Frequently Asked Questions


1. Is SMCS accredited?
The school has accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). You can read our SACS 2010 Quality Review Team Report by clicking here.
 
2. What church sponsors the school?
SMCS is a ministry of Shades Mountain Independent Church. Our enrollment is comprised of students from over 100 local congregations.
 
3. What curriculum do you use?
Each division of the school selects the curriculum they consider best for their subject areas and student levels. In the elementary program we primarily use A Beka curriculum.
 
4. What is the cost of registration and tuition?
Please call the school office at (205) 978-6001 to inquire about tuition costs or view this Tuition & Fees document.
 
5. What grade levels are included in the school?
SMCS educates students from grade K3 through grade twelve. Our Kindergarten is a half-day program and childcare is available for the remainder of the day at an additional cost.
 
6. Is there a waiting list? Is it maintained from year to year?
During the enrollment period, we strive to meet the needs of all of our families; occasionally we will develop a waiting list for those classes that are at maximum capacity. Parents are notified when a space opens.
 
7. What are your hours of operation?
Kindergarten: 8:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Elementary School: 8:00 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.
Secondary School: 7:50 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.
 
8. Are the teachers experienced?
We at SMCS have been blessed with an incredible staff. The faculty for the 2010-2011 school year is comprised of 33 committed Christians certified by the state of Alabama and by ACSI. They hold 11 graduate degrees and average 14 years of teaching experience with a combined teaching experience of 449 years.
 
9. What percentage of your students go on to college?
Approximately 95% of our graduates go on to college. Click here for a list of college and universities our graduates have attended or are currently attending.
 
10. Is there an after-school care program? What is the cost?
Our After School Program (ASP) is available to children enrolled in the school at an additional cost. This program follows the school calendar and observes the same holidays and off-days as SMCS.
 
11. Do you have a program for children with learning differences?
Our Educational Therapy program services students with average to above average intelligence that have learning differences. We currently have two therapists who work with students one-on-one approximately three hours per week.
 
12. What is the dress code?
At SMCS it is our purpose to prepare students to face the challenges of today’s society from the standpoint of a Biblical perspective. We are convinced that the way a person dresses reflects the way they think. In addition, how our young people dress can either add to or detract from the educational atmosphere we want to maintain. Modesty and neatness are the foundational principles used in constructing this dress code. It is the purpose of the dress code to provide an appropriate educational environment that glorifies God while allowing students to dress comfortably within limits to facilitate learning. The specifics of the dress code can be found in the Parent Student Handbook.
 
13. How do I get to the school?
Our campus is located at 2290 Old Tyler Road in Hoover, Alabama. From I-65 south, take exit 252 onto Montgomery Highway heading south. Turn right at the first traffic light on Southland Drive. At the next light, Tyler Road, turn left and proceed approximately one and one-half miles to the campus. Our main offices are on the left side of the street and are part of Shades Mountain Independent Church. Click here for a printable map and directions to our campus.
 
14. What kind of extracurricular activities do you have?
The high school offers a variety of extra-curricular activities. We have athletic teams in different sports for boys (baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, and track) and girls (basketball, cheerleading, cross-country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track, and volleyball). We have an outstanding band program that includes marching, jazz and ensemble sections, as well as a choral program that has performed at Carnegie Hall. We also have a student council, academic teams, and a National Honor Society.
 
15. Will my child be eligible to participate in athletics?
SMCS is a 1A member of the Alabama High School Athletic Association, which sets the guidelines for athletic eligibility. Please contact our Athletic Director, Mr. Josh Caldwell through email or at 978-9310 to discuss individual situations.
 
16. When should I apply for the following school year?
Apply in the winter and spring of the year prior to the one you wish to attend. Refer to our Admissions page for specific information.
 
17. Can I come tour the school before I schedule an interview?
Definitely, just contact the main office at 978-6001 to schedule a tour.

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