Excelsior Classes is a group of Christian teachers who serve the homeschool community. Our goal is to be the premier online partner of families seeking excellence in Christian education.
Excelsior Classes teachers affirm the tenets of either the Nicene Creed or the Apostles Creed.
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
And of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God,
Begotten of the Father before all worlds;
God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God;
Begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father,
By whom all things were made.
Who, for us and for our salvation, came down from heaven,
And was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary,
And was made man;
And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered and was buried;
And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures;
And ascended into heaven,
And sits on the right hand of the Father;
And He shall come again, with glory,
To judge the living and the dead;
Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life;
Who proceeds from the Father [and the Son];
Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified;
Who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins;
And I look for the resurrection of the dead,
And the life of the world to come. Amen.
I believe in God the Father, Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth:
And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
Born of the Virgin Mary:
Suffered under Pontius Pilate;
Was crucified, dead, and buried:
He descended into hell:
The third day He rose again from the dead:
He ascended into heaven,
And sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:
From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead:
I believe in the Holy Ghost:
I believe in the holy catholic Church:
The communion of saints:
The forgiveness of sins:
The resurrection of the body:
And the life everlasting. Amen.
At Excelsior Classes, we believe that a strong education combines academic excellence with a commitment to Christian values. As a provider of faith-based online homeschool courses, we strive to offer instruction that is rigorous, relevant, and rooted in Scripture.
Our online classrooms are led by Christian educators who demonstrate professionalism, academic expertise, and Christlike care for students. We teach and serve families with the understanding that our work is ultimately “unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).
In today’s world—marked by cultural confusion, division, and challenges to truth—we believe students must be equipped to think deeply, engage faithfully, and lead compassionately. A truly Christian education should prepare students not only for college or career, but also for meaningful service in the world.
The word excelsior means “always upward.” It reflects our desire to help students grow continually—spiritually, intellectually, and personally—as they glorify God through their studies and pursue a harvest of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11).
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” – Hosea 4:6
Christian students need more than surface-level information; they need deep, integrated knowledge across disciplines. True wisdom involves the ability to analyze and synthesize ideas, to apply biblical truth in complex situations, and to discern wisely across a wide range of topics—from science and mathematics to literature and history.
“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching…” – 2 Timothy 4:3
Our modern world is saturated with sound bites and viral content. At Excelsior Classes, we aim to cultivate critical thinking skills that help students move beyond shallow answers. Through rigorous online classes that emphasize analysis and discussion, students learn to evaluate cultural trends, form coherent arguments, and communicate with clarity and grace.
Daniel 1:3–4, 19–20
We believe students should be able to engage both with Scripture and with the broader world. Like Daniel and his peers, who studied the language and literature of Babylon while remaining faithful to God, our students are encouraged to understand secular perspectives—not to imitate them, but to respond with a biblically grounded worldview.
This approach equips students to defend their faith, engage others respectfully, and serve effectively in a wide range of fields. While we do not expose students to content that is inappropriate or morally questionable, we do encourage them to develop discernment and resilience. Christian homeschool education should not isolate students, but rather prepare them to shine brightly in the world.
Excelsior Classes offers academic instruction couched in a Christian worldview, and we welcome families of all backgrounds. While our teachers are committed Christians who affirm foundational doctrines, students and parents are not required to affirm a statement of faith to enroll.
All Excelsior Classes teachers are required to sign a statement affirming the Apostles’ Creed and/or the Nicene Creed. Our courses are designed and delivered from a broad, non-denominational Christian perspective. This means:
Many teachers begin class with prayer.
Some courses may utilize Christian curriculum resources, although most use mainstream or secular academic materials.
Students are never required to pray aloud or affirm specific beliefs and will never be singled out for religious questions.
We refer to our approach as “Christian worldview education”—faith-informed, academically excellent, and respectful of all learners.
Our teachers share a commitment to core Christian beliefs and to honoring all people—past and present—with dignity and fairness. Courses are taught from both a biblical and academic perspective, with an emphasis on respectful discussion and critical thinking. Students are expected to treat both teachers and peers with the same respect and courtesy.
Required materials, including book lists, are published in advance of enrollment so that families may review them before registering. Parents are expected to carefully consider whether a course aligns with their family’s values and educational goals prior to enrollment.
If you have concerns about the religious or literary content in a specific course, we encourage you to:
Reach out to the course instructor directly, or
Contact our team at registration@excelsiorclasses.com
Please note:
Excelsior Classes does not permit substitutions of assigned works or mid-course changes to curriculum.
No refunds will be issued for objections to course content or how content is presented. We are committed to transparency and welcome any questions prior to enrollment.
Excelsior Classes is fully accredited as a private school by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). This accreditation affirms our commitment to academic excellence, instructional quality, and continuous improvement.
In addition, our high school courses are approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), supporting students who plan to pursue collegiate athletics. You can view our course approvals on the NCAA website under high school code 852006.
While attendance at live class sessions is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged. Live participation fosters accountability, supports deeper learning, and helps build a sense of classroom community. Teachers take attendance, and students—particularly those pursuing NCAA eligibility—should prioritize attending live sessions whenever possible.
All classes are recorded and available for students to review via computer or smartphone. Recordings do not include the live chat feed, but a separate chat transcript is available for reference. Students are responsible for all material covered in class, whether attended live or watched via recording. Recordings should be viewed as soon as possible to stay current with course progress.
Planned absences: If a known event (e.g., family travel, medical appointment) will cause a student to miss class, parents should notify the teacher in advance. In some cases, work may be provided early at the teacher’s discretion.
Illness or emergencies: In the event of an unexpected absence, parents—not students—should contact the teacher directly as soon as possible to make arrangements for missed work.
