“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deut. 6:5-9 [ESV]
Dear LCA Families:
We read in the scriptures that children are a blessing from the Lord and that the task of teaching them is the responsibility of parents. There is a distinct movement across the country to provide educational freedom to parents when choosing with whom they wish to partner (if any) to educate their child(ren). There are currently 31 states that have some form of private school choice program in place. Texas is not one of them currently.
After several years of attempts by some Texas legislators to advance school choice legislation to a House floor vote, the possibility of school choice options for parents in Texas has now risen significantly. A Senate version has been passed, and a House vote is scheduled on the floor very soon. Early indications suggest that there are enough votes to pass the legislation in the House this session.
Several families have reached out to ask about Legacy’s position regarding these funds, should they become available to some of our families. I thought it would be helpful to provide a list of FAQs to help frame the high-level position of our school. Of course, we cannot address specifics without a final bill signed by the governor. I pray the questions and answers below are helpful.
- How has Legacy been following and preparing for this program?
As a member of the Texas Private School Association (TPSA), LCA receives weekly updates on Texas legislative issues. TPSA remains very active in its efforts to monitor, track and counsel legislators on the positives of private schools and the success of similar programs in other states.
As an institution, LCA has been tracking this potential program for a few years. In the last two years alone, administration and board leadership have been researching, attending seminars and interviewing current Heads of Schools in ESA states to understand the benefits and challenges of these types of programs.
- Could this program be a threat to our mission and independence?
Board leadership and administration are unified in the stance that LCA will NOT participate in the program if any restrictions are placed on our independence, admission standards, hiring practices, or religious freedom. This will be evaluated each year as the protection of our mission is paramount.
- How much money could each child get towards LCA tuition and will it be universally available?
The amount could vary depending on the needs of the child and the details of the final signed bill. Early indications suggest a range of $8k – $10k per child. Children with qualifying special needs could receive significantly more.
- How will the school utilize the funds received?
The school will use these funds to offset current costs of teacher remission and needs-based financial aid for qualifying families.
- Will the school use this income to just raise our tuition more than normal?
Absolutely not. Rather, we are excited that the funds will allow us to make LCA even more accessible to families. Our tuition schedule and financial strategic plan will not accelerate tuition increases.
- What impact would such a program have on LCA directly?
In addition to the financial benefits mentioned above, a program like this could alter our admissions and re-enrollment timelines as well as add steps to our tuition assistance applications. The state would likely require accreditation of schools and standardized testing which LCA currently provides.
- Will schools like LCA be able to opt-out of the program should they desire?
As we understand it currently, LCA will have the option each year to accept or not accept funds from the program. We will monitor requirements yearly and protect the mission and religious freedom of the school with great diligence and intentionality.
- How will LCA keep us informed?
If the bill is signed into law, LCA will hold an online Town Hall meeting to provide specifics and update our families.
Celebrating God’s faithfulness,
Kevin Mosley
Head of School
Legacy Christian Academy is Frisco's preeminent Pre-K through 12 Christian school committed to educating students in a college preparatory environment balanced in academics, athletics, and fine arts–all within the context of a biblical worldview. For more information on Legacy, visit our admissions page.