March-April 2026
Preparation.
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalms 139:23-24
In this season of Lent, I encourage you to lean into the Psalm 139. God knows you and sees you. He knew all the days ordained for you and had them written before any of those days came to be (v.16).
It’s uncommon knowledge that February is the time of year when many homeschool parents quietly feel discouraged and wonder if continuing on is even worth the uphill battle. Should we look at different curriculum? Should we tweak the schedule? Are my children falling behind?
What we really need is TRUST. God has plans for each of us, and where we are in the season of homeschooling is written on our pages. Consider the bare trees this winter season. There is no visible growth, but the most important things are happening deep down. Strength is being stored for future growth, and roots are deepening. Spring is proof that winter was a season of hard work, perseverance, deepening, and growth!
Trust the path you are on and lean into this season of strengthening. Soon, you will see the blossoms of your stewardship! Take time to enjoy the gift of your child/ren. View home-schooling as your ministry! You are planting seeds in God’s kingdom. Ask God for what wisdom you may need in this season (James 1:5). He will fill you up and lead you.
~Jennifer Barnwell, Academy Assistant
UPCOMING HCCA EVENTS
Mar. 15 Deadline to register for Terra Nova II Testing
Mar. 20 Deadline to order graduation cap and gown
Mar. 20 Deadline to submit pictures and bio for graduation ceremony
Mar. 31 Third quarter ends
Apr. 1 Graduation Ceremony Auditions 3:00pm in theatre
Apr. 7 High School Info meeting 1:00PM
Apr. 8 High School Info meeting 11:00AM
Apr. 10 Deadline to enter third quarter reports
ACADEMY CONTACTS
Julie Blank, Academy Director
Danielle Swiontek, Academy Manager
Jennifer Barnwell, Academy Assistant
Phone: (719)278-9135 x4
VISIT US AT THE HCCA TABLE
Stop by and say, “Hi!” All HCCA families receive three hours of consultation for free! To schedule a consultation, please email Julie at academydirector@hche.org
2026 Testing and Evaluation Information
DEADLINE APPROACHING Registration for the TerraNova 2 test through HCCA will close March 15, 2025. The test covers the following: reading, word analysis, vocabulary, language usage and mechanics, spelling, math computation, math problem solving and concepts, science, and social studies. Testing is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 5-6, from 8:45am-12:30pm. Space is limited, so register now (2026 HCCA Testing)
TESTING PROCTORS NEEDED The Academy relies on our wonderful volunteers, parents like you, to help us administer the test. These are minimally compensated volunteer positions, which are paid directly on the last day of testing. Proctoring requires only two half days of your time in the spring. If you are interested in helping, leave a message by calling 719-278-9135 x4, or send an email to AcademyDirector@HCHE.org. There is also an option that may be selected on the testing registration form indicating your desire to volunteer.
EVALUATIONS IN LIEU OF TESTING HCCA accepts evaluations in lieu of testing, as long as the evaluation is done by a certified evaluator. Check out our updated list of certified evaluators HERE
Important to know
QUARTERLY REPORTS HCCA’s third quarter end March 31st. You have until April 10th to input your student’s third quarter information, after this date a late fee will be charged to your account. The information you put in the quarterly report section is very important. Your quarterly reports are evidence that your student is progressing through the curriculum and through the school year. This is why HCCA requires a detailed report each quarter. We hold our families and ourselves to a higher level of accountability. It is important that parents input all required information each quarter. Please read our updated Quarterly Reporting Instructions.
Graduation Information Graduation — High Country Home Educators
HCHE GRADUATION CEREMONY will be Friday, May 16, 2026, at 10:00am. HCHE is in need of volunteers for the ceremony. It takes an entire community to make this celebration unforgettable for our graduates. Please consider volunteering – register HERE
GRADUATION CEREMONY PERFORMANCE AUDITIONS Do you have a talented musician or vocalist in your family? Does your student excel at public oration? If so, we invite HCHE members to apply for an audition to perform at the graduation ceremony in May. Deadline to apply is March 30st and auditions are April 1st. Graduation Ceremony Audition Application
Upcoming Seminar
HOMESCHOOLING IN HIGH SCHOOL – Have you been thinking about homeschooling through high school? Have you already started? Do you have a lot of questions—and maybe a few concerns? Join us for a seminar on either April 7 at 1:00Pm or April 8 at 11:00Am during HCEC.
Spring Break and Easter
HCCA offices will be closed from March 31-April 7 for spring break and to celebrate Easter.