aware of missed work.
Students will be tested on knowledge of the assignments given.
The parents are responsible to complete all Colorado homeschooling requirements including submitting a letter of intent to the local school district & providing standardized testing of their student(s). If you are interested in acquiring testing material for testing grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, please visit https://www.faceschool.org/test-materials or https://www.academicexcellence.com/achievement-tests/.

High School

H.S. students are required to, at a minimum, attend one core ASCEND class each semester. Core classes are: Bible, Science, Social Studies & Language Arts. Otherwise, they can choose the class(es) that complement their other H.S. and early college classes.
H.S. Scope & sequence follows the Adams 12 School District for graduation requirements.
H.S. students may participate in early college programs while attending ASCEND.
For H.S. graduation & college entrance questions, we always recommend visiting with an advisor that you trust.

How much does it cost to attend ASCEND?

Program Fees:

Per semester fees:

$60 student program fee
- Max out of pocket $240 per semester. So, if you have 5 or more children, their fees are waived.
$100 family donation to our host church.

1 student: $60 + $100 = $160

2 students: $120 + $100 = $220

3 students: $180 + $100 = $280

4 students: $240 + $100 = $380

5 students: $240 + $100 = $380

6 students: $240 + $100 = $380

May I look at your curriculum?

ASCEND students work on the same Bible, History, Science, Writing/Lit.
- Exceptions: HS students may work on separate curriculum based on their needs toward graduation, and are only required to take one core class.
A copy of the 2024-25 curriculum can be found here:LINK TO: SAMPLE curriculum
Math and Language Arts are determined by your family and done at home. We are happy to recommend curriculum for you.

Do I need to buy all curriculum & literature books? If so, what are the costs?

YES! Approximate Cost Ranges for core classes are listed below:

(K-4th) Bible - $15 | History - $54 | Science - $57 | Writing - $30
(5-8Th) Bible - $33 | History - $54 | Science - $89 | Writing - $30
(9-12th) Bible - $27 | History - $20-50 | Science - $89 | Eng.Lit/Writing - $30
Bible, History and Science curriculum may be shared among Primary (K-6) students.
Literature books cost extra! Costs will vary based on whether you borrow books from the library or if you purchase them. We supply the list of books you’ll need, so you may shop for them. You’re required to have the appropriate literature book at least 1 week prior to the reading start date. If you’ve already read the book being taught, the student will be asked to read it again, so that they will be able to participate in class activities and complete the required homework.
Yearly curriculum will be chosen during the preceding summer and provided to the Co-op families when completed.

What does the weekly syllabus look like?

You may request access to a sample syllabus.

Are science experiments offered at school?

YES!!! Science experiments are performed at ASCEND and are curriculum specific.
We also do science field trips as well.

May I pick & choose core classes?

K-8 Students are required to take all core & enrichment classes. The core curriculum is used by all students and homework for each class is part and parcel of our program as well.
The only exception to this is for High School students who have overlapping college courses. HS'ers are only required to take one core class, and may pick and choose other classes.

Is homework required?

Yes. Students will be expected to complete all assignments listed in their syllabus, as outlined by the ASCEND program, while schooling at home.
Parents will be made aware of missed work.

What enrichment classes do you offer?

Enrichment classes are decided upon based on the gifts and talents of our parent teachers. The class schedule is built during the summer following the compilation of our Co-op member list.
Two Enrichment Classes are offered per semester and change each year.
- Examples: Leadership, Cooking, Dance/Drama, Performing Arts, Arts & Culture, Manners Etiquette & Dating, Life-Skills (Decision Making, Self-Defense, Baking, Health /Nutrition, CPR/First Aid, Car/Bike Maintenance, Survivor Skills), Physical-education, Spanish, & Yearbook Staff.
Students have up to 2 weeks after the semester begins to switch their enrichment choice. Otherwise, they’re expected to complete the course.

Are there grades and tests?

There are grades given for 7-12th graders, homework is reviewed for completeness & correctness. We track work completed work for 5-6th, however do not offer grades. It is ultimately the parent’s responsibility to assign grades for transcripts.
Parents will be made aware of missed work.
Students will be tested on knowledge of the assignments given.
The parents are responsible to complete all Colorado homeschooling requirements including submitting a letter of intent to the local school district & providing standardized testing of their student(s). If you are interested in acquiring testing material for testing grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, please visit https://www.faceschool.org/test-materials or https://www.academicexcellence.com/achievement-tests/.

