“Every Monday night my son would
remind me that tomorrow was Homeschool Day, and he was so excited!” (from a
parent in Winter 2008)
Last Fall of 2008, the
Hilltown Creative Arts Academy (HCAA) began offering courses specific to
Homeschoolers on Tuesdays. Following a
rewarding year for the Academy and the homeschooling families, HCAA has
expanded our Homeschool course offerings to Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and
Thursdays!
Are you interested in
drama? We have Snow White: Retold on
Tuesday mornings! Does your child enjoy creating art? Then try the Elementary Art
class, or Drawing I or Ceramics! Do you have little
ones? We have foundational music courses
that will properly prepare them for future music instruction. Try one of our MusikGarten courses or the
Music for Young Children (MYC) semi-private piano instruction. There’s photography,
literature, writing courses, guitar class, and more. In addition, for
those interested in private music or art instruction, we have teachers
throughout the day. For more detailed
information on our course offerings, please see the links along the right panel.
Jamie Stadler is the
HCAA Director, and Lisa Bunch is the Homeschool Day Coordinator. In addition to the HCAA courses offered by
degreed, Christian instructors (music/art/drama/literature & writing), Lisa
supervises special non-HCAA courses also offered on certain Homeschool days,
which build the sense of community and friendship among the students and
families and allow for instruction in areas outside of the creative arts. Students enrolled in these non-HCAA courses
must also be enrolled in at least one HCAA course.
The Fall 2009 Non-HCAA Course Offerings
PA History I, II and III
Melissa Cassey, Teacher
(B.A. History / Graduate Studies in Political
Science)
Pennsylvania
Homeschool Law requires Pennsylvania
History be taught between grades 1-6 and again from grades 7-12. To assist parents with that task, we are
offering three levels of Pennsylvania History.
Pennsylvania History I: Trailblazers
For grades 3-5
This course will
introduce the students to Native Pennsylvanians and William Penn. Geography will be introduced along with some
information about native plants and animals.
Students will visit Pennsbury Manor, the home of William Penn. This class will not be graded, but students
will be awarded a certificate of completion for their portfolios. Minimum:
5.
Thursday,
10:00am-11:00am, Annex 2
Tuition: $10
per week
Pennsylvania History II: The Almanac
For grades 6-8
This course will
increase the knowledge of the state of PA through the study of the state’s
geography, people, economy, history and government. Each week students will be building their own
“Pennsylvania Almanac” as they study these subjects. Students will complete a brief report on a
famous Pennsylvanian and will participate in a field trip to the State Capitol
and the State Museum
in Harrisburg. This class will be graded. Grades are based upon the following: 25%
completed homework, 50% class
participation, 25% Famous Pennsylvanian
Report. Students will also receive a
certificate of completion for their portfolios.
Minimum: 5
Thursday,
11:15am-12:15pm, Annex 2
Tuition: $10
per week
Pennsylvania History III: Beyond Gettysburg
For grades 9-12
This course takes a
look at Pennsylvania beyond Gettysburg.
Students will study the growth of Pennsylvania
as an industrial giant, the effects of the Great Depression and wars, societal
issues, religious and economic changes, as well as taking a look at the growth
of the arts and technology. We will also
take a look at how Pennsylvania
is making news today. A field trip is
planned; however, the venue is still in the works. This class will be graded. Grades are based upon the following: 25%
completed homework, 50% class
participation, 25% special
assignments. Students will also receive
a certificate of completion for their portfolios. Minimum:
3.
Thursday,
1:15pm-2:15pm, Annex 2
Tuition: $10
per week
Field Trips
PAH I - Pennsbury
Manor- Tuesday, November 10, 1:30-4:00 pm
Cost: $6 per student/ maximum $25 per family. Meet at Pennsbury Manor in Morrisville at
1:00pm. If this date conflicts with
other HCAA programs, we could schedule for another day, perhaps a Friday.
PAH II – State
Capitol and State Museum, Harrisburg,
PA – Friday, November 20. Cost:
Free. Times to be determined, but
this will be approx. 8am-6pm.
PAH III – Venues are
being researched; hope to schedule on a Friday.
Non-HCAA Classes Taught by
Homeschooling Moms…
Writing Club
For Grades K-3
Vicky Cassani will
continue with the club she started last spring which was a huge hit with kids
and parents alike! This class gets the
kids excited about reading and writing by introducing them to new stories each
week with a special literary emphasis.
Vicky introduces the children to brave spelling, journaling, and public
speaking! This class will run 9/16
through 11/18. Sorry, this class is
already full.
Wednesday, 12:00-1:30pm
Real Science 4 Kids: Chemistry
For Grades K-3
Shannan Mazlo will
lead this class using the Real Science 4 Kids Pre-Level 1 Curriculum. This course will be an introduction to the
chemistry and scientific concepts with an emphasis on experimentation. The kids will participate in 10 easy to
understand lessons. Parents are required
to read and review the lesson prior to class.
Homework is required. Class cost
includes the purchase of the necessary text and student workbook. This class will run 9/16 through 11/18. Maximum 10 students. Sorry, this class is already full.
Wednesday,
1:40-2:30pm
Tuition: $40
Grades 4-6
Jennifer Davis will
lead this class using the Real Science 4 Kids Level 1 Curriculum. This course utilizes critical thinking and
experimentation to introduce 4th-6th graders to the world of chemistry. During this 10 week course, the children will
be required to read and review each lesson PRIOR to class since the class time
will focus on reinforcement of the week’s chemistry concepts through
experimentation and group activities.
Class fee includes the cost of the necessary text and student
workbook. This class will run 9/16
through 11/18. Maximum 10 students. Sorry,
this class is already full.
Wednesday,
1:15-2:45pm
Tuition: $50
- Students participating in these classes must also be
enrolled or have a sibling that is enrolled in a HCAA course.
- HCAA discounts do not apply to these courses.
- Students enrolled during Homeschool Day must complete
a SHARE Contract.