New Hope Homeroom and Course Demo

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The Help Desk

Welcome to the help desk! We have compiled this section from the questions we receive most often, and included several HOW-TOs with step by step instructions on installing software and configuring your system correctly. This will ensure that you get the most out of your experiences on the web site.

Frequently Asked Questions: This list of questions and answers are the ones we're often asked over the phone, email and in person. Most of your questions can be answered here much more quickly that through contacting us.

Although New Hope Homeschool is a online home school and resource center we are not able to provide your student with a high school diploma. However, we have agreements in place so your child may transfer from New Hope to our curriculum provider for high school and receive a diploma to seniors who fulfill all graduation requirements. Call our offices at 877-825-6130 or use the contact form for more information on this opportunity.
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If we don't like online learning, are we committed to the entire enrollment year?
We believe that the only way to know “for sure” whether the New Hope Homeschool is for you is to try us out. Therefore, we make this process very easy. You can withdraw anytime within 1 month from the date of enrollment, and you will only be financially obligated for the 1st tuition payment, registration fee, and shipping & handling. Those who withdraw after the 1 month period are responsible for the complete yearly tuition & fees.
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What are the convictions of the New Hope Homeschool?
The New Hope Homeschool believes that the Lord Jesus Christ is to be preeminent in all of life, including education. This comprehensive principle underlies every aspect of our academic studies, activities, and school life. The New Hope Homeschool is committed to building a strong biblical, spiritual, moral, and academic foundation in students. We believe that children are precious gifts from God, with inherent abilities and dreams that need to be nurtured and drawn out; that children mature and develop at different rates; and that each child has different levels of ability. These factors must be considered in the selection of their course of study. A one-size-fits-all curriculum serves only a minority; each child deserves a personalized education. Home-based learning has significant benefits for both the learner and the community. Parents, under God, have ultimate authority and control over their child and his/her education.
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What is your statement of faith?
The New Hope Homeschool statement of faith begins with the premise that the Bible is God's infallible written Word. We believe that it is fully inspired by the Holy Spirit and that it is without error in the original manuscripts. There is one God, existing in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is God, the Living Word, who became flesh through His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit. He was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life and atoned for the sins of people by dying on the cross as their substitute; He accomplished salvation for those who believe in Him by this action. He rose from the dead in the same body, though glorified, in which He lived and died. Men and women were originally created in the image of God, but they disobeyed God and are, thus, separated from their Creator. Man's nature is imperfect, and, apart from Christ, man is unable to totally please God. It is the privilege of all people who ask God for salvation to be born again and thus be assured of their salvation from the instant at which they trust Christ as their Savior. This assurance is not based on any action on their part but by the action of God. Every believer is called to live a life that is in a process of being conformed to the likeness of God. This is only possible via the power of the Holy Spirit who strengthens the believer so that he will resist sinful temptations and will overcome sin to the glory of God. Jesus Christ will return to the Earth. We believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ, His imminent return, the resurrection of His people to life everlasting, and the judgment of the unbelieving world to everlasting punishment.
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What is the parent's role?
The first and primary teacher of every child is their parent(s). We have taken all of the "busy work" out of homeschooling by providing a complete solution from which parents can pick and choose. Our system tracks attendance and automatically grades many quizzes and tests. Teacher help is available online every school day via our Live Operator System to help in areas that may be difficult. This invaluable communication tool gives both parents and students instant access to the Academic Counselor of their choice. New Hope allows parents to have the time to really enjoy teaching and learning with their children and, more importantly, learning about their children.
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CURRICULUM AND MATERIALS

Are the costs of materials included in the tuition?
Many courses have accompanying materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, ebooks, and other learning materials; the charges for these are already included in the cost of your tuition. The very few exceptions are clearly posted in our K-12 curriculum pages.