Excelsior Classes operates on a strict academic calendar, and deadlines are enforced to maintain course integrity and fairness. Teachers cannot grant long-term or indefinite extensions. As stated in all syllabi:
Excelsior Classes courses run to a strict calendar schedule; it is not possible to provide students with open windows of late submission. In order to maintain our high standards and course integrity, we do not excuse major assignments or large amounts of work, nor do we allow unlimited access to our materials past the date of course completion.
Excelsior Classes courses are conducted live and are not pre-recorded. As such, active participation—via Zoom tools like chat, microphone, breakout rooms, and video—is highly encouraged. Interaction between students and teachers fosters deeper understanding and builds classroom community.
Students are encouraged to:
Engage in live discussions and breakout sessions
Ask and answer questions using the chat or microphone
Present when required and interact respectfully
Teachers use discretion in managing how and when students use their audio and video tools. Our primary goal is to promote effective learning and respectful communication during live sessions.
Teachers are always on video unless technical difficulties require temporary disablement.
Students are not always required to be on camera, but should be prepared to use their video and microphone when requested by the teacher.
Video use may be encouraged to build community, but it may also be limited during portions of class to reduce distractions or respect family privacy.
Excelsior Classes recognizes that student needs vary. This flexible approach supports:
Students with social anxiety or sensory sensitivity
Students with attention challenges who may be overwhelmed by many small screens
Families seeking privacy in the home learning environment
Smoother classroom management by limiting on-screen distractions
Regardless of camera use, chat and microphone features should be used with maturity and respect. Disruptive behavior—such as chat spamming or excessive background noise—is not appropriate and may result in a warning or feature restrictions.
Some courses may require students to use both video and microphone for formal presentations, speeches, or oral assessments. These assignments are mandatory, and no exceptions are made. Please consult the course instructor if you have questions about participation expectations in a specific class.
Excelsior Classes is committed to providing timely feedback and clear grading practices that support academic progress and accountability. Our learning management system, Canvas, serves as the hub for assignment submission, feedback, and grade tracking.
Most assignments are due the night before the weekly class meeting, though teachers may adjust this slightly based on the course structure. All due dates are clearly communicated within Canvas.
Teachers are expected to provide grades and feedback within one week of an assignment’s due date. Longer, summative assignments may require additional time to allow for meaningful, detailed feedback. Feedback may include written comments, rubric evaluations, or annotations directly on submitted files.
In some cases, both the rubric and the annotated file contain important information for understanding your student’s grade. Be sure to review both elements in Canvas.
How to View Annotated Files/Grades in Canvas
This short video explains how to locate and view feedback directly on submitted assignments.
Excelsior Classes uses a standard 10-point grading scale:
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| A | 90–100 |
| B | 80–89 |
| C | 70–79 |
| D | 60–69 |
| F | 0–59 |
At the end of the course, each teacher issues a final grade verification form in PDF format. While Excelsior Classes is accredited as a private school, families remain responsible for maintaining their own transcripts and issuing diplomas. The final grade form provides the necessary documentation to support transcript entries.
Note for NCAA Athletes: Excelsior Classes will communicate directly with the NCAA to provide official grade verification when applicable.
If a parent needs grade documentation before the end of the course—for mid-semester check-ins, state reporting, or homeschool records—they may log into Canvas using the student’s credentials and print out the current gradebook. This functionality is also available at the end of the course for those who wish to retain a detailed record of graded work.
Excelsior Classes emphasizes academic accountability, fair treatment, and the development of strong time-management skills. Teachers maintain individual late work policies, which are communicated clearly in the course syllabus and Canvas.
If a student must miss an assignment due to illness or a death in the family, the parent should notify the teacher as soon as possible—ideally before the due date. Teachers may grant reasonable extensions in these situations at their discretion.
If a student will be unavailable due to travel, vacation, or other academic opportunities, families must contact the teacher well in advance to request permission to complete assignments early or make arrangements. Blanket extensions are not typically granted for extensive personal travel or outside extracurricular commitments.
Please note: Frequent or non-emergency extension requests will not be honored. Doing so would compromise our commitment to consistency, timely feedback, and fairness to all students.
All assignments must be submitted within Canvas, in the format specified by the teacher (e.g., Google Doc, PDF, etc.). Submissions sent by email or uploaded in the wrong format (e.g., a photo instead of a document) will not be accepted and may receive a zero until properly submitted in accordance with the teacher’s late work policy.
If a technical issue prevents timely submission, a screenshot should be sent to the teacher immediately, and some teachers may require parent verification of the issue.
Excelsior Classes operates on a firm semester schedule with clearly defined start and end dates. While this may not be stated in every individual syllabus, the following is a program-wide policy:
Excelsior Classes courses run to a strict calendar schedule; it is not possible to provide students with open windows of late submission. In order to maintain our high standards and course integrity, we do not excuse major assignments or large amounts of work, nor do we allow unlimited access to our materials past the date of course completion.
Auditing a course can be a good fit for students who may feel overwhelmed by full participation or for families who are not seeking a formal grade. This option allows students to engage with the material without the pressure of completing every assignment or receiving a final letter grade.
Students auditing a course are allowed to:
Attend live classes (except in specific cases noted below)
Participate as able
Submit work at their discretion, according to the class schedule
While teachers may provide feedback on work completed within the course timeframe, no formal grade will be assigned, and no GPA-affecting grade will be calculated.
Once a student is designated as an audit participant, they cannot revert to for-credit status within that course.
At the end of the course, teachers will provide a final grade report in PDF format, which will clearly indicate that the student audited the course.
