Quick Reference: Semester Reporting Deadlines

First Semester
August 1 – February 28
Second Semester
January 15 – June 30
Summer Period
August 1 – September 30

We understand that managing semester reporting deadlines can feel overwhelming, but we're here to help you succeed! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about submitting work samples on time, what to do if you've missed a deadline, and how to set yourself up for future success.

First, you might appreciate this page about the due dates for submitting Semester Reporting Forms and work samples for the Transcript Option: When is semester reporting due?

Secondly, it is not a good idea to submit work samples after the due date as it is far too easy for late student work to get lost around the home. Additionally, it is important to submit work samples right after they are completed so they are easy to "fix" if there are pages missing from the scan, illegible pages, the wrong assignment submitted, or key elements of the assignment instructions ignored or overlooked. Advisors and staff will request any needed "fixes" through the STAA Student Zone, allowing students to resubmit their work during the reporting period. Submitting updated assignments outside of the reporting periods is likely to incur delayed advisor review of your student's semester reporting packet as well as late fees.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Semester Reporting Due Dates

The first semester reporting period is open August 1 through February 28. If your student's work samples are not submitted during the first semester reporting period that ends on February 28, he should report his coursework and submit his work sample in the second semester reporting period.

The second semester reporting period is open January 15 through June 30. If your student has a few courses that will not be ready to submit during the second semester reporting period that ends on June 30, he should report his coursework as a summer work.

The summer reporting period is open from August 1 to September 30. Students must be enrolled for the academic year that opens on August 1 to have access to the summer reporting period.

Important note for Grade 12 students: Grade 12 students will not have access to the summer reporting opportunity since they will not be enrolled for the academic year that begins on August 1.

Reach out to your advisor with questions about late reporting to discuss the timelines and late/extension fees that will apply. This also applies to students that do not renew their enrollment with St. Thomas Aquinas Academy because their schooling situation has changed and they will be transferring to another school or program.

Late Fee Structure

Extension Fees

First Semester: $35.00 per month for each Semester 1 Report Form not submitted or postmarked by 11:59 PM on February 28

Second Semester: $35.00 per month for each Semester 2 Report Form not submitted or postmarked by 11:59 PM on June 30

The Semester Report Form is a concise compilation of grades and progress and is the most important form in the semester reporting packet. To remain a current member of the STAA Diploma Program, Semester Report Forms must be submitted by the due dates of February 28 and June 30.

If some of the work from the semester is running late or needs to be rescheduled for a future semester, discuss the progress and options with your advisor before the due dates so we can help find a personalized solution for any unusual circumstances that arise during your semester.

Late fees primarily apply to Semester Report Forms or past due Incomplete/Amendment Forms. Discuss the situation surrounding late completion of work samples or other documentation with your advisor to put in place a reporting plan for such.

As mentioned above, meet with an advisor to obtain permission and instructions about how to submit late semester reporting paperwork.

Expedited Transcripts

Please note that staff time in June and July is in high demand—if your semester reporting is last-minute or late and you need a transcript rushed out to a college or other institution, it will be important to inquire about the expedited fee for urgent advisor processing and review of your student's semester reporting forms and work samples. Expedited advisor services are not always available—the best plan is to schedule the completion of your student's semesters for well in advance of the semester reporting deadlines.

Q. "I missed the reporting due date. What now?"

If your entire semester reporting packet is late, a few work samples are late, or a special form is late, reach out immediately to arrange a meeting with your advisor. To be eligible for inclusion on the transcript, all paperwork must be received in a timely fashion. Speak with your advisor to determine if the late items in question are still eligible for the transcript, how to submit the late paperwork, and what late fees apply to the late paperwork. Click here to schedule a meeting with your advisor or send an email to request a meeting.

Please note: An advisor meeting about late reporting is required. Late reporting/paperwork cannot be accepted without prior authorization. Late reporting/paperwork is still subject to the "paperwork must be submitted in a timely fashion" requirement.

Transcripts are Important!

Every high school student needs a transcript, but if participating in St. Thomas Aquinas Academy's diploma and transcript option is not the right option for your student, that's okay! Every academic year the Transcript Option is offered as an optional add-on to your student's enrollment. If you would prefer to not opt into St. Thomas Aquinas Academy's diploma and transcript program, parents can use an online transcript service like the one HSLDA offers or look for homeschool transcript-generating software from major homeschool suppliers to keep track of the courses their student completed and the credits and grades earned. If you decide to keep your own transcripts, you may still participate in the St. Thomas Aquinas Academy homeschool program for advisor placement, planning, and support; join live classes that fit your student's plan; or just register for the month-to-month independent study option.

Q. "We do year-round schooling. Does St. Thomas Aquinas Academy support our unique schedule?"

We gladly welcome and support parent-established, unique, year-round, and/or altogether unusual school academic calendars! When it comes to reporting, however, the two semester reporting due dates are still in place.

Families following unusual schedules will need to report all completed coursework that falls within the first reporting period (August 1 through February 28) and then report all completed coursework that falls with the second reporting period (anything started after August 1 that was not already reported and is concluded by June 30). Coursework completed over the summer can be reported during the summer reporting period when the STAA Student Zone opens for the new school year (August 1).

Q. "We have everything ready to report by the end of June except the required Grade 11 standardized test score report. What should we do?"

As with all reporting matters, please update your advisor about your plans, unusual circumstances, overlooked paperwork or requirements, or anything else that seems to be running outside of the standard due dates and support systems.

For submitting standardized test scores, we have a collection of tips and FAQs on the STAA Student Zone: Sign in to the site as a parent or student, click on the Main Menu's STAA Handbook link, and click on the "Submitting Your Standardized Test Results" article. That article covers most questions families ask about standardized testing. If your question isn't covered in the article, let your advisor know so we can add it!

And, of course, meet with your advisor to let STAA know about your plans and progress.

Member Families, visit the resources on the STAA Student Zone for more about this topic.

  • Go to www.staahomeschool.com/StudentZone.
  • Sign in with your teaching-parent username and password or your student username and password. (Need a copy of your member login?)
  • Once you are logged into the STAA Student Zone, you can find the course pages and Q&A Forums by clicking on the "My Courses" tab on the top menu. The vertical "Main Menu" navigation bar on the righthand side of the site has links to all of the general resources for member families.