FAQs

 

Is Bethesda an orphanage?

No. The students who attend Bethesda Academy, including those who reside on campus, come from families who play an active part in their upbringing. Of the 122 students who attend Bethesda Academy, approximately 46 live on campus. These students arrive on campus Sunday evening and go home to their families on Friday after their school activities. Bethesda was originally founded in 1740 as an orphanage, but its mission and focus have evolved over the years to include students from a variety of family settings.

 

How many Bethesda alumni are there?

More than 12,000 boys have been a part of Bethesda’s legacy since its founding in 1740. A Bethesda boy has fought in every war ever fought by this country. Bethesda alumni have gone on to make significant contributions in a number of fields including business, medicine and professional sports. Eighty-five percent of Bethesda’s endowment, came from men who had once grown up at Bethesda. Bethesda alum Barney Diamond, left the largest legacy to date, and the endowment supports the enrollment of young boys whose families can not afford the cost of the Bethesda Academy experience.

 

 

Does Bethesda’s Cottage and Residential Faculty have other jobs?

At Bethesda, being a houseparent and cottage teacher is a full-time job and Bethesda Cottage teachers are professional staff members who come to houseparenting from a variety of child-related, educational professions.. Every evening, houseparents are responsible for making sure homework and chores are completed, developing recreational activities, and ensuring that all of the boys in the cottage are in bed on time.

 

 

How is Bethesda financially supported?

Bethesda is a privately funded organization; therefore, revenues are generated through fundraising, special events, scholarships,grants, social enterprise, and tuition. We also draw a rolling percentage from our endowment each year. We are extremely grateful for our financial supporters, as they are an integral part of ensuring Bethesda’s success. Bethesda does not receive federal, state, or local educational funds.

 

 

 

How do families afford Bethesda?

Bethesda is a private school and, as such, families are expected to pay tuition.  It is important to note, however, that every student at Bethesda Academy receives scholarship and/or financial aid support.  Many of our Georgia based students qualify for and receive partial scholarships from the Georgia GOAL Scholarship program, which is funded through tax credits secured Bethesda Academy’s fundraising efforts.

The funds raised annually by Bethesda are secured for the purpose of making Bethesda a viable opportunity for the young men – and their families – who can benefit from our program.  Upon receipt of a completed the financial aid package, our finance office works closely with each family to establish and customize a tuition agreement.  This financial commitment is a necessary investment in the tremendous opportunity that their son is receiving at Bethesda. Tuition is billed monthly and parents must remain current with their tuition payments in order for their son to remain enrolled at Bethesda Academy.