Q: Is Eagle River Homeschool Classes a Co-Op?
A: No, Eagle River Homeschool Classes does NOT operate as a traditional co-op. Usually, co-ops require parents to participate in a significant way by teaching classes or volunteering. Eagle River Homeschool Classes does not require parents to volunteer their time. ERHSC is a collective of teachers who offer high-quality classes at the same time and place. Families enrolled in the classes can choose to participate in extra activities held outside of classes such as Friday Activity Days, TEEN Nights, and holiday parties. The goal is to build ERHS into a community of families who learn AND play together!
Q: When are classes held?
A: Classes for all age groups (Elementary, Middle, and High School) are on Monday and Wednesday. Classes are purposely arranged in a block schedule so students can take core and elective classes back to back. Taking multiple classes in a row gives students time to build relationships with peers and teachers and offers the feeling of being part of a group. Students often comment that taking classes at ERHSC feels like going to school because they can learn with friends, without having to go every day. It’s the best of both worlds! Classes run twice a week to allow students to complete assignments outside of class on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. It also allows families to participate in other activities that might run on a Tuesday/Thursday schedule. For families that have students in both elementary and high school classes, this schedule allows families to concentrate on schoolwork at home the rest of the week without having to run students to different locations on different days.
Q: Are 7th-12th grade classes all-inclusive?
A: YES! The 7th-12th grade classes at Skyline are designed to cover all the class subject matter without any additional supplementing at home. Each teacher operates a Google Classroom where they post assignments and lesson materials. Students can turn in assignments through Google Classroom as well and track their grades through the gradebook. Teachers plan all lessons, give tests and quizzes, and assign final grades.
Q:
What determines the class price?
A: There are many factors that go into the price of a class. Please remember that these classes are the teachers' job. Teachers are also responsible for paying rent for the room, insurance, license fees, and all class supplies and materials. ERHSC class prices are comparable to other classes in Anchorage and Mat-Su Valley. If high-quality classes and being part of a great community of learners is important to you, please plan your homeschool budget to be able to fit in the classes you are interested in.
Q: How do I pay for classes?
A: Homeschool allotment can be used to pay for classes. All teachers are ASD vendors and are on the list at most other charter schools as well. All payment is paid directly to each vendor. Cash and checks are also accepted as payment and a receipt will be issued. Class prices are listed per semester (16 weeks).
Q: How do I register for classes?
A: Registration is done on the Eagle River Homeschool Website. Click on CLASSES (F23 at UMCC or F23 at Skyline or F23 Kindergarten), once you find the class you wish to register for select the blue REGISTER button. Parents fill out a form and a confirmation will be emailed. Teachers will then send a confirmation email and a registration packet with additional class information.
Q: Is there a registration fee?
No. There is no fee to register for classes. Please only register for classes you fully intend on your student taking. Class sizes are small, and if you register for classes and cancel last minute, it takes a spot away from another student. Last-minute cancellations are often hard for teachers to fill. In order to keep this program working fairly for teachers, students, and parents, please be considerate and only register for classes you are sure you want to participate in.
Q: Are there social events offered outside of classes?
A: YES! ERHSC strives to nourish friendships outside of class time. We intentionally set aside time to meet with other families for activities that give kids and parents the chance to build relationships. Homeschooling is so much better with friends! Each Friday afternoon we meet at varying locations for an activity. Friday Activity Days include park meet-ups, hiking, sledding, ice skating, field trips, and more. TEEN NIGHTS are special nights held once a quarter designed to give teens a fun space to hang out and have fun. ERHSC also hosts holiday parties several times throughout the year.
Q: Can I stay in the building?
A: This is a drop-off program - Parents should drop off students for classes and return PROMPTLY on time to get them after classes. Parents are welcome to come in to drop off kids or pick them up when class is over at any location.
**During the first week of classes parents are encouraged to walk students in and help kids get settled.
Q: Can students wait in the building?
A: Elementary students must be supervised in the building at all times. Teachers supervise students during the short transition between classes. If an elementary student is not enrolled in a class, they should not be in the building.
7th-12th grade students at Skyline are welcome to sit in the designated Study Hall area and work on homework quietly if they are waiting for another class or waiting to be picked up. 7th-12th grade students will not be directly supervised in the Study Hall area and must remain quiet and respectful.
Q: Can I choose which grade level class my student enrolls in?
A: Yes. The classes are grouped with suggested grades. If you feel like your student would do better in another grade-level class, it is your decision. You can always email the teacher if you have any questions.
Q: How long is the semester?
A: Fall Semester = 16 weeks from Aug. 21 -Dec.13
Spring Semester will start on January 8th and also runs for 16 weeks. See the full calendar on the CALENDAR tab.
Q: What happens on snow days?
A: Eagle River Homeschool Classes follow the Anchorage School District inclement weather policy. If ASD cancels school for weather then ERHSC will also cancel classes. There are two snow days built into the calendar at the end of each semester that will be added to the semester if snow days are used.
Q: Is Eagle River Homeschool Classes open to any homeschool student?
A: Yes! Classes are open to all homeschool students – with a charter school or independent.
Q: Can students eat in the building?
A: Elementary students are welcome to bring snacks and eat during appropriate times in class. Each teacher will let students know when it’s a good time for a snack if they need one.
7th-12th grade students may eat lunch during the LUNCH period inside or outside. Students may also eat quickly during the transition between classes.
Q: Are classes secular?
A: Yes, all classes are secular in content and not affiliated with the church in any way.
Q: Do I fill out the registration packet?
A: Yes, please read carefully and sign each vendors registration packet they send to you via email. Pay attention to class rules, policies, and payment requirements.
Q: What should I be prepared for the first day of classes?
A: On the first day parents are welcome to stay and help students figure out where to go and what to do. There will be class signs on each classroom door. It’s very helpful to make your child a schedule - If your student is taking multiple classes, please write down the order of classes they are taking and tape it inside their notebook or make a slip for their pocket or backpack. This makes it easy for them to remember where they should go next and easy for teachers to direct them to the next class. Students are expected to go right to their next class.
Q: How do I stay up-to-date on all the current Eagle River Homeschool information?
A: Join our Facebook Page - Eagle River (Alaska) Homeschool Classes. Join the REMIND Class to get texts sent to you with important reminders. To get the Class Code please email eagleriverhomeschool@gmail.com
Read the weekly email that will be sent to your inbox each week during the school year!
Q: I have a question about a class, who should I contact?
A: Parents can email any teacher directly with questions about classes. Each vendor email is listed at the bottom of the class description on the CLASSES page.
