Aside from the fact that I tend to be a compulsive planner, it really is time to start planning for the 2007-2008 school year.   It's the perfect time for adjustments for THIS year based on desires for next year!

First,  I will have my oldest student in high school.  Decisions on remaining independent vs. enrolling under an accredited school's umbrella, transfering high school credits, and college prep/entrance requirements are suddenly looming on the horizon.  The first decison made, we will enroll in an accredited high school program. 

Second decison.....which one?  In evaluating some of the accredited high school programs, Keystone and the Allied National High School,  we decided we definitely desired a Catholic high school education.  The accredited Catholic homeschool programs we explored include Seton Home Study, Kolbe Academy,  and Mother of Divine Grace School.  Seton offers a traditional, rigorous academic curriculm;  Kolbe and MODG follow the classical education model.  We have enjoyed several of the Seton classes through grade school including Religion, English and Reading/Literature.  But we've always leaned toward the more classical model.  Both Kolbe and MODG are also very literature-based which matches our educational goals and philosophy.

Third........cost and support.  The founder of Mother of Divine Grace, Laura Berquist, wrote the first book I read about classical education and homeschooling titled, Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum. 

The book itself has been of great support and inspiration over the last 10 years and I have met Laura Berquist twice at homeschooling conferences.  She is very real about our Catholic Faith and the development of children's faculties of faith and reason.  I have followed many of her recommendations throughout K-8th grade.

The high school program is designed as a college prep curriculum imbued with teaching Catholic history and morality.   The high school program offers a degree of flexibility for families desiring to modify some coursework and teach some courses together.  The tuition is family-based vs. student-based....a good value for larger families.  Consultants provide three conferences/year to evaluate student progress and parent concerns.  Teacher-assisted and Teacher-directed options are available for added direct support to the student.

The first phase of enrollment applications for the 2007-2008 academic year are due this month for Mother of Divine Grace School.   We decided to pursue this program as our own goals seem to best match those of the school, the cost is affordable and several degrees of support are available to meet our needs as we negotiate a college prep course of studies through the high school years. So, as it turns out,  we really DID need to start planning for next year during the New Year!

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