Located on state Highway 30, just west of Huntsville, Alpha Omega Academy offers a classical, non-denominational approach for parents looking to enroll their students in private education.
Parents searching for an alternative to public school choose Alpha Omega Academy for its numerous benefits and unique education model. The school educates students from pre-K to 12th grade, with an average class size of 17 students.
The academy combines Classical and Christian education to train students to think critically and grow in the wisdom of God. Alpha Omega Academy Development Director Emily deMilliano says this approach prepares students for life after graduation.
“We equip students with the tools to be life-long learners, and partner with parents in the training of their children to be effective Christian leaders who will impact the world for Christ,” she says.
A smaller teacher to student ratio allows instructors to spend more time with each child, develop their strengths and address their weaknesses. Compared to local public schools, Alpha Omega classes average 10 students less per classroom.
The benefits of a smaller class roster reflect in the performance of academy students. A comparison found on the Alpha Omega Academy website shows students outperformed the state and national averages in both the mathematics and English portions of the SAT.
An Alpha Omega student is all smiles during a presentation.
“The core of Classical education is the trivium [grammar, logic and rhetoric], which is a teaching model that seeks to tailor the curriculum subject matter to a child’s cognitive development,” deMilliano says.
An Alpha Omega student’s education is split into three core learning strategies. In grade school, children focus on concrete thinking and memorization of subject matter. Middle school teaches analytical thinking and understanding of subjects. When a student reaches high school, instructors introduce abstract thinking and articulation of the subjects.
“Classical Christian education is further characterized by a rich exposure to the history, art and culture of Western civilization, as well as philosophy, literature and the development of a biblical worldview,” deMilliano says.
Parents hoping to enroll their student can begin the application process at any time during the year. Director deMilliano recommends contacting Alpha Omega Academy to schedule a tour of their campus before making the decision.
“After the tour and initial meeting, there is an application, academic assessment and interview with the students and their family,” she says. “We are not affiliated with any particular denomination but consider ourselves evangelistic in our outreach to Huntsville.”
The school encourages families to begin the application process early. The academy recommends anyone hoping to begin enrollment in the fall apply before March. The application, along with supplemental forms, a recommendation letter from a pastor, teacher or counselor and an application fee must be completed to start the review process.
Academy teachers embody the motto, “There really is a difference.”
Secondary school students in the classroom.
“‘There really is a difference at Alpha Omega Academy.’ That is a familiar motto at our school,” she says.
Once enrolled, students have multiple opportunities to become involved in extracurricular activities and prepare for higher education. The academy offers a full sports program including football, volleyball, cross country, track and field, golf, baseball, softball and basketball.
Other organizations on campus include drama, dance, mock trial, FFA, FCA, NHS, Student Council, Interact and more.
Additional benefits for families include affordable daily hot lunch for students, early drop-off and after-school care.
At the core, Alpha Omega Academy strives to prepare its graduates for higher education and life well beyond the classroom. During their junior and senior year, students prepare and present a thesis to graduate.
“Our students are trained to think for themselves,” deMilliano says. “Our biggest goal is to train students to become life-long learners who will be effective Christian leaders.”
An AOA grammar student raises her hand in class.
The financial commitment of a private education deters some parents from considering the academy for their child. Tuition at Alpha Omega costs $6,540 annually, significantly less than other private institutions in the area.
To help families with enrollment costs, Alpha Omega Academy partners with FACTS Business Solutions for Education, a third-party evaluation company who determines scholarship amounts based on financial need.
“We do not receive any government or institutional funding,” she says. “Our grants are limited because Alpha Omega is solely funded through tuition, registration and curriculum. The third-party company reviews applicants and makes recommendations for assistance.”
Alpha Omega Academy celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. The academy, which graduated three students in its inaugural class, now enrolls 500 children each year. To keep up with growth and continue to provide attendants with a comfortable educational environment, Alpha Omega added a grammar wing in 2019 and a 70-seat lecture hall in 2022.
Visit alphaomegaacademy.org for more information, to schedule a tour or start the application process for the 2023-2024 academic year.
