Our goal has always been to keep classes small and for students to have fun learning in a hands-on, discussion-based classroom setting. We have managed over these few years to keep those things a priority and intact.
What we have realized is that this setting while traditional in nature does not line up with the philosophy of homeschooling that we hold so dear at HLA. Our motto has been “a homeschool away from home...school” and that is one area that has been difficult to institute through the typical classroom. We also believe there are good programs and instructors in the Jackson area that already provide the traditional classroom approach to learning and do a very good job at it. Why re-invent the wheel? Why offer what others are already offering? It just really led us to seek an alternative and look at what niche we could fill for the Jackson and West TN area.
We wanted to provide a more student-focused learning environment providing options for these students where they were at so that families don’t have to try to work around our schedule. We wanted students to hone their critical thinking skills, be more aware of what is going on in the world by studying and discussing current events, foster a sense of community and homeschooling by having projects and “homework” that students can work on together. Asking lots of questions and working through the answers will be a central theme of our days while integrating studies in English Language Arts, Social Studies, Sciences, and Math. With the goal-based planning that is HLA’s focal point for high school direction, we strive to offer different options depending on the credit your student is needing. A student may choose a track and work with a guide to create a plan of study, "flight plan" or they may only need their English credit for the year and choose that option. There is a day of labs, projects, and group study to round out the week. We will continue to work with parents to provide freedom and flexibility through offering our a la carte classes in the afternoons for a more customized plan for your family.
We wanted to incorporate a multi-level learning environment with students who can mentor and glean from one another. A multi-use classroom with a science lab and an art studio where students can work and be creative learning and growing in these areas. We are incorporating STEaM-based science and art projects and will have a mobile STEM lab for much hands-on learning in the areas of engineering and design or basic science principles such as simple machines.
Pushing these students to give their best and to work hard where they are at and not dependent on a balanced classroom. This type of learning will prepare them for college, career, and life. They will learn how to find answers, how to write, how to think and how to present that information. What could be better than a student being able to show what they have learned in creative ways especially if taking the test is not the most effective way for them. We want to truly work in conjunction with the parents to direct the education of these students in whatever area they may be studying with us.
We will have an OPEN DOOR to parents wanting to participate and will have weekly work plans and assignments in Google Classroom available to parents for the upcoming week so that they can see what their student is doing, make adjustments to assignments and notes to the teachers.
We are planning to have an environment that serves each students’ learning style. Whether its a fidget gadget for thinking or a bean bag for independent study and reading, or maybe a walk around the building is what they need to get more focused or some time in the garden pulling weeds. We will have physical movement integrated throughout the week as well. How does your student learn best? We want to know. After all, that is what homeschooling is all about right?
It’s exciting to think about all the possibilities. We realize that this may not be what everyone is looking for but it may be a perfect fit for many and that’s exciting and important to us that our students in the Jackson area have choices! Good choices.
There is so much more I could say about how passionate we are about this, and we do believe that this will nurture a love for learning, build relationships, assist the parents and benefit the students in a way that is so much better. Give us a call and let’s see what HLT can do to support you and your student in this journey! We appreciate you!
What we have realized is that this setting while traditional in nature does not line up with the philosophy of homeschooling that we hold so dear at HLA. Our motto has been “a homeschool away from home...school” and that is one area that has been difficult to institute through the typical classroom. We also believe there are good programs and instructors in the Jackson area that already provide the traditional classroom approach to learning and do a very good job at it. Why re-invent the wheel? Why offer what others are already offering? It just really led us to seek an alternative and look at what niche we could fill for the Jackson and West TN area.
We wanted to provide a more student-focused learning environment providing options for these students where they were at so that families don’t have to try to work around our schedule. We wanted students to hone their critical thinking skills, be more aware of what is going on in the world by studying and discussing current events, foster a sense of community and homeschooling by having projects and “homework” that students can work on together. Asking lots of questions and working through the answers will be a central theme of our days while integrating studies in English Language Arts, Social Studies, Sciences, and Math. With the goal-based planning that is HLA’s focal point for high school direction, we strive to offer different options depending on the credit your student is needing. A student may choose a track and work with a guide to create a plan of study, "flight plan" or they may only need their English credit for the year and choose that option. There is a day of labs, projects, and group study to round out the week. We will continue to work with parents to provide freedom and flexibility through offering our a la carte classes in the afternoons for a more customized plan for your family.
We wanted to incorporate a multi-level learning environment with students who can mentor and glean from one another. A multi-use classroom with a science lab and an art studio where students can work and be creative learning and growing in these areas. We are incorporating STEaM-based science and art projects and will have a mobile STEM lab for much hands-on learning in the areas of engineering and design or basic science principles such as simple machines.
Pushing these students to give their best and to work hard where they are at and not dependent on a balanced classroom. This type of learning will prepare them for college, career, and life. They will learn how to find answers, how to write, how to think and how to present that information. What could be better than a student being able to show what they have learned in creative ways especially if taking the test is not the most effective way for them. We want to truly work in conjunction with the parents to direct the education of these students in whatever area they may be studying with us.
We will have an OPEN DOOR to parents wanting to participate and will have weekly work plans and assignments in Google Classroom available to parents for the upcoming week so that they can see what their student is doing, make adjustments to assignments and notes to the teachers.
We are planning to have an environment that serves each students’ learning style. Whether its a fidget gadget for thinking or a bean bag for independent study and reading, or maybe a walk around the building is what they need to get more focused or some time in the garden pulling weeds. We will have physical movement integrated throughout the week as well. How does your student learn best? We want to know. After all, that is what homeschooling is all about right?
It’s exciting to think about all the possibilities. We realize that this may not be what everyone is looking for but it may be a perfect fit for many and that’s exciting and important to us that our students in the Jackson area have choices! Good choices.
There is so much more I could say about how passionate we are about this, and we do believe that this will nurture a love for learning, build relationships, assist the parents and benefit the students in a way that is so much better. Give us a call and let’s see what HLT can do to support you and your student in this journey! We appreciate you!
