Frequently Asked Questions

Enrollment

How do I enroll my child?

These courses are planned for 2026–2027, and course inquiries are now being accepted. Visit our Courses page and submit an inquiry for the course you’re interested in. Final enrollment instructions will be provided after your inquiry is submitted.

What grade levels do you serve?

The Gentry School currently offers grade-level mathematics and science courses for students in grades 3–5, along with readiness-based secondary courses in Algebra I, Biology, and Chemistry. Sixth-grade students may be considered for an appropriate secondary course based on prior preparation and demonstrated readiness. Additional sixth-grade offerings may be announced as enrollment grows.

Does my child need to be formally identified as gifted?

No. We welcome gifted, academically advanced, high-potential, creative, and curious learners — identified or not.

For the 2026–2027 school year, is this full-time enrollment?

For the 2026–2027 school year, the programs featured on this website are individual courses and academic offerings rather than full-time school enrollment.

When does registration close?

Registration closes Friday, September 4, 2026, or earlier if a course reaches its 10-student enrollment limit. Students enrolling after August 31 must complete the required first-week orientation and equivalent make-up instruction by Friday, September 11, 2026.

Do you offer trial classes?

No. Because each course is designed as a cohesive semester or full-year learning experience with limited enrollment, trial classes are not offered. Families are encouraged to attend the Virtual Open House, review course descriptions and readiness expectations, and ask questions before enrolling.

Tuition

How much do courses cost?

2026–2027 Founding Families Tuition begins at $550 per semester or $995 for the full academic year, per course. Reduced tuition is available when a family enrolls in multiple courses — including courses taken by more than one student within the same household. Tuition is paid by semester or full academic year; monthly billing is not currently offered.

What is your refund policy?

Written withdrawal requests received by August 23, 2026, are eligible for a full tuition refund. Requests received August 24–30, 2026, are eligible for a 50% tuition refund. Tuition is nonrefundable beginning August 31, 2026, including for students who enroll after classes begin. No refunds or credits are provided for student absences, travel, schedule conflicts, technology problems originating within the student’s household, or failure to complete assigned work. If The Gentry School cancels a course, affected families will receive a refund of tuition paid for instruction that will not be provided.

Format & Schedule

Are classes live or self-paced?

All Gentry courses meet live and virtually, through Zoom — real-time instruction with an instructor and classmates, not pre-recorded or on-demand video. Classes are not routinely recorded.

What days do classes meet, and what is the 2026–2027 calendar?

Classes meet Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The 2026–2027 academic program includes 32 instructional weeks and 96 live class days. The school year begins August 31, 2026, and concludes May 20, 2027. The May dates provide makeup instruction for scheduled school closures, ensuring that students receive the full amount of planned instructional time. There are no Saturday classes or Saturday makeup meetings.

What time zone are classes held in?

Published class times are in Eastern Time (ET). Because our families sometimes join from different time zones — including worldschooling and traveling families — we recommend converting the published class time to your local time zone before enrolling.

How big are the classes?

Classes are capped at 10 students.

Academic Structure & Credit

How are Algebra I, Biology, and Chemistry structured to support high-school credit?

Each course is designed as a full-year secondary course with 136 planned instructional hours, exceeding Florida’s 135-hour definition of one full high-school credit. Courses include defined performance standards, graded assessments, attendance records, and documented evidence of completion.

Upon successful completion, The Gentry School will provide a final grade and course-completion record. Official transcripts may be sent directly to a receiving school upon written parent or guardian authorization. Families should consult the student’s umbrella school, district, or future receiving school to confirm how a course will be applied to the student’s individual graduation plan.

Grading & Progress Reporting

How is my child’s grade determined?

Grades reflect demonstrated mastery across assignments, assessments, projects, investigations, and class participation. Detailed grading weights and late-work expectations appear in each course syllabus. Students and families receive timely notice when academic performance or incomplete work may place successful course completion at risk.

How will I know how my child is doing?

Families receive at least two written progress updates during each semester and a final semester report. Progress reports address academic performance, assignment completion, participation, skill development, and areas requiring additional support. Families may also be invited to a scheduled conference when a student would benefit from a more detailed discussion.

Attendance & Absences

What if my child misses a class?

Regular attendance is essential in a live, discussion-based course. Attendance is documented at every class meeting. When an absence is unavoidable, the parent or caregiver should notify The Gentry School as soon as possible. Students are responsible for completing assigned make-up instruction and coursework within the designated timeframe. Live make-up classes are not guaranteed. Failure to complete required make-up work may affect the student’s grade and eligibility for course-completion documentation.

Are classes recorded?

For student privacy, classes are not routinely recorded. Course materials and an equivalent make-up assignment will be provided following an excused absence.

Technology

What technology do we need for class?

Live classes are conducted through Zoom. Students need a computer or compatible tablet with a working camera and microphone, reliable high-speed internet, an updated Zoom application, and access to email and digital course materials. A laptop or desktop computer is strongly recommended for Algebra I, Biology, and Chemistry. Enrolled families receive private meeting information before classes begin; meeting links, passwords, and classroom materials may not be shared with anyone outside the enrolled household.

What if we have a technical issue during class?

The Gentry School provides basic assistance with Zoom links and course-material access. Families remain responsible for their personal device, internet connection, software updates, and hardware troubleshooting. Technical difficulty does not automatically excuse missed work, but students who report an issue promptly will receive instructions for completing the required make-up work.

Course Materials

What’s included in tuition, and do we need to buy anything extra?

Tuition includes live Zoom instruction, teacher-created digital materials, assignments, assessments, grading, and progress reports. Some science courses may require basic household materials or an approved course supply kit. Families will receive a complete materials list before classes begin.

Homeschool and Worldschool Families

Is this a good fit for homeschool families?

Yes. Gentry courses are designed to complement a family’s homeschool program with live, rigorous instruction, meaningful interaction, and opportunities for deeper learning.

Are Gentry courses a good fit for worldschooling families?

Yes. Gentry courses can complement a worldschooling lifestyle by providing consistent, live math and science instruction while families incorporate travel, culture, and real-world experiences into their broader educational plan. Because classes meet live in Eastern Time, families should confirm that the course schedule, technology requirements, and materials needs align with their location and travel plans.

Can families living outside the United States enroll?

Worldschooling and traveling families may participate when the live Eastern Time schedule, technology requirements, and course-material needs align with their location. Families are responsible for confirming applicable educational requirements in their home jurisdiction. Enrollment for families permanently residing outside the United States is reviewed individually. Instruction is provided in English, class times are listed in Eastern Time, and tuition is paid in U.S. dollars.