Most of our students are typical kids who come from a problem home situation not of their making (such as divorce, separation or death of a parent). We are geared to help students in normal physical and emotional health who are able to perform at their normal grade level in school.
Often they have a single parent who is unable to give the time and structure needed. Sometimes the family is together but dysfunctional, and sometimes elderly relatives are unable to continue caring for a child. The common thread is that these young people are in situations that are unhealthy or unmanageable for them - they need a stable environment.
Our desire is that no young person be turned away because of a lack of financial resources. We believe that if our Heavenly Father desires for a young person to attend FCA, He will provide the finances through the family, FCA scholarship funds or a combination. For more information on tuition and scholarships, contact the Student Life Office at 662.547.6484.
Though our school was founded by Presbyterians in 1885, we are now an interdenominational organization. No child is turned away because of his religious beliefs, and we do not force our beliefs on a child. Students are, however, required to attend church on Sunday and weekly chapel and vespers services. Respect for the Lord and others is expected during these worship times. There are also personal discipleship opportunities for students. Our ultimate goal is to help build young people who love God with all their hearts, and their neighbors as themselves.
We prefer to call them "homes" because of the qualities that give them the look and feel of being at home. Each child lives with one roommate in a 16-18 student home. Student kitchen, den and laundry areas are available for free time and personal chores. A houseparent couple lives in the home and does all they can to make a happy home life for the students. House parents supervise study hall, take children to the doctor, cook an occasional meal with students, attend student activities and are available to the students all day, just as loving parents would be.
Paint ball, horse back riding, swimming, zip line into our 30 acre lake, bonfires, ball games, trips to the beach, movies, concerts, drama productions, only scratch the surface describing the diversity of activities offered throughout the year for young people living on French Camp's 900 acre campus.
Students are assigned to small teams supervised by FCA staff. Every 9 weeks they rotate to another team to learn a new job, with different responsibilities and objectives. This unique program is designed to teach basic skills, dependability and a good work ethic, and to introduce the students to different career choices. Beginning in the 7th grade, students are assigned to a supervised crew for an hour and a half each weekday after school and three hours on Saturday morning. Crews give the students hands-on experience in office skills, retail sales, landscaping, equine management, arts & crafts, building maintenance, photography and dining room service. Upon graduation from French Camp Academy a student will have a resume’ of experiences that can be used for future employment opportunities.
