FAQs
The founders of The Fort Mandan Academy were inspired by the Louis and Clark expedition, also known as “The Corps of Discovery.” Fort Mandan was the first winter encampment of the expedition and is named after the local Mandan tribe they spent the winter with. You can read more about the expedition here: Fort Mandan
Yes. The Fort Mandan Academy is an umbrella school so your enrollment with us allows you to homeschool under the umbrella of a private school.
The Fort Mandan Academy is a Colorado corporation and a private school. When you enroll with us your family is in compliance with the compulsory attendance laws of the state and will not have to comply with the homeschooling laws. You will not have to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool with your school district each year. You will not have to do the testing or evaluations required at the end of grades 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11. It also means that you do not have the right to attend public school part-time or participate in sports or other extra-curricular activities. Some students have been able to do this, but it is up to the school district.
Yes, we accept students from all states and countries, offering a US diploma and transcript. However, it’s your responsibility to ensure our services meet your local homeschooling laws, as we may not fulfill all requirements.
You will have access to The Fort Mandan Academy’s resources but you will also need to meet the legal requirements of your state/country.
No, by enrolling in The Fort Mandan Academy you will be in compliance with Colorado’s compulsory attendance laws and will not have to comply with its homeschooling laws. That means you would not have to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool or do the testing or evaluation required of homeschoolers.
Yes, but you will be required to meet our standards and the standards of any private or public program.
Annual. Please see the following page to enroll: Enroll
For attendance records, we consider that your student’s attendance is 100%. You may report otherwise using our provided attendance tracker.
No.
After you enroll you are free to educate your children in the manner of your choosing. We’re here to assist when needed.
After you enroll you are free to educate your children in the manner of your choosing. We’re here to assist when needed.
We suggest maintaining your own records, with reporting only required annually. High school students should keep a journal for accurate transcripts. We assume full attendance, and as a private school enrollee, you’re typically exempt from homeschooling laws and need only adhere to our policies.
Annually, we request a summary of the year’s learning. This could be course names and grades if using a curriculum, or a reflection of activities and growth for natural learners. Some opt for a portfolio with pictures and artwork. We provide a free template for conducting parent evaluations.
Never, but you may choose to keep your own such records in the family portal we provide at enrollment.
The Fort Mandan Academy is a private school which, under Colorado law, means that we are free to choose what, if any, tests we require. We make tests optional. If you choose to test your children we will hold your records for you. You may also choose to complete a parent evaluation. A template for this is provided in the family portal you are assigned at enrollment.
We believe in individualized learning over standardized curriculums. While we don’t provide a curriculum, you’re free to choose any educational materials aligning with your beliefs. We’re here to assist when needed.
We advocate for natural learning , empowering students and parents to choose their educational path. Our aim is for your children to thrive in a safe environment, where pursuing their interests leads to satisfaction and happiness.
While no state law prevents enrollment in The Fort Mandan Academy, some states may not recognize it as fulfilling homeschooling requirements. You might need to meet additional district requirements. The main advantage of enrollment is obtaining a high school diploma and transcript from our US private school which simplifies job and college applications.
No, we do not offer any online courses.
We don’t adhere to any specific curriculum or seek U.S. accreditation. We urge you to research and take responsibility for your decision to educate independently. While we aim to support your educational goals, we can’t be held accountable for unforeseen results.
No. We welcome all families regardless of their race, color, religion, creed, gender or political affiliation.
Annual Instruction: 172 days
Daily Duration: 4 hours (average)
Curriculum: Reading, writing, speaking, math, history, civics, literature, science, and the United States Constitution.