All courses come with a set of CDs containing essential audio and video necessary for your student to complete his courses. There is a $15 per course CD Usage Fee in addition to the tuition costs.
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When will we receive our materials?
Textbooks, workbooks, CD-ROMs and other learning materials should be delivered to all up-to-date accounts before the beginning of the learning year. Some materials are not needed until later in the year and they may be shipped at that time. Later in the school year materials are normally available within 2 weeks. Expedited shipping is available for a modest additional fee.
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What is the curriculum like? Does New Hope supply ebooks, CDs, CD-ROMs, workbooks and other items?
The Christ-centered curriculum uses state-of-the-art technology to provide a challenging and compelling program. This proprietary system is tuned to run perfectly on modem-speed Internet connections as well as high-speed broadband lines. Utilizing cutting-edge software, students will study, complete assignments, take quizzes and tests, and collaborate and socialize with classmates through our Social Center.
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What is included when we enroll?
Everything described in the New Hope Homeschool website is included when you enroll. We do not have different levels of enrollment; every student who enrolls receives everything we offer.
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What academic resources and features are included?
Academic resources and features include: partnership with the New Hope Homeschool, a national learning resource that is committed to helping you provide a quality education for your family; a comprehensive selection of courses in elementary, middle or high school that covers every academic topic, including electives, from which you may choose up to 6 each year to customize your student's course of study; textbooks, workbooks and offline activities, the Academic Counselors available on the Live Operator System for an unlimited number of questions; the curriculum development team members who provides assignments, tests, quizzes, and projects throughout the curriculum.
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Are there books or materials that I need to purchase and where can I find them?
There are a few items that parents must purchase. These items are clearly marked in the course catalog and can be purchased in advance of the course from a retailer of your choice (we can suggest retailers, but the choice is yours). Materials that you are required to purchase (if any) are clearly marked when you register for courses.
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How is my child placed in a course?
Parents select the courses. We want to give every student the opportunity to be 'placed' correctly. Should you decide to make any changes in the courses you have selected, they are always welcome. There is a $25 fee for changing courses after the 1st 30 days. There is no fee to drop a course.
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What is the policy for a high school student graduating from the academy?
High school students who have completed the required work may then graduate, under the provisions of their state-of-residence's home school laws. Some high school students choose to work with one of the private schools or homeschooling umbrella organizations that offer diplomas. New Hope Homeschool does not issue transcripts, award/transfer credits or award high school diplomas.
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Do you have minimum standards for courses and instructional time?
Student attendance is logged as well as their hours of instruction. Each local state determines the minimum standards. Parents and studdents should comply with any local and state regulations regarding time. The New Hope Homeschool offers about 110 different courses and we will provide instruction in a variety of courses.
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What supplies and curriculum materials are included in the tuition costs?
Most textbooks, workbooks, CD-ROMs and learning materials are included as part of the New Hope Homeschool tuition. If an item is not included in the tuition, it is plainly marked and can be purchased by parents from the retailer of their choice.
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TUITION AND COSTS

How can your tuition and fees be so reasonable?
The New Hope Homeschool serves students of all ages throughout the United States as well as a number of international students and foreign nationals. This large population allows for a substantial savings for parents. Because we serve our families through the Internet and by telephone, we do not have large buildings or infrastructures to support. This enables us to budget more teaching and learning services for students at an unusually modest price, compared to traditional "physical" schools. Additionally, because our program provides a complete list of resources that can be used as needed, it does not inherit the extremely high cost of traditional schools or other curriculums that have simply been converted from that traditional model to an online model.
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Can you describe your installment plan?
The New Hope Homeschool has been structured with the needs of parents and students in mind. To that end, we have instituted a very special installment structure for those registering at the beginning of each learning year. In order for this parent-centered structure to be successful, we need all participants to adhere strictly to its structure. Details will be emailed to every applicant. Generally speaking, 1/3 or 1/4 is due before the learning year begins. The remaining installments are due after school begins, a month or two apart. Those who register later in the year should remit all tuition and fees prior to attendance.
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If we don't like online learning, are we committed to an entire year if we enroll?
We believe that the only way to know “for sure” whether the New Hope Homeschool is for you is to try us out. Therefore, we make this process very easy. You can withdraw anytime within 1 month from the date of enrollment, and you will only be financially obligated for the 1st tuition payment, registration fee, and shipping & handling. Those who withdraw after the 1 month period are responsible for the complete yearly tuition & fees.
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What are the costs for the books and materials?
The cost of materials is included in the price of tuition as long as the student's account is paid in full by the end of the school year (the few exceptions are clearly marked in the curriculum listings). Students who withdraw before the end of the year must either return all curriculum materials or pay for them.
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How do I remit my application/registration fee? Is it refundable?
Enrollment/registration fees can be paid by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. To remit with a check or money order simply mail to:
The New Hope Homeschool
Account Management
10 Shurs Lane, Suite 202
Philadelphia, PA 19127

