POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. (AP) - Students at a private Christian high school set to open in August will clean classrooms, prepare meals and do other chores in lieu of tuition, offering parents who might not otherwise be able to afford it the opportunity to give their children a religious education, school officials said.
The new School of the Ozarks is scheduled to open Aug. 16 with 100-125 students in grades 9 through 12, The Springfield News-Leader reported (http://sgfnow.co/HZqx4s ).
It's a college preparatory high school connected to the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, which is known as "Hard Work U" because its students also do chores rather than pay tuition.
School officials said families will be charged for food, books and fees, with the exact cost varying depending on the classes. The school said it will spend about $11,450 annually to provide an education to each student but "what families will pay is nominal."
Organizers plan to begin accepting applications this week, but that hasn't stopped interested parents from calling, said Sue Head, dean of character education at the College of the Ozarks. "... The response has been overwhelming. The phone has been ringing off the hook."
Patriotism, good citizenship and the "Biblical world view" will be emphasized in every facet of the new high school. Students will be given a grade point average that includes character and work ethic as well as academics.
"School of the Ozarks will reflect the College's philosophical views by integrating a biblical worldview, character education, and patriotism into a rigorous academic curriculum," College of the Ozarks President Jerry Davis said in a news release. "Our program will provide area young people an opportunity for a unique, quality Christian education."
Details are being worked out to provide extra-curricular and sports activities for the students.
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Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com