About Us

Our Mission:

5:16 Academy was established in 2020 to help Alabama families navigate the sometimes complicated world of homeschooling regulations. We strive to connect our families with others in their geographic area, thus creating a sense of community and belonging.

Our Motto:

Let Your Light Shine!

What We Believe:

5:16 Academy was created by a former public school teacher with over 15 years experience in Alabama elementary and middle schools. Once a strong supporter of public schooling and a vocal critic of homeschooling, she began to see things differently after becoming the mother of a special-needs child. As time for kindergarten approached, she realized that the typical public school was NOT the right environment for her child, and 5:16 Academy was born.

We believe in public schools, but we also believe that public schools aren't right for every learner. In particular, we know that academically gifted students and special-needs students often need much more than they are receiving in their local schools. For many of these students, the best option is homeschooling, with a strong focus on academics tailored to meet the needs of each individual child. For our more advanced students, we believe in a solid college-prep foundation supplemented by topics that are of interest to the individual student. For our special-needs students, we believe in designing an academic program that is beneficial to that particular child, while placing a heavy emphasis on life skills and community involvement activites.


Our Requirements:

All students:

  • At the end of each semester, parents MUST submit an attendance log and grading record. Parents should keep on hand (but do not submit to us) an updated copy of your child's immunization record.

  • We provide our families with a detailed listing of suggested courses and recommended textbooks for each grade level. Generally, this includes Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education, in addition to electives such as Foreign Language, Bible Study, Computer Science, Geography, Music, Art, and Life Skills.

  • We require Cursive Handwriting instruction for all 3rd graders.


Additional requirements for high school students:

  • We require our students to follow the Alabama Department of Education's graduation requirements. (See our Resources page for the link.)

  • 5:16 Academy requires all students to take both the ACT and SAT college entrance exams.

  • Each student will be required to complete a minimum number of community service hours.

  • Students will be required to successfully pass a driver’s education course.

  • Students are encouraged to earn credits via Dual Enrollment at Bevill State Community College.

  • Students are expected to be active in their community through participation in programs such as youth sports, scouting, church groups, and/or part-time employment.

  • (Exceptions can be made for special-needs students.)