To pay with a credit card, you can either speak with a Student Services representative at 360-825-3236, or (Click Here) to enroll now. If you are already enrolled you may login with your "Parent Login", then click on "Make a Payment". Our online payment form is secure and encrypted. Your enrollment/registration fee is not refundable, unless we are unable to accept your student into our program. If this occurs, you will receive a full refund.
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What is the price of tuition?
Tuition for the academic year is $1899.00, payable in four consecutive monthly installments of $474.75.
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How do the tuition fees change if I enroll more than one child?
Because of the low tuition rate, The New Hope Homeschool does not currently have sibling discounts.
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When are tuition installments due?
For students who are already enrolled in the New Hope Homeschool, the final tuition payment is due December 1st. Students enrolled after January 1st, for classes running through June, are expected to pay the total remittance at the time of registration.
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Are there registration or enrollment fees?
The Registration fee is $75.00 per student.
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Why are we charged this fee?
The registration or enrollment fees support the process of setting up a new homeroom for each student, selecting and specifying course selections, and coordinating selection and delivering curriculum materials.
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Why are there shipping and handling charges?
For the 2005-2006 learning year, the shipping & handling fee is $29.00 per student (due before starting). This pays for all postage and labor for inventory and for packing and shipping of all regularly scheduled curriculum materials for the year.
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What are the charges for the books and other curriculum materials used in your program?
All courses have accompanying materials including textbooks, workbooks, ebooks, CD-ROMs and other learning materials; the charges for these are already included in the cost of your tuition. There are only a few courses in which the parent is required to purchase a textbook or workbook, and, in these rare cases, that information is posted in the course description.
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Can I enroll for just one or two courses?
With their school district's approval, students may take courses in New Hope Homeschool while also enrolled in another public or private school. Parents must follow school districts rules for this circumstance. We cannot offer any legal advice regarding this issue. Please direct your questions to your local school district in this matter.
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TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS AND STAFF

Can you tell me about your teachers?
New Hope teachers are called Academic Counselors. They are professionals who love kids and love teaching. They are infectious in their passion for communicating, and they care for each student they help. The New Hope Homeschool teaching staff is available on our Live Operator System with the right answers and helpful, encouraging attitudes.
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SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS

Will your program work for my dyslexic child?
Dyslexia has so many forms and levels that it is difficult, if not impossible, to respond properly to this question. The best advice would be to show the diagnosing physician the curriculum and work together to decide whether it would be a good choice.
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Do you accept students with special education needs?
Yes, we do accept students with I.E.P.'s, although we do not offer Special Education Services. It is important for parents to review the offerings and determine whether they would meet your current needs. If our program appears to be able to meet your student's needs, you may wish to include the curriculum as a part of your special education program along with other resources in your community.
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How do students with ADD/ADHD perform at The New Hope Homeschool?
Because of our online environment and multimedia-rich curriculum, historically students with attention disorders seem to do extremely well with this curriculum. The unique online learning system allows students to work quietly, accommodate rapidly changing energy levels and work at their own unique pace. Although we do not offer "special education" services, the very nature of the engaging curriculum has been a wonderful solution and blessing to many students with attention disorders. We suggest that parents of children with special needs consult their health-care provider about the learning environment to determine whether it may be helpful.
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HOW NEW HOPE WORKS

