Frequently Asked Questions

How are you organized?

Hemispheres Academy is a nonprofit organization established in the State of Delaware, under the advising of a Board of Directors (BOD). We have tax exempt status with the IRS under EIN 87-0918200.

Why did you decide to start online education? Aren’t there enough options?

While there are many online schooling options, we have not found one that directly addresses the needs of the Foreign Service and English-speaking expat community. Our goal is to provide an excellent educational opportunity to families in transition, living in posts without an adequate school, or who have a child who thrives in an online situation. We welcome homeschool, worldschool, and afterschool families. We will address time change challenges, the need to cover the U.S. Standards of Learning, and the desire for a supportive and encouraging online community. Our community will be a home for families and provide excellence, consistency, and connection through education.

What type of student will fit into Hemispheres Academy?

Hemispheres Academy is for curious, thoughtful, and collaborative students. We will provide a community for those in transition, a school home for those in a new country, and consistency for those living through disruption. Everyone is welcome and we will provide resources for exceptional students or provide recommendations for services as appropriate.

What grades will be available?

We are able to offer accredited coursework for grades 2-12 and Career and Tech Education in conjunction with our partner Edmentum.

Which platform will you use for learning?

We use the Edmentum and Calvert curriculum and their Plato learning management platform, with live instruction provided through both Edmentum and Hemispheres Academy via Zoom.

Will learning be synchronous or asynchronous?

Our model includes both synchronous and asynchronous elements. Synchronous learning includes direct instruction and opportunities for students to engage in shared practice and collaboration with peers. Asynchronous learning includes independent practice for students to engage in extended practice and application of their learning with various modalities and materials.

What assessments will you use?

Our assessments, provided through Edmentum, will provide data for parents, teachers, and the school to ensure children meet their learning goals.  Edmentum’s course materials include formative and summative assessments and projects, as well as their Exact Path diagnostic and interim assessment. Included with Hemispheres Academy’s school year fees is the ERB normative assessment for overall benchmarking of annual progress with Virginian and American International School peers.

Are you accredited?

Hemispheres Academy is partnering with Edmentum’s EdOptions Academy, to deliver instruction by fully-credentialed teachers for core content courses and electives for grades 4-12. Under Cognia’s accreditation, EdOptions Academy ensures that Hemispheres’ students acquire credits that will transfer to other institutions and provide diplomas recognized by schools, colleges, and universities across the U.S. and around the world.

Where do you find teachers and administrators?

All teachers utilized by Hemispheres Academy are credentialed. Our teacher coaches are also experienced and U.S. certified educators. When possible, we are committed to hiring qualified eligible family members from the Foreign Service community.

How can I apply for a job?

Please fill out our pre-employment survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HgCFR3hHJZ1YwMWEdoNaazl17I06n03Iwldx_d8qLF0/edit .

How can my child apply to Hemispheres Academy?

We are open for registration. Please contact us at the contact button above or go to our admissions page to fill out the pre-enrollment survey if you still have questions, or the Registration Form if you are ready to enroll. We would love to talk to you about how we can meet your child’s needs. Send us an email at admin@hemispheresacademy.org for more information.

How can U.S. government workers abroad use their education allowance for Hemispheres Academy?

If you are under COM authority, we will work with your FMO for invoicing and payment. Let us know if you have any questions or problems at hemispheresacademy@gmail.com!

How much parental involvement is required?

This will depend on the child, their ability to focus, their understanding of technology, and the distractions present in the home. Parents know their child best and we will work with them to determine the best way to support their child.

Why should I choose this option for my child?

Hemispheres Academy provides a fun, supportive, and interactive learning environment. We provide a student-centered, problem-based online education for your child, ensuring that they learn the major concepts and important skills in each content area and can apply that knowledge within and outside an educational setting. Hemispheres Academy provides the opportunity to connect with a global community and to build understanding and perspective about the world in which we live. We support families through transitions, provide consistency, and ensure an excellent education.

What type of parent communications will you use?

We believe that parent communication is critical for the success of the student. Parents track progress through the student portal. Our director sends a bimonthly newsletter. Teachers act as instructors and as coaches, regularly meeting with students and parents to ensure goals are met.

What supplies will I need?

All students will need a computer. We will provide a supply list in advance of the school year.

Is there a discount for multiple children?

Please join our Facebook page or our mailing list for information on tuition and pricing information.

We are traveling the world as a “Worldschooling” family. We move every six weeks to a new location. Can you accomodate our children?

Yes, we can! If you have a computer and an internet connection, we can do it! We are flexible and happy to work with changing schedules.

We homeschool our children. My high school student would like to take a couple of classes online. Is that possible?

We welcome all students. Students can join us full-time, part-time, or for just a course or two. Schedule a call with our executive director to figure out what will work best for your child. You can contact us at admin@hemispheresacademy.org

How can I contact you to ask questions?

Please click here for options, or send us an email at hemispheresacademy@gmail.com.