*Is Lancaster Christian Academy an accredited institution?
*Are LCA students eligible to apply at any university?
*Which credits are required for graduation?
*Are LCA students eligible for the TN Hope Scholarship?
*Are LCA students eligible for federal financial aid?
*When can/should I take the ACT or SAT?
*When should I begin the college application process?
Is Lancaster Christian Academy an accredited institution? Yes! Lancaster Christian Academy holds a category II accreditation status, the highest level of accreditation offered to private schools in the state of Tennessee. LCA is accredited through the Tennessee Association of Non-Public Academic Schools (TANAS).
Are LCA students eligible to apply at any university? Yes! A student with a degree from Lancaster Christian Academy is eligible to apply at any college, university or trade school without issue. A category II diploma is fully accredited and is recognized by any public or private institution of higher learning. Our graduates have been accepted to Middle Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, Free Will Baptist Bible College, Covenant College, Lee University, Austin Peay State University, Volunteer State Community College, Belmont University, Motlow College and the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
Which credits are required for graduation? Lancaster follows the Tennessee state guidelines for core classes. Students must successfully complete four credits of English Language Arts, three credits of Math (must include Algebra I AND Algebra II or Geometry), three credits of Science (must include Biology), three credits of Social Studies (must include United States History, World History/Geography AND Government/Economics) and one credit of Wellness (Physical Education). In addition to Tennessee's state standards, LCA graduates are required to complete one credit of Bible for every year in attendance and one credit of fine arts (Theatre, Music Appreciation OR Art Appreciation). These are minimum requirements. Additional requirements exist for honor's diplomas.
Are LCA students eligible for the TN Hope Scholarship? Yes! Lancaster Christian Academy students are eligible for Tennessee Lottery Scholarships---including the Hope Scholarship---if they meet the scholarship application requirements. Applicants are required to have scored a minimum of a 21 on the ACT and must hold an unweighted grade point average of at least 3.0 to be eligible.
Are LCA students eligible for federal financial aid? Yes! Private school students are eligible to apply for and receive federal financial aid from the US government. Families should complete the Federal Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) online by March 1 to be eligible for state and federal scholarships. June 30 is typically the final cut off day for federal student loans.
When can/should I take the ACT or SAT? Most Lancaster students take the ACT to satisfy college entrance exam requirements. Tests are offered about every two months at various locations throughout Middle Tennessee. We strongly recommend that students take the ACT or SAT during the junior year and then again during the fall of the senior year. Testing early will allow students to apply for early admissions at various universities. Please visit the ACT/SAT for detailed information on test dates, locations and fees.
When should I begin the college application process? The college application process should begin no later than the summer prior to your senior year. By the time you begin school in August, you should have a list of 5-10 colleges you are interested in applying to. During the first 2-3 months of the school year, our staff will help you to explore each option and decide upon which schools you are most interested in. Applying "early admission" at many universities (usually by November 1) increases your chances of acceptance. To read more about "early admission" please visit the College Board website.