Due to the interactive, conversational nature of live sessions in foreign language classes, students auditing a foreign language course are not permitted to attend the live class sessions. This policy ensures that enrolled students who are working toward fluency have ample opportunity to practice speaking without disruption.
Auditing students in these courses will still receive:
Full access to Canvas course content
Class recordings
Assignments and materials for independent use
Excelsior Classes provides recordings of live online homeschool classes for the benefit of enrolled students. These recordings are accessible only through Excelsior’s secure platform during the active enrollment period.
Recordings may contain student participation, including faces, voices, or names in the chat feature.
To protect student privacy and safety, downloading, saving, or sharing recordings is strictly prohibited.
This policy ensures compliance with privacy best practices and helps safeguard the classroom community.
Recordings are provided as streaming, view-only resources.
Access may be limited to a specific timeframe in order to protect both instructional integrity and student confidentiality.
Reliable internet access is the responsibility of the parent and is required to access all course materials, including streaming recordings.
Families can access the official Excelsior Classes academic calendar by visiting the Academic Calendar page. Each enrolled student also has access to a calendar within Canvas through the “Excelsior Classes Calendar Course,” which displays:
Scheduled live class times
Break weeks and term start/end dates
Special community events such as Excelsithon and Excelsior Café Nights
Excelsior Classes follows a 15-week semester model. In order to maintain consistency and meet academic goals, we do not cancel classes for national holidays (e.g., Labor Day). If a holiday coincides with a scheduled class session:
Teachers may choose to reschedule class in advance, or
Students may view the class recording at their convenience
Families are encouraged to review the calendar at the beginning of each semester and refer to Canvas announcements for any course-specific adjustments.
At Excelsior Classes, we are committed to delivering a high-quality online education that balances academic rigor, professional instruction, and Christian values. Below is what families can expect from our teachers, class structure, and communication practices.
Students attend live, interactive Zoom sessions once per week for most courses, and twice per week for math classes. Each course runs for a 15-week semester, or 30 weeks for full-year courses.
If a student is unable to attend class live, they may watch the recording at their convenience. All assignments, assessments, and projects are submitted electronically through Canvas, our learning management system (LMS). At the conclusion of the course, teachers issue a final grade verification PDF, and parents may also print the gradebook from Canvas if desired.
Teachers provide:
Live online instruction
Assignment feedback and grading
Quizzes, exams, and testing
Accountability and encouragement
Respectful, professional communication
Each teacher provides both an email address and a phone number, and is available for brief meetings in the online classroom by appointment with adequate notice.
Our communication policy requires that teachers and administrators respond to emails within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). Please note that Excelsior Classes faculty are located across various U.S. time zones, so responses may not be immediate if messages are sent in the evening.
Canvas Inbox Notice: Excelsior Classes does not use the Canvas inbox for communication. Parents and students must contact teachers using regular email to ensure delivery and response.
For students enrolled in LeTourneau University (LETU) dual credit courses or Excelsior Honors courses (regardless of dual credit status), communication practices differ to align with college-level policies and FERPA regulations:
Students communicate directly with instructors using the student email address provided at registration.
Parents are not copied on email correspondence.
Parents with questions or concerns should reach out before the semester begins, as instructors will communicate only with students once the course is underway.
Our desire is for all students to grow into independent, responsible learners. This occurs along a developmental curve:
Younger students (middle school or early high school) may need greater parental oversight to stay on track with assignments and deadlines.
Older students are expected to manage their own schedules, communication, and coursework as they prepare for college and life beyond.
To help parents stay informed, all general communication from teachers to students is copied to parents, except in LETU/Honors courses.
Please remember that Excelsior Classes teachers are instructors—not private tutors. While they are happy to clarify questions and support student success, they are not available for unlimited one-on-one support outside of class.
Excelsior Classes teachers use multiple tools to assess student progress and determine mastery of concepts throughout the course. Our goal is to ensure that students are not only completing work, but truly growing in their skills and understanding.
Throughout the semester, teachers actively monitor student learning and provide feedback on areas of strength and growth. Grades reflect both knowledge acquisition and skill development.
Parents can stay informed by:
Parents play a vital role in supporting student success at Excelsior Classes. While our teachers provide instruction, grading, and feedback, parents reinforce learning through consistent oversight and encouragement at home.
Parents should provide general supervision of academic responsibilities. This includes:
Teachers are responsible for grading all quizzes, tests, and major assignments. Parents should not complete academic work on behalf of students. However, they are responsible for providing essential technology, including a working computer and microphone.
Younger learners may need closer support, especially at the beginning of the term. In addition to the responsibilities listed above, we recommend that a parent—or an older sibling with keyboarding skills—sit with or near the student during the first few class sessions to help them get comfortable with the platform and expectations. Occasional assistance with navigating Canvas or submitting assignments is appropriate.
Parents are encouraged to help students communicate directly with teachers as needed. Most communication is handled by email; teachers typically respond within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. (See Instructional Experience & Teacher Expectations for more details.)
If your student is facing challenges or if there’s important context that could help the teacher support them, please reach out. We value open communication and are grateful for your partnership in your student’s learning journey.
Because Excelsior Classes delivers instruction online, families are responsible for ensuring that students have reliable technology and internet access. Parents must provide a computer (please note that tablets and phones may not work well in Canvas at all times), a stable high-speed internet connection, a working microphone and camera, and any additional software or tools required for coursework. Excelsior staff and teachers cannot provide individualized technical support beyond general guidance for issues in Canvas. It is the parent’s responsibility to confirm that all technology requirements are met and maintained throughout the school year so that the student can fully participate in live sessions and complete assigned work.
