Although Cal has taught on occasion, his chief role in RaeAnne Education Center is to be a sounding board for course creation, an emotional support to me as the main teacher, to construct the hands-on apparatus needed for class, and be the webmaster. As opportunity allows and needs arise, we include additional faculty to teach in their respective areas of expertise.

Our philosophy of education begins with the Biblical premise that the authority and responsibility to raise, train, and educate children lies squarely on the shoulders of the parents. As teachers, we are servants to the parents and work in an adjunct capacity. Most home schooling families see the father as the school principal and the mother as the head teacher. We recognize and work under that line of authority. Since home schooling parents by nature are intimately involved in the education of their children, we as adjunct teachers, become part of a dynamic team seeking the best possible education for each child.

The length of the courses depends upon the subject matter. Classes range from one to two and one-half hours per week and semesters range from 15 to 17 weeks. Grades range from 4th to 12th depending on the course being taught. Class size varies from class to class. Maximum class size is listed with each course description. Typically, elementary, junior high, and senior high are separate groups, however, junior and senior high students are often put together in language arts, geography and history classes. They are given different reading and writing assignments. For upper level courses, students are enrolled in certain levels based not on age, but rather on academic readiness, so it is possible to have a junior high student taking a senior high level course and visa versa.

We give students homework assignments, which are done under the parent’s supervision.   Assignments involve a large amount of self-directed learning as well as reinforcement of classroom material. Upper level assignments assume that either the student is either able to work independently or is working towards that skill. Should students need help between classes, We are available by phone and email.

For those courses that are graded, a formal report card will be issued at the end of each course. To accommodate those working with umbrella schools, mid-year grades are emailed in January. Assignments for all senior and some junior high level work are graded.  At the end of the school year, the teacher meets with each student and his or her parents. This is an opportunity for mutual assessment. The teacher assesses the student’s work and classroom contributions. The student and the parents assess the teacher as well as the course taken. It is a great opportunity for growth on our part as well as on the student’s.

We see most parents every week when they drop off or pick up their child. This constant contact with the parents means that we are all aware of any issues that relate to the child’s progress and deal with them as they arise rather than after they build. This is probably the most ideal teacher’s job. The kids are incredibly nice as they’re coming from homes that care about character as well as academics. Given the large amount of interaction with the parents and the mutual interest of what’s best for the child, we have a fantastic teaching team. The students get the best of all academic situations: parents and teachers working on a united front, and individualized instruction as well as opportunities for group schooling—all in a godly environment.