Structure and Responsibility
This program is designed
for parents who want to be, or are already deeply involved in their
child’s education, but desire help and support. All who are involved in
this program will use the same high quality curriculum chosen by the
school. Parental input will be welcomed, but the final decision will rest
with the school. Parents will be free to supplement the required
curriculum with material of their choice.
Students will be required
to attend classes at the school on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week.
During this time, students will participate in varied activities including
corporate worship & devotions, academics, field trips, classroom
activities, etc. Parents (home teachers) will then teach their children at
come on the other three days of the week. Curriculum will be broken down
so as to give clear direction in what needs to be taught on each home
school day. Students will be graded on required assignments and may be
tested on those assignments.
The school will keep
complete cumulative files on each student that will include such items as
immunization records, grades, completed classroom hours, and other related
topics.
This option is a good
choice for parents who want the ability to impart Biblical values to their
children with less ‘outside’ influence, and who want to create a
strong family identity, but would be unable or unwilling to accomplish
this at home without assistance from others who posses similar values. The
Vineyard home school program will help provide a balance to home schooling
with opportunities for social interaction, group learning, as well as
learning in many varied forms. Parents need to remember even with this
more structured option that the primary responsibility for success in your
child’s education still lies with you.
Counting the Cost
Legalities in Idaho
require that students be educated for a least a minimum number of hours
each year and it is the parents’ responsibility to see that this
requirement is met. This will result in a substantial time commitment on
the parents’ part. It will require a willingness to commit time, energy
and finances. It is important, also, to understand the many factors that
could determine whether or not this program will be successful for you and
your child.
Not every family is
suited for this style of education. Furthermore, we make no claim to be
the best for everyone. In fact, because of the nature of our school, we
cannot provide for all the specific needs and challenges which different
families face. However, we are excited to work with those parents who feel
called to home schooling, and desire to share in the educational
opportunities that the Vineyard Family School has to offer for their
children.
A few things Christian
schools cannot do for your child
"Christian schools
cannot be a substitute for a quality home environment. The number one
training influence in the life of a child is his or her home. A parent,
more than teachers and preachers combined, is the primary model for
children to follow. Parents are the pattern makers for Christian living.
Frankly, if home
is not what it ought to be, no teacher can compensate for an unstable
home.
Christian schools
cannot guarantee a perfect school environment. Some parents are
unrealistic about other students in their child’s Christian school.
They expect a degree of perfection among mortals that simply is not
attainable on earth. Christian schools are decidedly better than the
secular public school alternative but they are not perfect. Students
come to the Christian school with varying degrees of spiritual maturity.
There is a wide variety of intellectual ability, emotional development,
home training and personality patters among the students in any school,
including the Christian school. Remember, any time two or more people
get together in any kind of institution there is room for improvement in
at least one of them.
Christian schools
cannot duplicate parental love and support. Most adults have forgotten
the emotional stress we experienced as children at school. The very
nature of a school requires that it maintain an orderly disciplined
environment if learning is to occur. The process of learning can be
emotionally stressful and mentally stretching. Parents can greatly
reduce the pressure of learning our children may feel by encouraging
them, inspiring them and loving them.
Christian school
education is a major force for good in the lives of our children. It can
be enhanced if the church, the home and the school are all on the same
spiritual and academic frequency."
The
above section has been reprinted from an Association
of Christian Schools International (ACSI) brochure
written by Dr. Paul A. Kienel, Executive Director.
