Village Home Education Resource Center that currently services nearly 300 families has become increasingly popular since its 2003 inception.  It hosts a nonprofit alternative program that offers over 100 classes from which to choose that run Tuesday through Thursday.

During this time of economic challenge, families in the school district are investigating optional educational methods.  More inquiries are being made about Village Home by local parents.

No grades and no tests are administered by the school.  The goal is to keep learning alive for the students.  So, how do they know how the kids are doing academically?  Although annual standardized testing is offered by the school, it is not required.  Village Home’s administrator, instead, sites recent winners of various academic events.

One noted advantage of the school is that home-schooled kids get to interact with other home-schooled kids their own age.  Not only is the social interaction an advantage, but home-schooling moms and dads get a needed break, too.  Some parents, however, enjoy socializing with each other and their kids at the school, and are allowed to hang out during classes.

The school touts a 1:9 teacher/student ratio, and provides instruction in Latin, LEGO Robotics, tae kwon do, sewing, veterinary science and plethora of other challenging courses.  In addition to academics, field trips are also a critical part of the class schedule.

One item to note is that home-schoolers typically score higher than the national average, which speaks volumes in today’s society of increased drop-outs and under achievers.  The school holds the same expectation for their students.

Village Home may not be for everybody, but it does appear to be working for some.  How these students will fare long-term, however, is anybody’s guess.

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