At Excelsior Classes, we believe that true learning happens when students engage with material personally and authentically. It is essential that all assignments, assessments, and projects reflect the student’s own effort, understanding, and voice. Submitting work that is not one’s own—whether completed by a parent, sibling, tutor, or AI tool—undermines the learning process and violates our academic honor code. Such violations are taken seriously and may result in a zero for the assignment, parent notification, and further disciplinary action for repeated offenses. Our courses are designed to help students grow in responsibility, critical thinking, and communication, all of which are cultivated through doing the work independently. Parents are encouraged to support their students through accountability and encouragement, but the actual completion and submission of work must always be the student’s responsibility.
Excelsior Classes courses are designed to match students’ academic readiness, social maturity, and classroom dynamics. To help ensure the best fit, placement is guided by the following:
Each course has a designated age range. These ranges protect the learning environment and ensure a positive experience for all students.
If you have questions or need guidance:
Placement guidance is intended to support your child’s success. Parents may choose to disregard placement advice; however, doing so may lead to student frustration and could require additional support, such as tutoring, if the course pace or content proves too challenging.
Excelsior Classes courses are designed to provide a full academic experience, including structured class meetings and meaningful work between sessions. While time requirements may vary based on course level and individual learning pace, families should plan for a steady weekly commitment.
For most subjects, students will complete assignments equivalent to four additional days of work outside of the live class. While exact time will vary, students can expect to spend 30 minutes to 1.5 hours per course (daily) depending on:
Course level and complexity
Student reading and processing speed
Familiarity with the subject matter
Assignments for the upcoming week are typically posted prior to each class session on a weekly page in Canvas (our LMS).
Math courses meet twice weekly for a total of two hours. Students are also expected to complete daily work, including homework, quizzes, and exams. In general, no more than 1 hour per day should be needed for assignments—provided the student is enrolled at the appropriate math level.
For students engaged in Independent Study, workload expectations may differ. The time commitment and pacing will be discussed and determined with the supervising teacher based on the nature of the study and student goals.
We care deeply about our students and desire to support them in their learning journey when possible. However, our ability to accommodate learning differences depends on several factors, including:
Teachers are not able to greatly modify curriculum, eliminate assignments, or slow the course pace, as doing so may compromise the academic integrity of the class and our accreditation standards although such things may be accomplished via auditing the course. Many of our courses build sequentially, and instructional consistency is important for all enrolled students.
On a case-by-case basis, and at the teacher’s discretion, accommodations that do not greatly alter course content or expectations may be considered, such as:
We believe that a strong teacher-student fit from the beginning is foundational to a successful academic experience and strongly encourage proactive communication.
Excelsior Classes is an accredited private Christian school. However, as a privately owned online learning platform, we are not a public school and are therefore not governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Parents of students with IEPs, 504 plans, or other special education documentation should discuss any accommodations with specific teachers prior to enrolling.
Excelsior Classes courses are designed to challenge and equip students for the future—but success in an online environment requires more than just logging in. Students must bring discipline, focus, and initiative to their studies.
Online students are most successful when they take ownership of their learning. They should come to class ready to participate, stay present during instruction, and avoid distractions during both live sessions and independent work.
Procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles to online learning. Students should develop daily routines, use checklists or planners, and tackle assignments in manageable steps throughout the week. Consistent effort builds confidence and prevents academic stress.
Students should be familiar with:
Navigating the internet and Canvas LMS
Using Google Docs, Slides, or Microsoft Office equivalents
Submitting assignments electronically
A dependable computer and strong internet connection are essential for participation in live classes and successful completion of coursework.
Excelsior Classes teachers provide accountability through live instruction, feedback, grading, and assessment. They are committed to treating students with respect and interacting in a supportive, Christ-honoring manner.
Teachers provide both an email address and a phone number for brief communication or meetings arranged with advance notice.
Parents are always copied on email correspondence with students to promote transparency and partnership.
All communication is conducted via regular email—not through the inbox system within Canvas or the LMS app—so that all parties can retain accessible records.
Please do not rely on Canvas messaging tools, as they are not monitored.
Our standard expectation is that teachers and administrators will respond to emails within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. Please keep in mind:
Teachers live across various U.S. time zones
Communication received in the evening may not be answered until the following day
Excelsior Classes teachers are available to provide clarification, guidance, and encouragement. However, they are not private tutors and cannot provide unlimited time for one-on-one support outside of class. We appreciate families respecting each teacher’s availability and role.
Excelsior Classes values student growth and independence. If your student needs additional support during the semester, several resources are available to help reinforce learning and answer questions.
Live sessions are a key opportunity for real-time engagement. Students are encouraged to:
Participate actively in class discussions
Ask questions during lecture or breakout sessions
Respond to teacher questions to gain immediate feedback
Communicate respectfully with the teacher when clarification is needed
Students should take initiative outside of class to deepen their understanding:
Rewatch class recordings to review key concepts
Review teacher notes or slides posted in Canvas
Read and apply assignment feedback to support incremental improvement
Email the teacher with specific questions, including full name and course title for context
Tip: The more specific a student’s question, the easier it is for the teacher to respond with helpful guidance. Teachers typically respond to emails within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
Request a meeting with the teacher when needed
When a student needs help beyond what is addressed during class:
Teachers may offer short meetings before or after class, or by appointment, based on availability
If a student needs ongoing or intensive academic support, families are encouraged to seek outside tutoring
Excelsior Classes is proud to offer many courses that are approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). These courses are suitable for students who are preparing to compete in college-level athletics and meet NCAA’s academic standards for eligibility.
To view a list of our current NCAA-approved courses, visit the NCAA Course Listings page. Once a student has been assigned an NCAA student number and is actively being recruited, Excelsior Classes can submit final grades directly to the NCAA for eligibility purposes.
