WARREN Program offers home-school help

Tuition will be charged on a per-class basis following tuition guidelines.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A new program for home-schooled pupils will help lighten the load for some parents.
In January, Warren Christian School at 2640 Parkman Road will make classes available for home-schooled pupils on an individual basis.
That means pupils can enroll for classes their parents may not feel comfortable teaching -- harder subjects like upper-level math and science.
WCS principal Roberta Kelly said Christian schools in Dayton and Mansfield have similar programs, but she's not aware of any being offered locally.
"Home schooling is a real commitment," she said, explaining that most parents do an excellent job, but sometimes feel better allowing certified teachers to handle more intense courses.
"Sometimes the subject matter is beyond what they're comfortable teaching."
WCS serves about 40 preschool pupils and 230 in kindergarten through 12th grade.
For a list of classes that will be available or for more information about registration, call the school at (330) 898-3840 or visit its Web site at www.greatschoolsites.com/wcs.
Applications must be received no later than Jan. 14.
Class fees: A per-class fee will be charged and is representative of the school's tuition costs. Pupils become eligible for extracurricular activities if they take three or more full-time classes.
WCS's program is a win-win situation for everyone, Kelly said, because parents get a break, pupils receive more individualized instruction, and the school realizes a boost in enrollment.
She added that some classes at WCS have only four or five pupils, making it easier for them to work closer with teachers.
Program: Kelly said school spokesman Donald Spayd talked with parents of home-schooled pupils and met with the executive committee of TEACH to find out if the class offerings would be beneficial to the community.
TEACH coordinator Jim Earl, of North Bloomfield, said he thinks it will.
TEACH, Trumbull Education Association of Christian Home-schoolers, formed in 1988 and serves 85 to 90 families. The nondenominational group meets monthly and offers support for home-schoolers.
Many get together for field trips, athletic events, talent nights and an annual spelling bee.
Growing segment: Officials say home-schoolers represent a growing segment of pupils across the country and many university admissions officers hope to attract home-schoolers because of their outstanding academic accomplishments.
Earl estimates there are 900 to 1,000 children being home schooled in Trumbull County.
Earl and his wife, Peg, have home schooled all four of their children, ranging in age from 21 to 8.
Both his parents were teachers, and he and his wife chose the same profession.
The Earls say they looked at what was going on in education at the time their youngest child was entering school and decided home schooling would be best for the child.
They also think it's important to coordinate what their children learn at home and school so they have a well-rounded and Christ-centered education, Jim Earl said.
He said WCS's program is good because it provides for the sharing of resources and facilities, "and I think people are looking for alternatives nowadays."
davis@vindy.com