- Fall 2011: September 5 – December 12
(Final assignments due December 16.) - Spring 2012: January 16 – April 23
(Final assignments due April 27.)
Unlike other online courses that offer generalized instruction, students taking our classes receive individual attention and personalized feedback with each assignment from a real instructor. Each week, the instructor corresponds with students via e-mail in a course tailored specifically to the needs and interests of homeschool families. Highlights include:
- Opportunity to progress at one’s own pace.
- Unbiased evaluation outside the home in a safe environment.
- Improved computer skills with communication via e-mail.
- Time-management skills developed through weekly deadlines.
- Reasonable fees for professional service.
- And of course, no commute!
Click to view our Class Descriptions.
Here’s how it works:
- Classes are held for the full-year, although families pay per semester. Our policy is that you only need to pay for the current semester. If you are pleased with our assignments and approach to writing, you can register again for spring semester. We want this approach to online instruction to work for your family.
- Every Monday, the instructor e-mails the student the weekly topic and assignment.
- The student works on the assignment during the week and agrees to e-mail the completed assignment back to the instructor when finished, but no later than Friday.
- The instructor assesses the work*, offering feedback and recommendations for improvement, then e-mails these comments back to the student by Monday morning with the next assignment.
- Students will revise their drafts based on the instructor’s feedback, but they do not return final drafts to the instructor because new assignments will have been sent. This enables students to experience more writing and instructor feedback during each semester. However, students are encouraged to keep a portfolio or collection of their final, revised drafts in a 3-ring binder. By the end of the semester or full-year, students will have created a “book” of their own work, while being encouraged by their progress throughout the course.
- Each course includes suggested resources or additional exercises. These provide enriching opportunities for the student's growth, as well as the opportunity to interact with parents at home. Most of these resources are optional, but they will add to the overall writing experience.
- At the end of each semester, the instructor will send a progress report with an evaluation and recommended grade.
- The parent then determines the final grade based on the instructor’s evaluation and on personal observations at home.
- Fees must be paid in full by the first day of class. $20/student/semester is non-refundable with registration. No refunds will be given after the third week of class.
* Note: Students at all levels will be assessed on their individual progress and development in writing. Some students learn how to communicate their ideas over time; other students may show a natural ability to write fluently. While students are free to send responses over the required length of the assignment, the instructor’s policy is to end assessment after 1,000 words per week.