What is the New Hope Homeschool? How does it work?
The New Hope Homeschool is an independent Christian resource center and school for Kindergarten through twelfth grade homeschoolers. Instruction is delivered through the Internet and includes a combination of online and offline components, including etexts, traditional textbooks, workbooks, CD-ROMs and other media infused with multimedia-intensive interaction.
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What is a typical daily schedule at the New Hope Homeschool like?
Parents and students are in charge of their own daily schedule. Students can do all of their work at one time, or it can be spaced throughout the day. Some students enjoy working on one subject each day, while others enjoy moving though all of their subjects every day. New Hope has a mixture of online and offline assignments. Middle and high school students typically spend 2-4 hours online per day and elementary students spend about 1/2 of that time.
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What are the details of this flexible schedule?
This is anywhere, anytime, any pace learning, meaning you may take advantage of travel opportunities or even certain break times. Students may work during traditional school hours or at more convenient times, such as evenings, early mornings or weekends. Some households prefer a traditional school schedule, while others prefer a very informal program. The curriculum and teaching program has been developed to accommodate all styles of learning.
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What are the dates that the New Hope Homeschool follows for the school year?
Students can enroll at anytime during the school year.
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What if my child finishes a course early and wants to move on?
Students may move at a pace managed by the parent. If a course is finished "early," then the student has the option of moving ahead to another course. Students are permitted to be enrolled in up to 6 courses at any given time. Tuition remain the same. Our tuition also covers one set of course materials. If there are any "additional" courses, there may be a one-time materials charge. Depending on the subject, this would be anywhere from $25.00-$90.00 per course.
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At what age can my child start?
Children grow at different rates and the "starting" age for each child should be different as well. If you feel that your student(s) are able to benefit from New Hope, they may enroll at any age, although the average age to begin kindergarten is 5 years old, and children cannot enroll for any grade level after the age of 18.
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When is course selection for 6th-12th grade?
Part of the enrollment process is to select your courses,
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What about attendance… is there a specific time my child must be online each day?
The New Hope Homeschool has a philosophy of any time, anywhere, any pace education. This allows students to work at their own time, speed and place. As long as the work is completed by the end of June, the New Hope Homeschool offers you a high degree of flexibility.
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When does registration for the academic year begin?
Our 2005-2006 registration has already begun and continues throughout the year. For more information, please click on the New Hope registration link at the top of our homepage.
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Can my child select courses from different grade levels?
Yes. For instance, it would be perfectly acceptable for a 7th grader to take 6th grade English and 8th grade Math, simply because these are the levels at which they are.
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How many instruction days and hours does New Hope offer?
We offer about 180 days of instruction, 300 days of academy access, September through June. Homeschoolers are subject to their own state's homeschooling attendance minimums. The New Hope Homeschool online system tracks and keeps records of all instructional time, and reports can be generated when necessary.
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We're in a different time zone from the Academic Counselors. How will this work?
Almost everything at the New Hope Homeschool is available 24/7. Students with questions may contact Academic Counselors through the school mail system, The Message Center, or through our Live Operator System for instant access during regular school hours.
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What is a Bible-based curriculum like?
The New Hope Home-School Academy materials are founded on the belief that we live in a created universe, in which all truth emanates from God. The materials are intended to support instruction that establishes Christian truth as the complete truth and a real, dependable guide for life. Our Bible-based curriculum expresses that knowledge is both discovered and revealed. Thus the Bible is presented as the inspired, inerrant Word of God and the only true authority. The Christian courses underscore the following truth: humankind is specially created in God's image, man's "sub-creative" imagination and powers are inherent from that creation, man is fallen and there are consequences from the Fall.
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I know about a "co-op" activity in my neighborhood. Can I attend and get credit?
A student can attend any co-op you choose as long he or she is accompanied by a parent. Simply log your time spent in Joy Directed Activity. This accountability will create a permanent record of your activity which may be printed and remain a part of the student's instructional time record.
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Can teachers assign field trips? Do students get credit for participating?
Some assignments are field trips. They can be as simple as going outside for a walk to observe something, or visiting a museum. Field trip assignments require students to write a report on the trip. The activity will then become a part of the student's permanent record.
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How do tests and quizzes work?
Test and quizzes are a common part of learning at the New Hope Homeschool. We work very hard to help students do their very best. There are many kinds of tests and quizzes ranging from multiple choice and essay to reports. A number of tests and quizzes are graded automatically by our system, and students will receive their grades immediately.
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What is the study hall section?
The function of study hall is to make sure students get time credit for doing work while they are away from the computer, reading a book, or on a website other than The New Hope Homeschool's site. Whenever the student is completing work, either on or off-line, a study hall window should be opened to keep track of the student's time. If you do not know how to do this, ask any Academic Counselor.
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Which subjects (courses, classes) are available?
We offer over 110 home-school courses in K-12, covering the core curriculums of Science, Language Arts, History and Math. We also offer a variety of valuable electives such as Physical Education, Art, Music, and many more.
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How much time should my student spend online every day?
This depends on the student's learning style and grade level. Elementary students should spend anywhere from 1/2 hour to 2 hours online. Middle school and high school students will spend 2-4 hours online during a normal school day. The remainder of the work is done offline.
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Is there a time limit on completing a course or assignment?
New Hope is on an "anywhere, anytime, any pace" learning schedule. Students have up to 10 months, September through June, to complete a course.
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Who writes the lesson plans?
New Hope Homeschool Curriculum Developers post daily, weekly and monthly lesson plans and schedules. Parents and students can participate in all or just a selection of those activities. Vacations, unusual work schedules and other activities can easily be accommodated.
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How long will it take to enroll my child?
Once the initial application and registration fee are received, we are usually able to process an application within 2-3 school days. After courses are selected, we ship curriculum materials in 2-4 school days (beginning in late summer to accounts that are in good standing). Students are welcome to begin on the online assignments while waiting for their curriculum materials to arrive. Students having courses with ebooks will receive a fully-executed access license for the entire learning year. Students can print most ebooks if they prefer to study from "paper," rather than a "computer screen".
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Are there assignments that are not completed on the computer?
Our courses include a great mix of online and offline assignments. Remember, New Hope Homeschool courses include a variety of curriculum materials, such as traditional textbooks, workbooks, CD-ROMs, e-books and others. Most tests and evaluations are completed online; some are graded instantly and others require additional time.
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OTHER FEATURES

