First Day of School

For the CHA students, teachers and administrators, a new school year is an exciting time. We have had a restful summer vacation, slept in, read some books, took trips and maybe even tackled a home project. But when September and Labor Day roll around, the start of school is close at hand.

The first day at CHA is a relief for many homeschoolers because we welcome the accountability, feedback from other moms and support that the CHA family offers.

Homeschooling on your own can be a difficult task, especially when you decide to tackle difficult maths, sciences and languages. To be able to glean upon the expertise of someone who has made a career in math, or is a nurse and loves science is a welcome opportunity. God has wisely and strategically placed tutors at CHA that are able to offer instruction in some of those difficult subjects.

So, for those moms who are able to handle the multitudes at home, we applaud you! But if you are a mom who is struggling to keep things together and tackle multiple grades, we encourage you to check Christiana out. There are still openings in some grades and it is not too late to check into co-ops for this year.

Let the Summer Begin

The school year at CHA has come to an end. A rousing end-of-the year program, a comical production of “Night at the Wax Museum” and the emotional graduation of eight very outstanding seniors cap off an amazing year. Life is always interesting and engaging at CHA and this year was no exception. The teary good-byes and remembrances will long be etched in this writer’s heart.

Graduation at CHA is a special affair. Each senior is asked to assemble a two-minute slide show that recaps their life. Following the slide show, the senior speaks to the audience, offering advice to the rising seniors and thanks to parents, teachers and administrators. One senior reminisced about her years at CHA and the questions she had learned to ask…She began by asking “Who am I” and “Where am I going?” As she ended the speech, she again asked “Who am I” and answered by saying “I have no idea.” “Where am I going?” Again, she answered “I have no idea.” “But I have now learned the right questions to ask as I continue on this journey.” She realized that more information leads to more questions and that life is learning to ask and process and ask again. Students at CHA often end with more questions than they begin with and THAT IS THE POINT!

So, as we close the book on the 2009-10 school year, we look forward to next year…another senior class, a fall elementary school theatrical production, a spring high school theatrical production, a yearbook, a prom, a science fair and more books! Don’t forget the books

Music of the Night Masquerade

Christiana Homeschool Academy was proud to sponsor the recent "Music of the Night" Masquerade for over 100 homeschooled students in Maryland. The event, held at Martin's West in Baltimore, featured Top 40 and ballroom music, a buffet dinner and raffles, prizes, gift bags and even glo sticks!

The 35 seniors were honored during the "promenade." Each senior was introduced and a brief bio was read, highlighting accomplishments during the high school career. The seniors looked stunning in their elegant dresses and tuxedos.

Favorite music was played during the evening and the participants never left the dance floor. A photographer was contracted for the event and took exquisite pictures of the attendees.

Over 40 gift cards and other prizes were donated for the raffles. Best Buy, I-tunes and restaurant cards were some of the popular prizes. Each student also recieved restaurant coupons and gift cards, and a prom photo box as part of the gift bag.

This elegant event is a yearly event and the date has been reserved for 2011! Look for the prom information on the Christiana website in the early fall!

The Days of Kings and Queens

One of the highlights for 2nd, 6th and 11th graders at Christiana is to visit Medieval Times at Arundel Mills Mall. After studying about knights, castles, the crusades, kings and queens, the students visit this “castle” to experience a meal fit for a king and a rousing jousting tournament.

The students are seated in the participant section of the “grounds” and await the arrival of the royal family. The king and queen enter to loud applause and introduce themselves and the knights that will be competing for honors.

Following the meal, the anxious horses and their riders enter the coliseum and participate in games and contests. The king and queen finish off the evening with a pronouncement honoring the winning knight.

For the 30 students and adults from CHA, this was the culmination of a year of exciting books like “The Door in the Wall,” “King Arthur” and “Robinhood.” Learning about the brutality during the wars and crusades is often eye opening and humbling, but the appeal of the days of castles, royalty and knights will never go away.

Talent is an Understatement!

