Class sizes are limited to 15 students and the cost of each class varies, although multi-class discounts are available. Subjects are age appropriate and will be organized by age group.
“Taking a homeschool class is an excellent way to bridge learning at home to learning in the classroom,” said Amy Fitzwilliam, program assistant for SCC's Continuing Education Department.
“Sometimes it's hard for homeschool parents to do labs, experiments and other hands-on activities at home,” said Andrea Zinselmeyer, homeschool parent of two sons who are enrolled in an electricity class at SCC. “So it's nice to let someone else with more experience conduct the activity, and my kids love it.”
Jack Bilow, SCC instructor, teaches the electricity class in which Zinselmeyer's children are enrolled, and he lets the parents sit in on the class so they can help their kids once they get home.
“I'd like to think of myself as a supplement to what parents would normally teach,” said Bilow. “If a parent doesn't feel comfortable with a certain subject, that's where I come in.”
Classes to be offered in Spring 2011 include Art Creations, Extreme Science, 8th Grade Math, Middle School Algebra, Beginning Tap Dance, Spanish Language and Culture, Stage Combat, Improvisation Technique, Acting and Scene Study and more.
There are also classes available for parents, including an online class, Homeschool With Success. This class teaches the history and legal status of homeschooling within a community, as well as how to effectively fit homeschooling into family life. Raising Media-Savvy Kids is another class just for parents, where they'll learn the basics of media literacy and strategies for implementing critical thinking in children of elementary to high school ages.
Coming this summer and fall, the Homeschool Enrichment program will feature several high school level classes, including Oceanography, Marine Biology and Geophysics, Math, English and more. There will also be new classes for students, ages 8-14, such as French, Art, Choir and Lego Robotics.
Registration begins March 1. For class schedules, costs or to register for a class in the Homeschool Enrichment program, visit www.stchas.edu/homsechool. For more information about the classes, contact Amy Fitzwilliam at 636-922-8335 or e-mail afitzwilliam@stchas.edu.
St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.