To initiate the grade reporting process, please complete the request form, and include your student’s full name and NCAA ID. More information is available at NCAA GRADE REPORTING REQUESTS below.
These expectations are part of NCAA’s effort to mirror the rigor and self-management required at the collegiate level. Division I athletes often commit more than 80 hours per week to their sport—making time management a critical life skill.
Excelsior Classes is unable to modify NCAA-approved courses for students with learning differences or disabilities, due to NCAA requirements for content consistency and course integrity. If your student has learning needs, you must contact the teacher(s) prior to enrollment to determine whether the course is an appropriate fit.
Sometimes students need a letter of reference for college admissions or scholarship opportunities and may wish to request one from an Excelsior Classes instructor. Before making the request, students should consider whether the teacher knows them well enough, if they’ve participated actively in class, and if the teacher can speak to personal qualities. In many cases, teachers may not be in a position to provide thorough feedback on these aspects, so it may be worth considering asking another adult who is more familiar with you. This blog provides a great overview of the reference letter “dilemma.”
Many of our teachers are willing to write letters of reference. Here are some important points to keep in mind before making your request:
Academic honesty is an important component of education.
Using notes on assignments which specifically state not to use notes or outside sources is a violation of academic honesty. Plagiarism is the act of intentionally or unintentionally using someone else’s ideas or thoughts without providing credit. This includes:
Academic honesty also entails not using tools outside of the teacher’s instructions and the LMS unless specified by the teacher. Please see our AI Statement below as well as Parent Guidance for Academic Responsibility.
Teachers at Excelsior Classes understand that students are still learning, but it is vital that we impart that cheating or plagiarizing is dishonorable and carries serious consequences.
We ask that parents work diligently to ensure that all protocols and procedures specified by individual teachers are followed. Your partnership helps us provide a robust and honorable academic experience for all students.
AI-generated work is rapidly emerging and evolving. These tools are increasingly advanced and often compose responses from multiple sources, rather than pulling from a single identifiable website or document.
While using AI may be tempting, it ultimately undermines a student’s academic growth and critical thinking skills. When students do not learn to generate and articulate their own ideas, it becomes a disservice to their faith, academic pursuits, and future careers.
Because it is not created by the student, AI-generated work is considered plagiarism and will be handled as such.
Students should commit to developing their own ideas through conversation with their teachers, peers, and the approved resources provided by their instructors.
There may be limited instances in certain courses where teachers explicitly permit the use of AI for specific assignments or in guided ways. In such cases, the use of AI is considered teacher-approved and not plagiarism.
While Excelsior Classes teachers will do what they can to identify AI-generated work—including using tools like ChatGPT Zero or similar detectors—the responsibility to work ethically rests with students and their parents. Please ensure your student understands and follows the expectations outlined by each teacher regarding the use of external sources.
Failure to work within teacher guidelines (such as not using required tools like Google Docs with Revision History) may result in a zero for the assignment. Please see our Academic Honesty Policy below as well as Parent Guidance for Academic Responsibility.
Excelsior Classes is committed to fostering a Christ-centered, academically rigorous, and respectful online learning environment. This Student Conduct Policy outlines behavioral expectations for all students enrolled in Excelsior Classes courses, clubs, and extracurriculars.
Parents agree to uphold this policy by signing an acknowledgment during the registration process. The policy is also posted on the home page of every Canvas course for student reference.
Our Excelsior students are among the best! To support a thriving, respectful, and distraction-free learning community, we ask students to:
Failure to comply with these standards while participating in Zoom classes or while using our Learning Management System (Canvas) may result in disciplinary action. These actions may include:
Immediate Suspension or Dismissal:
Students who send abusive or threatening emails or messages to peers, teachers, or staff may be banned from live class participation or permanently removed from one or more courses. Refunds are not issued in these circumstances.
Any individual found impersonating or misrepresenting themselves as another student—whether through name, email, Canvas access, Zoom presence, profile image, likeness, or any concealed or altered representation—will be immediately dismissed from all classes without refund.
We recognize that students are still learning and growing. Any disciplinary action will be administered with compassion and in the interest of a student’s spiritual, moral, and academic development. Each situation is handled privately between the teacher, student, parent, and any relevant staff or counselors. Details will not be disclosed to third parties, including other students who may report conduct concerns.
This policy applies to student behavior within Excelsior Classes platforms, including live classes and Canvas. It does not extend to external communication platforms, except in extreme cases (e.g., threats of violence, harassment, or inappropriate content). We encourage parents to actively monitor their student’s online activity and technology use outside of class.
Students involved in leadership positions, clubs, or honor societies must exhibit exemplary behavior that reflects high moral standards. Students subject to disciplinary action may:
Excelsior Classes shares student information with teachers solely for the purpose of facilitating communication and supporting student success. All communication between teachers and students is conducted with transparency—parents are always copied on email correspondence.
To ensure this, Excelsior Classes does not utilize the internal inbox within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Teachers cannot respond to messages sent via the LMS or its mobile app. Students should always use their personal email system and copy their parent(s) when communicating with instructors. Messages sent through the LMS inbox or app may not receive a response.
Excelsior Classes does not share student or family information with external parties unless a parent explicitly requests that we do so.
Additionally, to maintain a safe and secure learning environment, students should not share personal contact information (e.g., phone numbers, social media handles, Discord usernames) within Excelsior’s Canvas classrooms or Zoom meetings. While we recognize the popularity of these platforms among students, Excelsior Classes does not endorse, monitor, or assume responsibility for communication that takes place outside of our official platforms. Parents are strongly encouraged to monitor their student’s use of such technologies.
