Elementary School

Elementary School

Our program for younger students (K-2), is less structured than the middle and upper grades. We do not advocate pressuring young children with early academics, therefore, some recommended materials are mainly for information, techniques, and enrichment ideas. It is best to limit the time spent in academics. Fifteen minutes to an hour is enough time in most cases for the younger child. Young children need to be active. Forcing a child to sit for long periods of time often takes the fun out of learning. It is important to keep in mind that many children are not ready to read until 8 or 9 years of age.

EVALUATIONS

Some states require a written evaluation for homeschoolers by a certified teacher. Written evaluations are based on the sample of materials you supply. Our recommendations offer teaching suggestions and possible enrichment suggestions.

Three evaluations are given for students in grades 3-8. The initial evaluation for curriculum recommendation, mid-year evaluation, and a year-end evaluation with spring testing (PASS). (For High School see Reporting, page 8.)

ELEMENTARY PROGRAM GUIDELINES

Reporting guidelines are supplied to help the parent and student receive the most benefit from their enrollment. Suggestions are given for appropriate grade level samples to send for evaluation.

SCHEDULES

We recommend following a relaxed schedule using the textbooks as resource materials when possible. Individual needs or unexpected learning opportunities are important deciding factors in developing a daily schedule.

ENGLISH PROGRAM

When a former student was asked which class was the most beneficial, she replied quickly that our English program had helped her the most in college. The ultimate goal of our English curriculum is to develop students who are able to demonstrate ability to write a letter and other written material with complete sentences and good paragraph development. Applying grammar and punctuation rules is proof of language mastery--not correcting pages of language worksheets. Our goal is for our students to learn by practical application of language skills in their daily life and in all subjects.

MATH PROGRAM

Our math consultant is available to help with math problems. She also corrects and evaluates all high school math papers.

SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES

Science and social studies for all ages lend themselves well to projects, experiments, hands-on learning, and provides the opportunity to improve research and library skills for the older student.

ARTS, CRAFTS, AND MUSIC

Recommendations for providing a variety of materials and activities are given correlating arts and craft ideas with history, science, Bible, and music. Freedom to experiment and create with different media will help protect and develop the natural creativity of children. Parents are encouraged to foster a joy in learning through creative activities and service.

PROGRAM COSTS

Tuition and books are the two main costs of homeschooling. Books are not included in the tuition. The cost of books is variable. If new books are purchased, the costs range between $125. and $250. Book costs depend on the resources available, what you have on hand, and your child's needs. There is no basic family registration fee.

SINGLE COURSE AND ESCROW COURSES

Escrow Credit (7th and 8th grade students only) and Single Courses are available. Cost is $120. per subject. Escrow credits are available only for high school courses in a sequence such as math.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

We retain a basic handling fee of $45 per student before making any refunds. Each account is reviewed individually and refunds are granted on a prorated basis.

Semester-- No refunds after three months of enrollment.
Full Year--No refunds after six months of enrollment.