General FAQ's
My child is in 10th grade math, but 8th grade English. Can CORE accomodate that?
We are homeschoolers and we serve the homeschooling community. Grade level is a relative term. You may have a math wizard who can't spell "cereal" the same way twice. Or a creative writing genius who can't add 2 + 3 to save their soul. Grade levels on class listings is "recommended". We have seniors in "8 - 10" classes and 9th graders in "10-12" grade classes. We want to make sure that your child is prepared academically and socially for the class that they are registered for. If we ask for transcripts or placement tests, it is only to assure that your child is placed where he or she needs to be. If you are unsure, talk with the teacher.
Will there be a lot of homework?
CORE classes are not "enrichment", but a full time, for-credit, class. Your child will need to set aside 45 minutes to 1 hour each school day for study -- that's 3 - 4 days per week in addition to class meeting day(s). If it's a difficult subject, and/or your child falls behind, more study time or additional tutoring may be required. It is essential that your child complete their readings, homework, study, tests and projects as scheduled by the teacher.
CORE is optional. You are perfectly capable of homeschooling your own child through high school. If outside classes are a burden, don't take them. However, if you commit to CORE classes, be prepared to support your student, and their teachers, fully.
Which English class is right for my student?
First, see the first caveat above. Grade level is a relative term.
If your student is in the 7th grade, they need to take English 7-8. It's a great summary of the grammar you need, and the writing processes that you will use in middle and high school. Students can take this course for 2 years for full credit (different reading materials will be used each year).
If your student is in the 8th grade, you have a choice: English 7-8, or English AWW. If you have had a rigorous writing program and/or your student loves to write, take English AWW. English AWW is a technical writing program -- no fancy creative writing -- just the basics any student needs to get through the writing requirements of any academic class. English AWW assumes that the student has taken English 7-8, or English WW ( in CORE 07-08) or at least understands what a 5-paragraph theme is.
If your student is in the 9th grade, and writes "well", take English A. This course introduces Literary Analysis and literary terms. If your student is in the 9th grade (or any higher grade) and hates to write, reads slowly, or just isn't ready for literary analysis, sign them up for English AWW. English A alternates between British and American Literature. You can take it for 2 years for full credit.
If your student is in the 10th or 11th grade and can write "well", and is college-bound, take English A or B (11th grade). If your student is in the 10th or 11th (or 12th) grade, and still hates to write, or struggles to write, take English AWW. English AWW will focus on the technical writing skills you will need to get through non-English major topics or scientific subjects.
If your student is in 11th or 12th grade, and writes 'well" to "very well", take English B. This is the class that will prepare your student for college writing. 12th graders have the option of taking this class for "honors" credit, and participating in an optional AP Study session. You will write a Research Paper in this class.
Isn't this expensive?
CORE is a non-profit ministry to the homeschool community. Costs are kept as low as possible. CORE teachers, as educational professionals, receive compensation for their time and out-of-pocket expenses. The teacher plans and grades all assignments, issues a quarterly progress report, provides lectures and other learning activities, and is available outside of class time for questions or conferences. Most classes meet for 1 hour, 1 day per week. The tuition for these classes is $200 per academic year ($6.25 per instructional hour). Some classes meet for 1 hour, 2 days per week (Spanish 1, Spanish 2, Algebra 2) or 2 hours, 1 day per week (Environmental Science, General Science) for a total of 2 instructional hours per week. The tuition for these classes is $350 ($5.47 per instructional hour). And finally, upper science classes (Biology, Advanced Biology, and Physics) meet for 2 hours, 2 days per week, with a tuition of $550 (this is a bargain at approximately $4.30 per instructional hour). Tuition can be paid in full at the time of registration, or split into two separate payments (half due at the time of registration, and the remainder due by November 30, 2008). Under certain circumstances, a different payment schedule can be arranged. See Kathi or Tamara if you would like to explore this option. Additionally, there is a "Supply Fee" for each class that varies according to the requirements of the individual teacher and class. "Supply Fee" includes teaching and classroom materials, copies, hand-outs, samples, incentives, snacks, laboratory supplies and in some cases, textbooks.
For comparison, a typical piano lesson is $10 per 1/2 hour lesson ($20 per instructional hour). Private math and science tutors typically charge $20 per hour.
Couldn't my child take this for less at the community college?
If your senior is mentally, emotionally, and academically prepared to take junior college classes, then they should probably take junior college classes. CORE classes have some distinct advantages:
(1) Dedicated teachers: our teachers are enthusiastic about their subjects and dedicated to academic excellence. Attitude and motivation are key factors in academic success.
(2) Christian teachers: your child will experience the subject from Christian teachers using Christian teaching materials. Your children will probably have to deal with secular materials when they go to college, but are they ready for that now? With CORE science classes, they can learn the basic scientific principles in a supportive setting before those priciples are challenged in a secular environment.
(3) Classmates are from the same Christian home-schooled culture. Students in CORE classes experience social interaction and teamwork in a supportive setting.
(4) Lab classes are small, but well equipped. Your child will experience hands-on experiments far superior to any provided by home-based or public situations. While teachers use the familiar Apologia Christian-based curriculum, science classes are enhanced by experiments that far exceed the standard "kitchen-science" projects. Lab supply expense is high because the class size is small -- We feel that an active, hands-on lab experience is essential in order to maximize understanding, and yes, enjoyment, of science classes.
(5) Students learn teamwork and presentation skills by working with lab partners, and presenting research projects throughout the year.
(6) The pace of CORE classes is slower than comparable junior college classes. For instance, 1 year of CORE Chemistry is equivalent to 1 Semester (18 weeks) of college classes. Is your student ready for the pace of college classes?
I just can't afford the big payment right now.
Is there any way that I can spread out the tuition payments?
Yes. CORE is offering an extended tuition payment plan for the 2 day science classes (Biology, Advanced Biology (Anatomy and Physiology) and Physics). Instead of 2 payments ($275 by June 15 and $275 by November 30), you can make 4 payments ( $137.50 by June 15, August 15, September 15 and November 30). Please let Kathi or Tamara know that you'd like to take advantage of that option.