Survey Responses
We sent out an e-mail survey to about 250 of our parents
of our graduates for the last three years. Out of the approximately 60
responses to our survey, 57 answered the question, "What
suggestions could you give us that would help make us a better school?"
Of these 19 indicated some level of dissatisfaction, 20
were positive and complimentary, and 10 were a little of both. 8 were suggestions
for new services or improvements to existing services and some of these
we had not considered before. These survey results are not statistically
valid from a scientific point of view because those surveyed only included
those with valid e-mail addresses. This means the sample is not truly random
which may have skewed the results in some unforeseen way. Nevertheless,
it worked for our purposes in terms of beginning to get an idea of what
has happened to our graduates, identifying colleges that accept our graduates,
and getting some suggestions to improve our school from experienced home
school families. Also, since we asked for suggestions for improvement in
some sense we were kind of "asking for it". We are truly thankful to all
those who took the time to respond to our survey and help us identify areas
where we can improve.
Most of the nineteen unsatisfied sounding remarks had
to do with communication difficulties. We are constantly working on improving
this but unless we triple or quadruple our prices we will never be able
to have 24 hour a day, 7 days a week telephone coverage which some people
seem to expect. Some typical comments:
| "More timely in getting out requests for transcripts, ID cards, etc."
"One of my suggestions for FCA that stems from my greatest need is to
be able to pick up the phone and talk to someone about a question. If that
is available, tell me where to call and who to ask for. Some times when
I am on-line, I have a question about how to do something. Other times,
I just need information and need it quickly. So a hotline type number would
be very helpful to those of us doing records online, who live out of town."
"Have more phone lines/ personnel so that local branches are easier
to contact." |
We are working on getting some additional lines and voice
mail boxes that are sorted by topic. It would help us if our members would
look at our contact information page at http://www.familychristianacademy.com/contact.html
and try to choose the appropriate person to start with. We lose a lot of
time transferring requests to the proper department.
Ten people mixed criticism with compliments and suggestions.
Some examples:
| "I always appreciated the ease with which we could list our curriculum,
etc., and report attendance and grades. The year we were with you was probably
the most hassle-free home school year I've experienced in 15 years. The
people we had contact with were always Christ-like in their responses to
our questions (when we finally got hold of them). It was a good overall
experience."
"Thank you for your desire to continue to improve. We had a great experience
with FCA. I felt that I could call you and you all would help me. I liked
the bookstore and I always helped with testing at the end of the year to
remind me why I loved home education and to be thankful. I know that you
have been changing with the times and adding curriculum along with many
other changes. I can't think of any thing that needed to be changed, except,
perhaps, more employees to answer questions, as I have talked to other
home schoolers who said you were too busy to answer questions and give
help. Thank you. May you be blessed in this continuing endeavor."
"At first I was frustrated with the record keeping system at FCA. It
was hard to reach anyone on the phone. There was a lot of difficulty with
getting their transcripts correct, especially when you were switching over
to the automated system. It seems the kinks have been worked out and I
also have become better acquainted with how to use your on-line system.
It still isn't the most user friendly website, but it's getting better.
I like the improvements I've been seeing." |
The twenty complimentary comments were somewhat a surprise
since we had specifically asked for suggestions for improvement. Some of
the complimentary comments:
| "I think Family Christian Academy is the best thing I could have ever
done with my children."
"I can't think of a thing that I needed from Family Christian Academy
that I did not receive. We have been very independent, but you were always
there when I had questions. You provided the standardized testing we needed;
the bookstore was convenient; the records have been adequate for my young
men to apply to and be accepted at major universities."
"We were thoroughly satisfied with Family Christian Academy and all
their efforts throughout the years."
"Our student applied at two schools, was accepted and awarded academic
scholarships and music scholarships at both. The official transcript from
FCA along with the SAT scores were the key to admission since our
student had been home schooled all twelve years. The official transcript
made a big difference and the Stanford Achievement Test scores backed-up
the grades." |
Two new ideas that were suggested that we are considering:
| "Help with locating scholarship money for college."
"Would of liked to have seen a graduation ceremony in" our location. |
If you have some suggestions that would help our school
become better contact suggestions@familychristianacademy.com.
(Some of the replies quoted above were edited to hide
the identity of the respondent.) |
