FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The idea of Starboard began five years ago when God planted a seed in Co-Founder Jennie Stahler’s heart to be more intentional in the raising and education of her children.  She found a partner in Abby Keener with the same heart and together they have brought the concept of Starboard Christian Academy to reality relying on the guidance and affirmation of God.  Please read Deuteronomy 6:5-7 verses that are at the heart of Starboard. 

"After considering a move to be closer to another Charlotte area University-Model® school, God revealed His plan to us. We were to start a UM® School in Denver and serve the families nearby who were looking for the same educational opportunity for their children as we were. When we began to share the vision with family and told them that we felt certain that we were brought to Denver for this reason and started discussing name options, this verse came up, "He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some."  So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in." John 21:6  

Then it clicked. He'd been whispering to me the entire time. I chose this place for you. This is your home. Serve here. Cast your net...right here. Bring them to me.

In nautical terms the right side of the boat is starboard. There was no doubt in my mind that God had just chosen the school's name." --Jennie Stahler 

 2380 Lake Shore Rd S, Denver, NC 28037

Starboard is located in the Family Life Center on the campus of Westport Baptist Church.  The church's generosity and mentorship have been incredible gifts that have helped Starboard Christian Academy thrive. 

To learn more about Westport Baptist Church, their ministries, and their new 9:00am Modern service, visit their website here - https://www.westport.church/. 

Starboard currently offers grades Kindergarten - 8th Grade. We are prayerfully considering adding a high school program in the near future.

Our maximum class size is 16.

Yes! Starboard Christian Academy is an approved school for participation in the Scholarship Programs offered by the NCSEAA. Families who are interested in utilizing this scholarship must apply through NCSEAA. To learn more about this scholarship program and important deadlines visit -  Opportunity Scholarship - NCSEAA 

In the future, Starboard's goal is to also have other scholarship opportunities available for families.

Parents, by design, are teachers every day. As a parent, we model the behaviors that we want our children to learn. As Christian parents, we are instructed in Proverbs 22:6 to, "Train up a child in the way he should go..." and in Ephesians 6 we are told to "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." 

The unique University-Model® supports and encourages parents to take on this leadership role with their children, but, Starboard Christian Academy's certified teachers will take the lead in the area of academics. 

New concepts are introduced and taught at school by professional teachers while the application of the concept often takes place at home. Teachers will provide detailed course overviews and online assignment sheets each week while maintaining open lines of communication with parents. Parents act as co-teachers under the guidance of the teacher. 

Each home-study day co-teachers will login to ClassReach to retrieve and print out lesson plans for their home-study day.  You can view a sample copy by clicking the link below.   

One of the most important ingredients in the success of the University-ModelⓇ is an available parent who can assist and properly work with the student. For a family in which both parents work outside the home on a full-time basis a more traditional school is likely a better choice.  

Please visit our Academic Overview Page to learn more about our current curriculum.  On this page, you will find a downloadable document outlining each curriculum currently in use.  

Yes. At Starboard Christian Academy we believe in using assessments and standardized testing as tools to improve and enrich our students’ learning experiences. With the unique collaboration between teachers and parents that Starboard offers, we are able to differentiate student instruction, as needed, and the data from these assessments enhances those opportunities. We do not put undue attention on testing and do not “teach to the test.” Beginning in Kindergarten, we do individual benchmark assessments using mClass DIBELS three times a year and beginning in 3rd grade we also administer a national standardized test at the end of the school year. 

Although it is not required, Starboard staff does recommend that one parent take the main lead on home study days. Consistency amongst the student’s environment and co-teacher on home study days has been shown to produce a more confident and successful student. New co-teachers are required to attend training at the beginning of the school year. 

At this time Starboard does not have a specific class for special needs and is not set up to meet the needs of most IEPS that are for learning or behavioral differences. If your child has an IEP, a full report will need to be uploaded with the application so it can be reviewed. Our prayer is for every child to be successful and receive what he or she needs to do so and that may mean Starboard is not the best choice.

At this time Starboard Christian Academy will not be offering school sports. Starboard is committed to being a well rounded school and will seek community support to offer extra-curricular activities.  When Starboard adds middle and high school grade levels, sports programs will be developed per student interest.  

Yes, Starboard believes that a uniform policy will provide a more peaceful, simple, and distraction-free environment.  Please visit our School Uniform Page under Admissions to learn more.

Parents and students alike seem to really love the use of uniforms. One less thing to worry about in the morning! We also have spirit wear and will occasionally have a dress down day at school.  

We do not currently offer after school care.    

Yes.  We currently offer Art, Music, P.E., STEM, Robitics, Drama, Biblical Character Development and Computer Lab.