About Free State Academy

FSA is a non-public school providing an educational alternative that is as close to free as possible. FSA is mastery-based in a classical education format focusing on patriotism and virtue training from a Biblical perspective.


In the fall of 2021, the Bedford County School System was in moral disarray, dealing with transgender bathroom and COVID-19 issues, and several other issues that caused conservatives to start looking at starting a Homeschool Co-op.


With the help of many volunteers, a structure and plan were formed as leadership of this new school was handed off to this growing group of new leaders. Free State Academy, Inc. was incorporated September 21, 2021, and a Board of Directors was formed consisting of several new volunteers as well as two of the original Militia members.


In the Spring of 2022, Free State Academy ran a Pilot Program that served to mold what would be Free State Academy's first full school year starting in the fall of 2022.

  • Statement of Faith

    The Holy Bible is the very Word of God in its entirety and is our only authority in matters of faith and practice.

     

    In the one and only God, our creator of the universe, who is eternally existing in the persons

     

    of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

     

    Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, crucified for our sins, and

     

    raised from the dead in eternal victory.

     

    Faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, is the only way to eternal life.​

     

    The Holy Spirit is a personal Being who convicts the world of sin and who regenerates, indwells,

     

    empowers, guides, and seals believers eternally for God.

     

    ​​​Heaven is the abode of God and the place of eternal joy for the saved, and that Hell is the

     

    place of eternal punishment of separation from God for the lost.

     

    Marriage is God’s sacred gift and is to be between one man and one woman.

     

    Gender is God’s sacred design and is to be determined at conception, unchangeable by man.

     

    We believe human life begins at conception and is protected from conception to natural death.

  • Philosophy

    Given the luxury of time, in a relaxed and restful setting for learning, children can master any skill presented to them. We believe that education should be skill-based and mastery-focused. Classical education allows us to approach learning based on developmental stages leading to confidence and success. As students experience this success, special education labels and previous struggles from the progressive educational system can be erased, and children can be viewed as scholars rather than identified by a label or their past. Students will be placed at an appropriate instructional level with an opportunity to advance.

     

  • Vision

    Our goal is to create a God-centered Biblical approach and realistic alternative to education in a 5-day-a-week, full-day, program with a focus on restoring patriotism and lost virtues. Our desire is to help families that feel locked into public education shift into an environment of unhurried, skill-based, mastery-focused education.  Many families are unable to afford educational opportunities beyond the free public school system. FSA will assist in removing this barrier and provide quality education as close to free as possible while encouraging parental involvement.

     

  • Free State Academy - Nondiscrimination policy

    Free State Academy Inc. admits students of any race, color, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students enrolled with FSA, Inc. The organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color or national and ethnic origin in the administration of their educational or admissions policies, hiring, or their scholarship, loan or other FSA-administered programs.

     

  • Accreditation

    Why Accreditation Is Not Necessary for Academic Success: Examining Costs, Freedom, and Educational Quality
     
    In the realm of education, accreditation has long been viewed as a hallmark of institutional quality and compliance with standards. However, a closer examination reveals that accreditation, while serving certain purposes, is not necessarily essential for academic success and can come with significant drawbacks.
     
    Understanding Academic Accreditation
     
    Academic accreditation is a process through which educational institutions or programs undergo external review by a recognized accrediting agency to ensure they meet certain quality standards. These standards often encompass aspects such as faculty qualifications, curriculum content, student services, and institutional resources. Accreditation is voluntary in the United States and is conducted by non-governmental, non-profit organizations.
     
    Voluntary Nature and Costs
     
    One of the foremost arguments against accreditation is its voluntary nature and the associated costs. Schools must invest substantial financial resources in the accreditation process and subsequent renewals, diverting funds that could otherwise be allocated to improving educational resources or lowering tuition costs. This financial burden is particularly pronounced for smaller institutions or those operating on limited budgets.
     
    Parental Rights and Educational Freedom
     
    Central to the debate around accreditation is the concept of parental rights and educational freedom. Parents should have the paramount authority to choose the educational environment that aligns with their values and beliefs without undue interference from external accrediting bodies or government mandates. This freedom ensures that diverse educational philosophies, including classical education models like those offered at Free State Academy (FSA), can flourish without conformity to standardized accreditation criteria.
     
    Avoiding Government Overreach and Controversial Educational Trends
     
    Accreditation can sometimes be tied to governmental funding or intervention, potentially compromising educational autonomy and promoting conformity to prevailing educational trends. This includes concerns over the imposition of curriculum mandates such as Critical Race Theory or policies regarding gender identity, which conflict with constitutional freedoms and parental values. Institutions like FSA, by maintaining independence from government oversight and accreditation, can safeguard against such intrusions and uphold their educational principles.
     
    Challenges with Standardized Testing and Outcome Predictability
     
    Accreditation has limitations in predicting student outcomes or ensuring educational quality. The focus on compliance with accreditation standards does not necessarily correlate with student achievement or mastery of subject matter. Rather, true academic success is rooted in individual effort, effective teaching practices, and a supportive learning environment—factors that can thrive independently of accreditation status.
     
    Philosophical Opposition from Educators
     
    Educators often express philosophical opposition to accreditation requirements, perceiving them as bureaucratic exercises that detract from meaningful teaching and learning experiences. As Peter Augustine Lawler noted, many dedicated teachers comply with accreditation mandates reluctantly, feeling compelled to engage in administrative tasks that contribute little to actual educational benefit.
     
    Financial Implications and Government Funding
     
    While accreditation can open doors to government funding opportunities, it also subjects institutions to potential government influence and compliance requirements. By eschewing accreditation, FSA avoids these pitfalls and maintains control over its educational mission, free from quotas or mandates that may compromise its commitment to excellence and values-based education.
     
    Conclusion
     
    In conclusion, while accreditation serves as a recognized standard in educational quality assurance, it is not indispensable for academic success. Institutions like Free State Academy demonstrate that alternative models based on rigorous academic standards and parental choice can thrive outside the accreditation framework. By prioritizing educational freedom, avoiding governmental overreach, and focusing on genuine educational outcomes rather than compliance, such institutions uphold constitutional freedoms and empower families to make informed educational decisions that best suit their values and aspirations.

     








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