NAUMS - The University-Model ®

Parents play a vital role in the mission of the University-Model®. God has entrusted them with the responsibility of shepherding their children—mentoring them to know Christ and to live according to His purposes. It is by God’s design that parents lead their children to recognize that they are deeply blessed and called to be a blessing in the world.

Today’s Christian youth are constantly bombarded with messages from the culture that promote inadequate and ultimately unfulfilling goals. They are enticed by counterfeit purposes that fall far short of God’s best—such as personal happiness apart from a relationship with God, popularity, acceptance, romantic and sexual relationships, and worldly measures of success in academics, the arts, sports, or material wealth. These influences encourage a life guided by personal desires, detached from accountability to absolute truth.

The University-Model® exists to partner with parents who are committed to raising their children as responsible citizens of God’s Kingdom. UM schools focus on discipleship rather than evangelism, dedicating their resources to training young men and women who are willing, equipped, and courageous—prepared to influence the world around them for the glory of God.

What is NAUMS?

NAUMS, Inc. stands for the National Association of University‑Model® Schools. It is a U.S.-based nonprofit (established in 2002) that promotes a blended educational model combining traditional classroom instruction with homeschooling, primarily within a Christian context .

What is The University-Model® ?

The University-Model® is a five-day academic program with students spending 2-3 days in the central classroom and 2-3 days in their “satellite classroom” at home. Both classrooms are under the supervision of the professional educator.

Because the goal is to prepare students to become spiritually and academically independent, the University-Model® provides a gradual transition from the home to the school. Since younger children typically need more time at home, PCCA K-5 students attend school two days a week (Tuesday, Thursday), while being in the satellite classroom three days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday).

Note: In 2010, the NAUMS, Inc. Board of Trustees voted to permit the officials of University-Model® schools to implement three-day programs for full-time elementary students, although the two-day elementary schedule is considered ideal.

The teachers are in charge of all direct instruction in the central classroom, and they encourage and expect students to learn the material assigned through independent practice and homework. Teachers also provide consistent feedback to students and parents regarding the progress in each class.

The University-Model® offers a rigorous, college-preparatory education that is second to none. Validation of the University-Model® by the entire educational community proves its value as a highly credible alternative model of education. The Cognia accreditation of NAUMS, Inc., along with the growing number of accredited NAUMS, Inc. member schools, support this belief.

The credibility of the University-Model® is reinforced through its registered trademark, official certification process, and alignment with Cognia accreditation standards.

University-Model® certification requirements are directly mapped to Cognia’s accreditation framework. The accreditation of NAUMS, Inc. by Cognia paved the way for individual University-Model® schools to also pursue Cognia accreditation.

Cognia is the world’s largest network of education professionals. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, it conducts comprehensive, on-site reviews of PreK–12 schools and education systems—including corporations like NAUMS, Inc.—to ensure that every learner can reach their full potential. Backed by over a century of experience in school accreditation, Cognia goes beyond simply verifying that schools meet standards. Its mission is to partner with schools to promote continuous improvement and growth.