Excelsior Classes is committed to student safety and privacy within our official academic platforms. However, families should be aware that communication occurring outside of Zoom, Canvas, or sanctioned discussion forums is not monitored, managed, or controlled by Excelsior Classes.
Disclaimer: Excelsior Classes is not liable for harm, misconduct, or consequences arising from communication outside its official platforms. Responsibility for such interactions rests with families.
If a conflict arises due to off-platform communication, Excelsior Classes may be unable to verify claims or intervene effectively, since incidents are often based on personal accounts without documentation on our systems.
Recommended parental actions include:
Reporting: Families who become aware of off-platform conduct that may affect class participation, student well-being, or campus safety should notify Excelsior Administration. While Excelsior may not be able to intervene directly, this information helps maintain a safe learning environment.
Excelsior Classes values partnership with parents and strives to maintain a Christ-honoring, respectful learning environment for all students and teachers. We expect families to interact with faculty and staff in a courteous, professional manner at all times.
Parents should support academic honesty, encourage student independence, and communicate respectfully—especially when raising concerns. Repeated disrespectful behavior, harassment of staff, public disparagement, or attempts to bypass course expectations may result in withdrawal of services.
A full version of our Parent Code of Conduct is available in our Terms and Conditions section.
Excelsior Classes is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), affirming the academic excellence of our online homeschool courses and high school diploma program.
Families may take courses on an à la carte basis.
At the end of each Excelsior Classes course, teachers provide a Final Grade Verification PDF. This document includes the student’s name, course title, teacher name, and final grade. It serves as official proof of course completion and is ideal for homeschool recordkeeping or transcript development.
Parents may also log in to the student’s account in the Learning Management System (Canvas) to access and print the detailed course gradebook. We recommend doing this before the course closes.
Families enrolled in a la carte courses may request an official one-page summary of their student’s academic progress. This grade summary is available for students in either grades 5–8 or grades 9–12 and includes the following:
Note: All courses completed with a final grade will be listed. Parents cannot select or exclude specific courses or grades.
To request a grade summary, please complete the Comprehensive Grade Summary Form.
Fees:
Excelsior Classes provides final course grade reports for enrolled students. A comprehensive grade summary for an enrolled student is available as an optional, paid service if requested. Excelsior does not award academic credit or calculate grade point averages (GPA).
The information below is provided as general guidance only to help families understand how courses are commonly recorded on a homeschool transcript and how colleges may view course rigor.
Credits answer the question: How much does this course count toward high-school graduation?
LETU-Aligned Course (High-School Credit Only / Honors-Level – not enrolled with LETU)
This is the same college-level course taught at the same depth and rigor as the dual-credit option, but taken without college enrollment. For homeschool transcript purposes, Excelsior recommends recording this course as an Honors-level course. The amount of high-school credit awarded (½ or 1 credit) is determined by the homeschool parent or transcript provider based on their preferred credit model
LETU Dual Credit Course (enrolled)
Counts as 1 full high-school credit and also earns official college credit, recorded on an official LeTourneau University transcript.
AP (Advanced Placement) Course
Counts as 1 full high-school credit. This course appears on the homeschool transcript as an AP course. College credit, if awarded, is determined later by the student’s AP exam score and the policies of the receiving college or university.
This answers the question: How challenging is this course compared to others?
On a homeschool transcript, courses are typically labeled to show their level of academic rigor. Colleges review these labels to understand not just which courses a student completed, but how demanding those courses were.
LETU courses taken without college enrollment are generally considered advanced high-school coursework (similar to Honors).
AP courses are considered college-level coursework.
LETU dual-credit courses represent completed college coursework.
To reflect differences in course rigor, many homeschool families use what is commonly called a weighted GPA. A weighted GPA gives additional consideration to more rigorous courses so that students who take on greater academic challenge are not disadvantaged when GPAs are compared.
While methods vary, a common approach works as follows:
A = 4.0
B = 3.0
C = 2.0
D = 1.0
Often add 0.5 points
A = 4.5
B = 3.5
Often add 1.0 point
A = 5.0
B = 4.0
This approach allows a GPA to reflect both academic performance and course rigor, helping colleges better evaluate college readiness. The exact GPA calculation method used may vary by homeschool, umbrella school, transcript service, or district.
Families should also be aware that some states and scholarship programs have very specific GPA calculation requirements. For example, certain state-funded scholarships require GPAs to be calculated using prescribed formulas that may differ from common homeschool practices. Families are encouraged to review their state’s higher education or scholarship guidelines when preparing a transcript, especially if a student plans to apply for state-based merit awards.
Credits determine how much a course counts toward graduation.
Course level and GPA consideration help show how academically challenging the course was.
Families are encouraged to consult their homeschool umbrella, transcript service, or prospective colleges for specific transcript or GPA requirements.
Access to Canvas classrooms is limited to the active course term. Once a class ends and grades are finalized, the course is archived and no longer accessible to students or parents.
Canvas access timeline:
Important:
About ePortfolios:
Canvas ePortfolios only display content from currently active courses. They do not retain data from archived classes and should not be used as a long-term storage tool for record keeping.
It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to download and save all documentation needed for personal homeschool files or transcript support before course access ends.
Excelsior Classes offers a wide selection of NCAA-approved core courses that meet eligibility standards for student-athletes preparing for collegiate competition. To ensure that your student’s academic records are submitted correctly to the NCAA Eligibility Center, please follow these guidelines:
Important: Before submitting the NCAA Grade Report Request Form, families must ensure that Excelsior Classes is listed as a school attended on the student’s NCAA Eligibility Center portal. We cannot submit documentation unless this has been completed.
Once received, our team will prepare and submit the appropriate documentation directly to the NCAA.
