Frequently Asked Questions

What age/grade levels are currently open for enrollment?

For the 2026/2027 academic year, we are serving students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, with plans actively underway to expand into middle school offerings in future years.

What is a hybrid school model?

A hybrid model offers the "best of both worlds"—combining the structure and professional instruction of a traditional classroom with the flexibility and intentionality of home learning. At The Summit Academy, students attend on-campus classes

Monday through Wednesday, engaging in core academics led by our teachers.

Thursdays and Fridays offer opportunities for home-based enrichment, family time, and community involvement.

What does a typical week look like for a Summit student?

Monday – Wednesday (On-Campus Days): Students attend school in-person for core academic instruction, including Mass/prayer, Math, Reading/Language Arts, History, Science, and Virtue formation.

Thursday (Optional Co-op or Home Day): Families may choose to participate in the Catholic Schoolhouse (CSH) co-op for hands-on art, music, science labs, and community fellowship, or utilize this as a guided learning day at home.

Friday (Family & Independent Learning): A flexible day for families to complete weekly assignments, explore passions, or enjoy time together.

How are different age groups organized?

Following the classical *Trivium* framework, we group students by developmental milestones rather than traditional, rigid grade levels:

Grammar 1: Kindergarten & 1st Grade

Grammar 2: 2nd & 3rd Grade

Grammar 3: 4th & 5th Grade

This structure allows for individualized learning, strong peer mentorship, and collaborative group projects.

How much teaching am I responsible for as a parent on home days?

As a Catholic hybrid school, we recognize parents as the primary educators of their children and walk hand-in-hand with you. Our teachers handle the academic "heavy lifting"—introducing key concepts and directing the core curriculum on campus. For home days, teachers provide clear, simple weekly assignment logs so parents can easily guide practice, reading, and exploration at home without feeling overwhelmed.

What curriculum does The Summit Academy use?

We integrate proven classical and Catholic materials designed to cultivate wisdom and virtue. Our framework features the Catholic Schoolhouse curriculum alongside trusted programs such as Saxon Math, Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), Catholic Heritage Curriculum, and living books for History, Geography, and Science.

Are state scholarships or financial assistance available?

Yes! The Summit Academy is registered as a Direct Payment School with the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA). Eligible families can utilize the NC Opportunity Scholarship** to help cover tuition costs.

Testimonials

N.V. - A First Grader's Father

"We were really happy to have a school option in Hickory that aligns with our faith. It's so great to have the little kids go to daily mass and pray the rosary. We watched our son mature in his faith and grow. The hands-on education is so wonderful and the individual attention that students get is excellent. One of the best teachers we've ever worked with, and we've had a few exceptional teachers for our older kids."