How We Assess and Strengthen Learning at The Academy for GOD
At The Academy for GOD, we want parents to have a clear picture of how we assess learning and use that information to help students grow. Assessments aren’t just about grades—they are tools to measure progress, identify needs, and make sure our students are receiving the best possible education.
Regular Course Assessments
Each semester, students complete a variety of assessments such as unit exams, chapter tests, quizzes, and rubric-based projects. These are created by teachers, collected by administration, and shared with parents through reports. On average, each student is assessed 5–6 times per semester, which means 10–12 course-level assessments every year.
At the start of the school year, we also conduct informal assessments to make sure students have the background knowledge they need to succeed in their courses.
State Testing for Compliance
In addition to our own assessments, students in grades 3–11 take a Tennessee state-approved, nationally normed standardized test each spring. This is required for us to maintain our Category 3 accreditation status, which in turn allows many families to use programs such as TN ESA and TN EFS to help pay tuition.
It’s important to know that this test mainly serves as a compliance measure. While it meets state requirements, it does not provide the kind of information teachers need to guide day-to-day instruction.
Better Tools for Student Growth
Because of that, we are exploring new assessment tools that will give us better insight into student learning, especially in Math and English. These subjects are critical foundations—strong literacy and numeracy skills impact success in every other area of study.
The tools we are considering will allow teachers to do what’s called progress monitoring. This means giving students quick, low-stakes assessments during the year so teachers can see how they’re doing in real time and adjust instruction as needed. These tools will help us:
Identify students who may need extra support
Track progress toward end-of-year goals
Adapt teaching strategies to meet student needs more effectively
Strengthening Our Programs
Alongside improved assessments, we are also reviewing supplemental programs that could enhance the quality of instruction in Math and English. This is part of our ongoing commitment to refine and strengthen our academic offerings.
Our Commitment
As we continue this work, our goal is simple: to provide your child with the strongest possible foundation for learning. The process is challenging, but it is necessary and deeply worthwhile.
We invite you to join us in prayer as we refine and improve our academic programs at The Academy for GOD. Together, we can ensure our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need for lifelong success.
