Frequently Asked Questions:
Will there be teachers other than Mrs. G.?
Depending upon the number of students and the direction that they take with their independent learning options, yes, there may be additional teachers/classes or tutoring sessions during the open work time" (offered with an additional fee paid to be paid directly to the tutor/teacher). For instance, we are hoping to add the option of a French tutor for those interested. (Students who are not interested, will still enjoy their "work time" during the tutoring session.)
Will students ever take field trips?
Yes, the option for field trips will be considered although parents will have to agree to transport their own children. For instance, if one of the homeschool groups is hosting a special event, we may as a group commit to attending in lieu of classroom work for those hours.
Will class sizes be limited?
Yes, there will be a limit on the number of students enrolled in each educational opportunity as fits best for the course/tutor. For instance, more students will be accepted into the theater course than perhaps the architecture courses.
Are there sibling discounts?
Yes, there is the potential for sibling discounts adjusted on an individual basis.
How are the classes structured?
All classes are Project-Based. Most classes will have a short lecture, group conversation and a lot of in class, hands on creating! Students will be physically creating art and architecture, writing, and building in each of the courses. In courses like photography, students will learn to help critique each others' photos as well as try out some photo taking in class.
Is lunch served?
Students are required to bring their own lunch and snacks. We may very well use the kitchen for cooking based projects to be shared with the class etc.. and for health related activities, but we will not be serving food.
What about math?
Math is one of those subjects that we are leaving to mom and dad. Saxon math is one that we encourage as students can do quite a bit of it on their own. They are welcome to bring their math with them for open work time. We will have teen tutors who would love to earn a little bit with arranged tutoring times for math during open work times.
What about Religion?
While we believe it is the duty of the parents to instruct their children regarding Religion and no specific Religion course is being offered, each and every course will be taught with attention to how the subject relates to our Spiritual Lives. "Classes" will most often begin with prayer and faith based conversation will be fluent throughout our days. Students will be encouraged to pray the prayers of the Divine Office together at 12:00 and 3:00. Students will have access to pray in the chapel during their "open work" times if they so desire. The topic of the 2016-2017 school year as we study Ancient times is a huge concentration on learning how to be closer to Jesus by reading and studying the Bible.
What about Full-time Students?
The hope is that full-time students will join together to become a team of support for one another. Each will be provided their own desk, work space among other perks:). They will be given time to work individually, in groups and even some time to move around a bit and to socialize. When the weather is good, we will be taking some of their work-time to walk to the park, explore outside and perhaps we can even get a tennis coach out here once a week to give them a group tennis lesson. The exact "extra activities" available will be determined though parent, teacher, student conferences while will aim to help parents and students prepare a plan that will help them meet the goals for the 2016-2017 school year.
There is a limit of twelve full time students for the 2016-2017 school year. There is also a limit to the number of students accepted for each of the courses. Course priority will be given to those registered full-time.
What exactly is the mentoring option?
The mentoring option is a service for parents (and for students). Mrs. G. will meet with parents and student in the beginning of the school year to help create an individual educational plan for the student using the materials that parents have chosen for the year (or the unit). Mrs. G. will work with you to create some projects based on the material. Mrs. G. will also meet for a half an hour each week (or on a schedule you prefer) for the student to "check in" and to be "coached along". For example, mom might say during the week, "Susie, I suggest that you do at great job with your math assignment so that when you show it to Mrs. G. she is impressed.". The mentoring option takes some of the pressure off of mom and gives the student an "educational coach" to help them stay accountable and to encourage them along the way.
Do you assign grades to student work?
The answer to this question is "yes" and "no". Because many of our courses are subjective, we prefer that students do not work for "the grade", but that all of their work is done to the best of their ability with excellence. Students will be expected to complete their assignments to specific guidelines. Either they will have attained all of these guidelines, they will be encouraged to keep working until they do, or their guidelines will be reevaluated. Hence, all students should receive As (or incomplete) in all of their courses. That said, we do understand that some students do require very specific grades. To provide numerical grades, their guidelines will have values for each assignment. The numerical grade that they earn will be based on their completion of each of the guidelines. In short, project based learning calls for excellence. We expect and will work with our students to help them excel.