Talent is an Understatement!

During a recent CHA talent show, the student body at Christiana showed that there is more than academic pursuit at this homeschooling cooperative. The 30 students, who eagerly participated in the talent show, exhibited amazing musical, theatrical and artistic ability to the parents and tutors that were gathered.

Students as young as five performed comfortably and confidently in front of their peers and the many adults that looked on. Piano pieces included “rag” music, classical music and an original piece by a CHA senior. Several vocalists warmed the crowd with a rendition of the song “For Good” from the musical, “Wicked.” The crowd waited anxiously for the skits that some of the high school guys put together. The crowd was rolling with laughter during these comedic interludes! A serious dramatic performance depicted Jesus coming as our deliverer. Another highlight of the evening was two ballet dancers, “on pointe” who dazzled the crowd with grace and elegance.

Finally, the seniors ended the evening with an original song, “We Are On Our Way.” This song, written by the senior class, was initiated by the senior Great Books teacher, who encouraged the seniors to write something that would reflect their senior year.

Many thanks to the senior class, who organized this “1st Annual CHA Talent Show.” Parents and students are hoping for an encore performance next year! Bravo CHA students!!!!!

CHA FUN!

The recent blizzards of 2010 have caused us all to pause and to spend time with family, neighbors and whoever else was in our home when the skies opened up to dump feet (NOT INCHES!) of snow in our yards and driveways. This forced sabbatical did not stop the hearty souls at CHA! No, we did not risk wandering out during the State of Emergency, but thanks to the tutors at CHA, lesson plans were modified, homework sheets (better known as the HAS) were filled out, and with the help of the internet, the HAS forms and handouts were sent.
While we are about serious schoolwork at CHA, the children were granted a true snow day and they were ever so grateful. Snowmen were built, tunnels dug, sled-runs were fashioned and the time out of doors was glorious! But, knowing that another blizzard was looming in the west, the administrators encouraged us to keep working to stay on track. So, the video games, computer time and TV time was limited and the kids at CHA forged ahead to keep up with schoolwork! Most were motivated to finish early so they could head out doors again.
Yes, CHA is about working hard and challenging young minds. However, we also know how to have great fun. Holidays are held in high esteem at CHA and homemade treats appear as we celebrate Christmas, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and birthdays. In addition, the high schoolers will always find a good excuse for a party or games night, whether it is someone’s birthday or a huge project that has been completed. Friendships run deep at CHA and while we enjoy working hard together, we enjoy playing hard together. There are committees that plan field trips (to Annapolis, Medieval Times, zoos, museums, etc) and family activities like a square dance and the annual Father/Daughter dance. Other industrious parents work to plan a high school prom at Martin’s West and to put together a top-notch published yearbook.
Soon the normal routine will be in full swing. The winter of 2010 will be in the history books and the students at Christiana will be back in the classroom. But for now, consider the words of Bill Watterson in It’s a Magical World:

"Wow, it really snowed last night! Isn't it wonderful? Everything familiar has disappeared! The world looks brand new! A new year...a fresh clean start ! It's like having a big white sheet of paper to draw on! A day full of possibilities! It's a magical world, Hobbes, ol' buddy...let's go exploring!"

The Classical Education”
January 27, 2010

In a letter written in 1814, Thomas Jefferson laments to John Adams: “Our post-revolutionary youth are born under happier stars than you and I were. They acquire all learning in their mother’s womb, and bring it into the world ready made. The information of books is no longer necessary, and all knowledge, which is not innate, is in contempt, or neglect at least.” However, while we see youth that fit this description in modern culture, there are glimpses of hope in small educational pockets throughout our community, state and nation.

The “classical education” movement is on the rise and parents are seeing the value in this model of education. Young, Christian men and women at Christiana Homeschool Academy are learning in the ways of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle and are reading and studying from the great teachers, whose voices echo in hundreds of great classic books.

