Haywood Christian Academy announces the expansion of their scholarship program for students who want to transfer this school year.

Families may apply online by clicking HERE. The school has recognized an unprecedented number of families unable to afford the cost of private school tuition.

HCA's scholarship promotion includes athletic scholarships, academic scholarships, and tuition assistance funds of up to $2,500 per student. The application may be found HERE. HCA is in their fifth year as an independent private Christian school located in Clyde. Their administration is looking to make opportunities for new families in this time of economic recession.

Not surprisingly, more families who are keeping their children in private schools are seeking financial assistance. The National Association of Independent Schools reports that between 2008 and this year, the amount of financial aid awarded to families increased 36 percent. Across the country more families are asking for money, so less aid is being awarded per student. "We don't want to reduce the award amount per family because of the increased need, so we are pleased to increase our assistance program instead", says Blake Stanbery, Headmaster at HCA.

The timing for those interested in athletics is great because basketball season is just getting underway. HCA competes in the Blue Ridge Christian Conference and has a 16-game schedule that includes 1-A high schools such as Nantahala and Blue Ridge as well as perennial private school power Veritas. The first game is November 22^nd. HCA has soccer, baseball and golf on the schedule for the spring.

The academic timing for transferring between schools can be easy in early November or mid-January because of the 9-week grading periods that end at those times. HCA is on a modified block schedule for middle and high school and their semester ends January 13th. Although some classes are full, there are seats available in this soon to be accredited K-12 school. "We have been gaining momentum as we approach global accreditation status for next school year and want to avoid any economic setbacks," says Stacey Messer, HCA's development director. "This recession has been a game-changer," says Messer. "We went through a period where Americans had extra income, but that period has ended."