High School

H.S. students are required to, at a minimum, attend one core ASCEND class each semester. Core classes are: Bible, Science, Social Studies & Language Arts. Otherwise, they can choose the class(es) that complement their other H.S. and early college classes.
H.S. Scope & sequence follows the Adams 12 School District for graduation requirements.
H.S. students may participate in early college programs while attending ASCEND.
For H.S. graduation & college entrance questions, we always recommend visiting with an advisor that you trust.

May I look at your curriculum?

ASCEND students work on the same Bible, History, Science, Writing/Lit.
- Exceptions: HS students may work on separate curriculum based on their needs toward graduation, and are only required to take one core class.
A copy of the 2020-21 curriculum can be found here:LINK TO: SAMPLE curriculum
Math and Language Arts are determined by your family and done at home. We are happy to recommend curriculum for you.

Do I need to buy all curriculum & literature books? If so, what are the costs?

YES! Approximate Cost Ranges for core classes are listed below:

(K-4th) Bible - $15 | History - $54 | Science - $57 | Writing - $30
(5-8Th) Bible - $33 | History - $54 | Science - $89 | Writing - $30
(9-12th) Bible - $27 | History - $20-50 | Science - $89 | Eng.Lit/Writing - $30
Bible, History and Science curriculum may be shared among Primary (K-6) students.
Literature books cost extra! Costs will vary based on whether you borrow books from the library or if you purchase them. We supply the list of books you’ll need, so you may shop for them. You’re required to have the appropriate literature book at least 1 week prior to the reading start date. If you’ve already read the book being taught, the student will be asked to read it again, so that they will be able to participate in class activities and complete the required homework.
Yearly curriculum will be chosen during the preceding summer and provided to the Co-op families when completed.

What does the weekly syllabus look like?

LINK TO: SAMPLE syllabus for Primary- Middle and High School syllabi are similar, just grade appropriate.

Are science experiments offered at school?

YES!!! Science experiments are performed at ASCEND and are curriculum specific.
We also do science field trips as well.

What are the ASCEND academic student outcomes aimed toward?

Students who attend and graduate from ASCEND will strive to be learners who:

Effectively apply proficient skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening across all curricular areas.
Demonstrate essential knowledge and skills in all content areas.
Think critically and demonstrate the ability to solve complex problems.
Demonstrate proficiency in independent research, applying logical reasoning and critical thinking by utilizing a variety of resources and technology.
Articulate how the Bible, literature, and creative arts express and shape beliefs and values, including their own.
Make connections within and across the arts to other disciplines such as life, cultures, and work.
Have practical skills for practicing biblical harmony and hospitality, and respecting diversity.
Have a knowledge and understanding of people, cultures, past events, and movements in history.
Apply a biblical worldview to current events and contemporary issues of human existence.

How does ASCEND aim to instill Christian principles?

At ASCEND, students are provided abundant opportunities to learn and apply Christian principles. These opportunities are provided through the use of Christian-based curriculum, classroom discussions, school projects, activities, field trips & service projects.

Students who attend ASCEND are encouraged and guided to:

Humbly serve others with a selfless attitude.
Engage and influence cultures for Jesus Christ by living out their Christian faith in their values, attitudes, and beliefs.
Honor and glorify God through a sustained, dedicated pursuit of God-given potential.
Share God’s love through the diligent effort to love one another and be loved while keeping peace and unity in Christ.
Passionately pursue a lifestyle driven by God-given purpose and a biblical worldview.
Students at ASCEND are encouraged to pursue friendships that will last a lifetime. Even more importantly, however, they are encouraged to pursue their own personal relationship with Christ.

Are parents required to teach? If so, how many classes?

Yes! Each class will be taught by a parent-teacher. "This is you." In other words, teachers are the parents of the students enrolled at ASCEND.
Teachers should anticipate spending 1-2 hours of preparation time per class, each week.
Teachers will need to be prepared for class prior to the ASCEND school day.
All parent teachers are required to teach 2 classes and may be asked to assist in others.
Teacher training will be offered during the summer, prior to classes starting.
Teachers will be responsible to find a substitute teacher when absent.
All Teachers must help with set-up, tear-down, and the cleaning of our host church at the end of the school day. There will be specific duties assigned to each family in the "Back To Beautiful" list to ensure that we leave Crossroads Church better than we found it (ie: setting up classrooms, taking out the trash, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, etc.) . It is such a blessing and an honor to be able to utilize their facility and we want to bless them in return by caring for it like family.

What may I do on my off hours, when not teaching?

