GCA recently announced it would be offering high school classes through Lawrence Virtual School, an accredited school through the Kansas State High School Activities Association.

A student entering his senior year who has completed all state requirements could then graduate next May.

Administrator Sharon Beeman said it was more likely the school would have students start in lower levels, but the academy currently is accepting students enrolling in high school.

Beeman said she’s in the process of hiring a coordinator for the high school. She said it’s possible the coordinator will be hired from within the teaching ranks of GCA, which offers classes in preschool through eighth grade.

“We will be using the virtual curriculum, but it will be in a classroom setting with other students and a teacher,” Beeman said. “There may be students working on different subjects and at different grade levels at the same time.

“A teacher will be available to help with questions and problems. The students will attend Bible, music, PE, art, etc., in a traditional classroom setting.”

She said that though the school board recently approved the high school expansion, it’s something GCA parents have expressed an interest in for some time.

Students who enroll in one hour of class in their home district also are eligible to participate in KSHSAA activities, such as athletics, debate, forensics, and music competitions at those schools.

Genesis Christian Academy and Tonganoxie USD 464 have had a long-standing relationship for GCA students attending the public schools for instrumental music classes. Though the academy is not able to offer instrumental music at the present time, it does offer vocal music, art and some other electives.

Though enrollment in advance of the school year’s start on Aug. 17 is preferred, Beeman said students would be accepted after that date.

Beeman said students already have enrolled in high school courses for 2011-12: Two students from the Tonganoxie district and one each from Basehor-Linwood and Lansing.

For more information, contact the school at (913) 845-9498 or visit genesisschools.org.