Can you tell me about the records that are available to me?
The online learning system will keep accurate records of your student's progress throughout the year. Our system allows parents to keep full and complete records of both online lessons and offline activities, like field trips and community service activities. All of these records, Academic Counselor comments and evaluations are available to you online during the normal school year. Parents can print out these materials from the Student Homeroom anytime during the school year at no cost.
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In addition to the online learning environment and world-class curriculum materials, what other features does New Hope offer?
New Hope offers the following: morning devotions, encouraging and inspiring messages, and stories and membership in a specialized community of online learners, where support, encouragement and resources are freely shared is an important feature. You will also have ongoing, continual, dependable support that will reduce stress and enable you to homeschool longer and more successfully.
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TECHNICAL ISSUES AND COMPUTERS

What kind of computer and Internet access do I need?
The New Hope Homeschool online school has been designed to work well with a wide range of computers. The minimum requirements are: a Pentium III processor, 256K RAM, 10 gig hard drive, floppy drive, CD-ROM drive, and a 56K modem or faster connection. We also recommend a set of speakers and a printer, but they are not required to complete the course.
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Will your program work with a Macintosh?
We do not guarantee MAC compatibility, although a lot of the software and videos work on MACs. In order to make certain that everything is accessible, the student should have a Windows-based computer.
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If I enroll more than one child, do they each need their own computer?
If the students have separate computers with Internet connections, it makes the learning process much easier. The importance of having "one computer per student" changes from elementary school (not so important) through high school (more important). However, students may share a computer as long as their attendance is logged separately.
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How can I read PDF (Acrobat) files?
You need the free Acrobat reader.
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Can I print out the lessons for review while off the Internet?
Lessons and ebooks can be printed for reference and study. They can only be used by the person enrolled and may not be redistributed or used by others.
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How can I check the progress of my student?
Every parent has access to a "real-time" online progress report which displays the hours of attendance as well as the assignments completed for every class and the grades received for those assignments.
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Do you need to be able to type in order to complete the work?
Traditional typing skills are an advantage but not a necessity. There are many students who find that their "picking and pecking" typing works just fine.
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Learn More about homeschool and homeschooling

800-315-2511 (ET)

ENROLLMENT DISCOUNT

Tuition details for the 2006-2007 learning year
Now accepting students for next fall - ENROLL EARLY and Save over $400

Homeschooling takes a lot of effort and we try to provide all of the tools that you will ever need to homeschool better than ever. All of our 140+ PreK-12 Christian courses are engaging and multimedia rich.

We are a unique teacher-led online homeschool community. See for yourself and review the Homeroom Demo