When not teaching, you may attend classes that your children are in, serve or help in other classes, or fellowship with other parents who share your off hours.
Although there may be exceptions, parents are to remain at school for the entire school day.

May a family member teach in my stead?

We value building authentic friendships with our families each week, and ask that teachers are the parents of the students enrolled at ASCEND.
There may be exceptions. One example is, when a family or community member comes in to teach a special class where they can share their wisdom and gifts.
For safety reasons, no adult may be alone with students without a background check.

Substitutes

If you require a sub, please prepare for your absence in advance with another ASCEND Co-op teacher.
Keep in mind, we always prioritize the safety of our children. Therefore, all teachers and substitutes will require a Colorado background check prior to teaching in a classroom.

How do you go about choosing a class to teach, or how are teachers selected?

After the admissions process is complete, the board will collect information about your gifts and interests in regard to teaching classes. A schedule will then be constructed based on the responses given, as well as, the date that your family registered to join ASCEND. This will be done during the summer prior to the upcoming school year.

Are there some classes already spoken for?

Teachers are not assigned classes to teach until the schedule is built during the preceding summer.

H.S. students are required to, at a minimum, attend one core ASCEND class each semester. Otherwise, they can choose the class(es) that complement their other H.S. and college classes. Core classes: Bible, Science, Social Studies, Spanish & Writing & Lit.
H.S. Scope & sequence follows the Adams 12 School District for graduation requirements.
H.S. students may participate in early college programs while attending ASCEND.
For H.S. graduation & college entrance questions, we always recommend visiting with an advisor that you trust.

See LINKS below for more information...

College Prep Checklists: http://www.collegeprep101.com/checklists.html

CHEC: https://chec.org/resources/high-school/

Adams 12: https://www.adams12.org/

Graduation Requirements: https://www.adams12.org/graduation-requirements

Colorado Early College: https://www.coloradoearlycolleges.org/

College Help: AP, Accuplacer, SAT, Careers, Colleges: https://www.collegeboard.org

What are the ASCEND academic student outcomes aimed toward?

Students who attend and graduate from ASCEND will strive to be learners who:

Effectively apply proficient skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening across all curricular areas.
Demonstrate essential knowledge and skills in all content areas.
Think critically and demonstrate the ability to solve complex problems.
Demonstrate proficiency in independent research, applying logical reasoning and critical thinking by utilizing a variety of resources and technology.
Articulate how the Bible, literature, and creative arts express and shape beliefs and values, including their own.
Make connections within and across the arts to other disciplines such as life, cultures, and work.
Have practical skills for practicing biblical harmony and hospitality, and respecting diversity.
Have a knowledge and understanding of people, cultures, past events, and movements in history.
Apply a biblical worldview to current events and contemporary issues of human existence.

How does ASCEND aim to instill Christian principles?

At ASCEND, students are provided abundant opportunities to learn and apply Christian principles. These opportunities are provided through the use of Christian-based curriculum, classroom discussions, school projects, activities, field trips & service projects.

Students who attend ASCEND are encouraged and guided to:

Humbly serve others with a selfless attitude.
Engage and influence cultures for Jesus Christ by living out their Christian faith in their values, attitudes, and beliefs.
Honor and glorify God through a sustained, dedicated pursuit of God-given potential.
Share God’s love through the diligent effort to love one another and be loved while keeping peace and unity in Christ.
Passionately pursue a lifestyle driven by God-given purpose and a biblical worldview.
Students at ASCEND are encouraged to pursue friendships that will last a lifetime. Even more importantly, however, they are encouraged to pursue their own personal relationship with Christ.

Are the teachers able to accommodate kids with severe disabilities or mild learning disabilities?

ASCEND does not have the capability to properly assist children with severe disabilities at the time, God might have other plans for us in the future.
Disabilities, that will not affect the flow of the classroom, can be accommodated easily in our program.
Please contact us regarding specific disabilities or needs, so we may discuss.
Please make us aware of anything we need to know, so we can plan, adjust, or recommend a plan for your family.

Can you tell me more about Field Trips and Service Projects? Are they mandatory?

We value connection and building authentic friendships within our ASCEND Co-op family. We pray that everyone will participate when they are able. Community Service Projects and Field Trips are at the core of our mission and are such a sweet way to build community with one another.
Serving - Once-a-month community service projects.
Field Trips - Educational and/or relational activities (i.e. museums, educational tours, skiing, etc.)
Mission and/or Educational Trips - Age appropriate trips for students.
There will be an end-of-the-year trip for the high school class.