Please note: It is the responsibility of the family to initiate both reporting requests. Missing either the junior or senior year submission may delay NCAA eligibility processing.
Families may request to change or drop a course prior to the start of the academic year by contacting Registration (registration@excelsiorclasses.com). Please include the student name, change desired (with specific course/group titles), and the order number if possible.
The following policies apply:
If you have questions, please contact us at registration@excelsiorclasses.com.
Withdrawing from a course means the student will no longer participate in the class or submit work, and no formal feedback or grade will be provided from the withdrawal point onward. This is different from auditing, which still includes class access and feedback on submitted work (but no final grade). More information about auditing can be found in our Auding a Course folder above.
We kindly ask parents to notify the teacher and Registration (registration@excelsiorclasses.com) if their student is leaving a course so instructors can update internal records and stop expecting submissions.
Excelsior Classes strives to maintain small class sizes in order to provide students with meaningful interaction and personalized feedback. If a course reaches capacity, families may request to be placed on a waitlist.
To join a waitlist, please email registration@excelsiorclasses.com. Be sure to include the student’s name, the desired course, and your contact information.
When notified of an open spot, families will typically have 24–48 hours to confirm enrollment before the space is offered to the next student on the list.
Being on a waitlist does not guarantee eventual placement in the course. We recommend enrolling in an alternate course or section if your student requires a specific subject for the semester.
If a course experiences high demand, Excelsior Classes may consider opening an additional section, pending teacher availability. Families on the waitlist will be contacted if that occurs.
While Excelsior Classes works diligently to ensure all scheduled courses run as planned, we reserve the right to cancel a course prior to the start of the semester. A course may be canceled due to low enrollment, unforeseen teacher unavailability, or other extenuating circumstances.
If a course is canceled, affected families will be notified as soon as possible via email. Families may choose from the following options:
Transfer the deposit to another course offered within the same academic year (subject to availability)
Request a refund of the deposit
Receive guidance from registration staff to find an appropriate alternate placement
Excelsior Classes is not responsible for additional costs (such as materials or textbooks) incurred for canceled classes. We recommend waiting to purchase books and supplies until after the class is confirmed.
Students enrolled in a live course who wish to switch to the self-paced format may do so for a $50 transfer fee, provided the self-paced version of the course is available. An overview of self-paced course titles is found our our Self-Paced Online Courses description page. This option can be helpful in situations involving scheduling conflicts, illness, or shifting academic demands.
To initiate this change, please email registration@excelsiorclasses.com with the student’s name, current course information, and reason for the request.
Please note:
To participate fully in Excelsior Classes, students must have reliable access to technology that meets our platform and instructional requirements. Families are responsible for maintaining a home setup that supports video conferencing, online coursework, and class participation.
A reliable desktop or laptop computer (Windows or Mac recommended)
A working microphone and speakers or headset
A high-speed internet connection (the faster, the better)
A supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari)
Basic word processing and file uploading capabilities
A printer, scanner, or mobile scanning app (for handwritten assignments)
Note: Chromebooks, iPads, and mobile phones may have limited compatibility with some course functions. These devices are not recommended for full participation.
Note: Class recordings are available as streaming, view-only resources within the Excelsior platform and require a stable internet connection to access. Downloading or saving videos is not permitted. For details, please see the full Class Recordings & Access Policy.
Some courses—particularly foreign language classes—require a dedicated headset microphone. Built-in laptop microphones may not meet audio quality requirements.
Teachers may require camera and microphone use for specific assignments, such as presentations, oral assessments, or class participation activities. There are no exceptions for participation in these cases.
Please consult individual course descriptions or contact the teacher directly to confirm if video or audio presentations are required for a particular class.
Learn more about our policies for Class Participation, Chat, and Camera Use in the folder above.
Many instructors use Zoom’s “annotate” feature for activities like labeling diagrams, circling answers, or highlighting. However, annotation is not supported on all devices or Zoom client versions.
Chromebooks, iPads, and MacBooks may not support annotation unless specific versions of Zoom are installed.
For MacBooks: Download and install the Zoom desktop client.
For Chromebooks: Install the Android version of Zoom (instructions available on Google’s support site).
Without annotation capability, students may not be able to fully participate in interactive classroom activities.
Excelsior Classes uses Canvas LMS to host all coursework. To ensure compatibility and ease of access:
Use Chrome, Firefox, or Safari as your web browser.
Do not use Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer. These browsers are unsupported and may result in incomplete submissions or access problems.
Safari may have limitations for some Canvas features (e.g., video recording). If a problem occurs, students may need to switch browsers to complete tasks.
If using an iPad, students should access Canvas through the official Canvas app, not a browser. Be aware that Apple products may introduce extra complications, particularly around video and file uploads.
Some courses may require students to use:
Google Docs, Google Slides, or Google Sites
A Google account to access shared documents or collaborate in the LMS environment
Parents who do not already use Google may create a dedicated Gmail account for their student’s coursework and monitor usage as needed.
Canvas is Excelsior’s official Learning Management System (LMS). Students receive login credentials in late July prior to the start of the school year. The Canvas login can be accessed from the Excelsior website under the Community Tab or directly here.
Upon login, students must:
Additional setup steps:
Students will see their courses appear in Canvas on the following dates:
August 1 for fall semester and full-year courses
January 1 for spring semester courses
If students or parents have questions about a course before it appears in Canvas, please contact the instructor directly using the information on the course listing.
Parents can monitor student progress in two ways:
Log in as the student using their credentials. This is the most comprehensive view.
Use the Canvas Parent App (available after classes begin) for basic access. Instructions are sent the second week of classes when enrollment settles.
