2. Can I make monthly payments?
Yes. Monthly payments run from August through May of each school year.

3. Do you have scholarships/financial aid?
No, we do not offer financial aid or scholarships at this time.

4. How early can children be dropped off / picked up?
We offer extended hours that allow for a 7:15 a.m. drop-off and pick-up as late as 5:15 p.m. Students requiring before and/or after school care are under the supervision of a teacher at all times. Local day care centers also offer drop-off and pick-up at Governor French Academy.

5. What is your form of discipline?
Students are sent out of the classroom to the "bench" to be addressed by the Headmaster.

6. How many students are in a classroom?
Lower School classrooms average 20 students. Enrollment for Upper School is approximately 70 students and individual class size varies according to subject.

7. Are your teachers "certified" teachers?
Our teachers are not required to be state certified. Most of our teachers are certified by the State of Illinois, some are certified by other states, and a few teachers are not state -certified. However, all are college educated, many with masters degrees. All are hired because of their demonstrated abilities with children.

8. At what age do kids start at GFA?
Students must be at least 48 months of age to be considered for admission.

9. How much homework will my child have?
This varies, depending on age of the student, on the subject, on the level, on the teacher, and on many other factors. However, the longer school day helps students get homework done at school - if they use their time wisely.

10. Do you have problems with people walking in off the streets AKA - SAFETY?
Classroom building doors are kept locked from the outside at all times. All visitors are directed to report to the administration building next door.

11. Do you have a gifted program?
No. GFA teaches each student at his/her capacity. We have individualized instruction within all classes.

12. Do you have special education classes?
No. GFA teaches each student at his/her capacity. We have individualized instruction within all classes.

13. My child has ADD/ADHD. Will GFA work for him/her?
We currently have students with ADD/ADHD who are successful in the classroom. GFA works well for many because classes are small and work is individualized.

14. Do you have sports?
Yes. All Lower School students participate in martial arts. Upper School students have options of co-ed softball, co-ed soccer, basketball, and girl's volleyball. Students may also choose to play chess. In addition, some students participate off campus in individual sports such as equestrian programs, swimming, golf, etc.

15. Is there a discount (on tuition) for multiple children?
Yes. 10%

16. Do you have music classes?
No. However, students may request a flexible school schedule to accommodate private lessons outside of school. Students interested in music are encouraged to seek private lessons and/or pursue involvement in the Belleville Jr. Philharmonic or St. Louis Jr. Symphony.

17. Do you have a cafeteria?
No. Lunch for all students is 11:00 - 12:00 noon. Some students bring lunch from home (microwaves are available) or place an order to receive pizza on Mondays and Fridays. Upper School students may purchase food from neighboring restaurants or they may leave campus during lunch for more distant locations.

18. If we have to move, will it be difficult for my child to transition from GFA into a bigger, public school?
Possibly. Some students miss the individualized attention but usually have the good work habits to succeed. Tools like the IOWA Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) help public schools in placing students appropriately.

19. Will my child find the transition from public to private school difficult?
Possibly, but we don't think so. Most students do very well because of our small size and individualized attention.