While parents of school-age kids have the best of intentions when it comes to full-time homeschooling, there are opportunities and challenges to be considered.

On the plus side are flexible learning schedules, a much-smaller class size with individualized attention given to students, reduced peer pressure, plus more freedom and greater control of social interactions that would keep students safer. Importantly, homeschooling also allows Christian families to bring their faith into their children’s studies.

Challenges include a lack of academic and scheduling structure that may result in children falling behind, potential feelings of isolation and boredom, and gaps in knowledge as subjects become more complicated and parents may wonder about their teaching competency.

One solution is hybrid homeschooling, which is also called blended learning or a hybrid learning model.  In this scenario, children attend classes in a traditional school building part time and learn at home or at another remote location part time. 

Best of Both Worlds

For many families, choosing hybrid homeschooling represents the best of both worlds where children can reap the benefits of each. Hybrid homeschooling comes in many flavors to best suit the educational palates of interested families.

Models range from offering classes several times a week, to enrollment part time in schools, to structured private online programs dedicated exclusively to homeschoolers.  Whatever the model chosen, the end result lets students be homeschooled yet still have access to some aspects of a traditional school setting.

Hybrid homeschooling families cite several advantages. These include having access to social opportunities at lunch and play time; structured field trips and outdoor activities with other children; learning from other, inspirational adults; and having someone organize and set up experiments, crafts and other learning enrichment activities.  Importantly, in these scenarios, students report feeling a sense of community and belonging while still primarily enjoying all the benefits of homeschooling.

Introducing Heights Homeschool Academy

Melding traditional on-campus learning with independent study/homeschool is the rationale behind Heights Christian School’s Heights Homeschool Academy that addresses the unique concerns and needs of homeschooling families.

The Academy offers flexible scheduling to accommodate a family’s needs with options for one day, two days, or up to three days of learning enrichment. Curriciulm lists and pacing guides are carefully selected and approved by educational experts, ensuring each child receives a robust and well-rounded education.

The Academy offers a variety of extracurricular activities and specialized opportunities. From technology to performing arts, children are provided with the opportunity to explore their interests and talents beyond the core curriculum.  Parents can be reassured knowing they will receive personalized guidance from an experienced director to help them navigate the hybrid homeschooling landscape.

As a leading private Christian school system in Southern California serving infancy through eighth grade for more than 40 years, Heights pledges that Academy’s instructional materials, academic goals, extracurricular offerings and school-associated events and activities will be centered on Christ, focused on students, and rooted in partnership with parents.

Heights Homeschool Academy provides resources, structured guidance, and opportunities for social interaction, ensuring that homeschooling families can benefit from our expertise while maintaining their desired level of educational autonomy. By launching this academy, Heights reaffirms its dedication to partnering with parents and adapting to the evolving landscape of education, providing a Christ-centered learning experience that caters to the individual needs of each student and family.

Contact Heights Homeschool Academy at 714.921.9070 or email district.office@heights.net.
For more information, visit https://www.homeschoolacademy.org/.