Important notes:
The parent app does not show full assignment feedback or rubric details.
The Canvas inbox is not monitored by Excelsior instructors. Please email teachers using your regular email client for all communication. Messages sent within Canvas may not receive a response.
Zoom links for each course will be posted on the home page of the class in Canvas.
Expectations for student Zoom use:
High school students are encouraged to upload a Zoom profile photo that matches their Canvas photo. While optional, this helps build classroom community.
Younger students using a parent’s Zoom account may upload a student photo to help instructors recognize them.
Students must log in with their real name only. Distracting names, avatars, political messaging, or inappropriate green screens are not allowed.
Students who violate Zoom conduct expectations may be dismissed from live sessions or restricted from attending if the behavior continues.
To maintain security and organization in our virtual classrooms, students must log into Zoom using the following format:
First Name + Last Initial + State Abbreviation
Example: Polly W. – FL
This helps teachers verify attendance and match participants to Canvas enrollment records. The Zoom name should always match the name listed in Canvas.
If your student experiences difficulty accessing Canvas or encounters a technical issue during class participation, help is available — but please try a few common fixes first, as many problems are easily resolved.
Before submitting a ticket, please try the following:
These steps resolve many common problems with Canvas and Zoom.
For Canvas login issues:
For other technical issues within Canvas:
Providing complete and accurate information helps us resolve your issue more quickly.
By registering for classes, clubs, studies, or events with Excelsior Classes, parents and guardians agree to the terms outlined below. A copy of these terms is included on your order receipt and serves as a binding agreement between you and Excelsior Classes LLC.
When placing an order, you confirm that you have read and agreed to our website’s Terms & Conditions and Refund Policies. You understand that your personal data will be used to process your order and support your experience throughout our website, in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
You acknowledge that:
You have reviewed the Student Code of Conduct and understand that your student is expected to abide by it.
You have read and accepted the Academic Honesty Policy and AI Policy. You and your student agree to follow all assignment and exam directions, including requirements such as the use of Google Docs, revision history, and proctoring procedures. Failure to comply may result in a zero for the assignment or other consequences as outlined in the policy.
You have reviewed Required Materials (including books and resources) prior to registration and understand that refunds will not be granted for disagreement with course content.
You understand that Excelsior Classes teaches from a Christian worldview. Our Statement of Faith and Guiding Principles are provided for informational purposes. While students and parents are not required to be Christians or to affirm our statement of faith, this philosophical foundation informs our instructional approach.
You have taken reasonable steps to ensure that your student is placed appropriately, including taking placement exams (when applicable) and consulting with the teacher for students with learning differences or accommodation needs.
You understand that technology requirements are essential for participation and that it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure students have access to a working computer, microphone, reliable internet connection, and any other necessary tools.
Enrollment in any Excelsior Classes offering indicates your acceptance of these terms.
Our refund policy is comprehensively covered on the website.
Excelsior Classes makes every effort to provide a high-quality, uninterrupted educational experience. However, by enrolling in our courses, clubs, or programs, you acknowledge and agree to the following limitations:
Excelsior Classes is not liable for interruptions or disruptions in service caused by internet outages, third-party platform issues, or technical difficulties beyond our control (including but not limited to Canvas LMS, Zoom, or email systems).
We are not responsible for technical problems on the user’s end, including outdated devices, insufficient bandwidth, or local software conflicts that interfere with class access or participation.
Excelsior Classes is not liable for any academic, emotional, or personal outcomes resulting from student participation in classes, clubs, or events.
While we strive for accurate course descriptions and expectations, we are not responsible for unmet expectations or subjective dissatisfaction with content, teaching style, workload, or grading unless a policy violation has occurred.
Our courses may include external links or references to third-party content. Excelsior Classes is not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or appropriateness of external websites or materials.
Participation in Excelsior Classes offerings constitutes acknowledgment of these limitations and agreement to hold Excelsior Classes LLC harmless in such cases.
Participation in Excelsior Classes requires reliable access to technology. Families are responsible for ensuring that their students have the tools necessary to engage fully with the course content and classroom experience.
Minimum technology requirements include:
A functioning computer or laptop (Chromebooks may work for many courses but are not universally supported)
A working microphone and speakers or headset
A stable, high-speed internet connection
A modern web browser with updated software
Access to a printer, scanner, or scanner app (for submitting handwritten work, if required)
Parent and student responsibilities:
Maintain working devices and up-to-date software. Excelsior Classes cannot provide individual tech support for personal devices or troubleshoot problems related to internet connectivity, browser settings, or conflicting software.
Test technology before the school year begins. We strongly recommend logging into Canvas, accessing Zoom links, and completing any setup or tutorials prior to the first day of class.
Respond promptly to technical issues. If a problem arises, students and parents should communicate with the teacher and the Excelsior support team as soon as possible.
Excelsior Classes is not responsible for:
Issues caused by student or household technology problems
Missed work, late submissions, or absences due to avoidable tech issues
Platform disruptions or outages beyond our control (e.g., Canvas or Zoom systemwide downtime)
Inability to participate due to blocked or filtered content on school or home networks
It is the family’s responsibility to ensure their technology environment supports a positive learning experience. Please refer to the Technology Requirements document (linked in your registration materials) for further guidance.
Excelsior Classes may occasionally refer students to third-party services or external educational providers, including but not limited to:
Please note the following:
Excelsior Classes reserves the right to modify policies, procedures, course offerings, or program requirements at any time in response to changes in best practices, legal regulations, technology platforms, or organizational needs.
Please note the following:
We are committed to transparency and fairness. Our policies are designed to serve the best interests of our students, families, and instructors while maintaining the integrity and quality of the Excelsior educational experience.