A classical education is based on the original 7 Liberal Arts passed to us from Plato’s Republic through the mouth of Socrates. Those “liberal arts” include Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric, Music, Astronomy, Arithmetic and Geometry. These areas of study were not offered as seven separate subjects, but as disciplines integrated with culture which instilled core values and educated the whole person.

The founding fathers of America were educated within the realm of the “classical model”, read great books, learned Latin and Greek, and knew how to debate emphatically and eloquently. And while this type of education lost its appeal in the 1800’s, the mid 1900’s saw resurgence in the desire to seek an education from the great classics.

Dorothy Sayers, in “The Lost Tools of Learning” (printed in 1947) explains the three stages of learning. The first stage is the “grammar stage,” which is comprised of the first three of the liberal arts (grammar, logic and rhetoric). Young children learn chants, poetry, and basic tools of learning. In the second stage, the “logic” stage, the child begins to ask questions and seeks to make sense of ideas and thoughts. Finally, in the “rhetoric” stage, the child begins to communicate his own thoughts and ideas effectively in speech and writing.

The Well-Trained Mind, by Susan Wise-Bauer, has further defined the classical model of education by encouraging a chronological study of history. In addition, the various subjects and disciplines are integrated and overlapped to create an interdisciplinary learning. Wise-Bauer has also provided a much needed “road map” for home schoolers who desire to use this model of education. And today, small co-ops, families, private schools and educators are grasping hold of this model to train young minds.

The Thomas Jefferson Education
January 26, 2010
"The boys of the rising generation are to be the men of the next, and the sole guardians of the principles we deliver over to them." --Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Knox, 1810.

The parents and tutors at Christiana Homeschool Academy take seriously the responsibility to educate our children well. What we impart to them in these short years is what they carry into the next generation. The CHA family has been considering various educational models and theories and how to incorporate these principles into the education we provide our children. The Thomas Jefferson Education, by Dr. Oliver Van DeMille is one of the tools used to shape the education at Christiana.

DeMille shares three goals in this model of education. The first is to “train” thinkers, entrepreneurs and statesmen. The second is to perpetuate freedom. The third goal in this model is to teach students how to think. The Jefferson Education purposes to use the great classics along with active mentoring, offers depth and breadth in the education, and demands quality work and a real world education. One of the keys to the effective execution of this model of education is using “classics,” which provide glaring insight into human nature. Great books, just like great art and great musical compositions, endure over time and are able to speak to and challenge countless generations. These great books teach us about human nature and force us to think while connecting us to those who share the story.

Another key component to the Jefferson Education is the expectation that good mentors will partner in the education process. Those mentors should be individuals of high moral character, who are advanced in their area of expertise, but will still use the classics to teach. This mentor will set the example of a high work ethic and will expect quality work from the student. Mentors can be parents, teachers, coaches, art and music educators. These are the individuals who are imparting to the next generation. We should all ask what it is that we are imparting to the men (and women) of the rising generation.

“Modern Education”January 22, 2010

“Why do we do what we do?” is a commonly asked question by parents, administrators and even students at Christiana. In an effort to better understand the educational options we consider for our homeschooled students, several tutors at the academy are delving into some of these educational options.

Madeline Jones, 12th grade Great Books tutor, spoke recently about the “Modern Education.” While it is hard to affix a precise definition to the “modern education” concept, several characteristics of this educational “thought” stand out.

First, a modern education will tend toward one of the following: the student being highly trained and not having exposure to a broad educational opportunity OR just the opposite. The student could have a broad educational opportunity without the ability to delve more deeply into particular areas of interest. The first example where a student is highly trained can be seen in schools where a student must choose a particular area of focus or must declare a “major” in high school. The student may choose an engineering “focus” and then spend time in advanced science and math courses. However, the study of history, literature, language and the arts may be minimized. The second option, where the student receives a broad education, is seen in many schools today. In an effort to create a well-rounded student, the opportunity for deep study is limited because of classroom size, and curriculum restrictions. The modern education is a necessary starting point, but we should move a step further.

A highly specialized education is necessary at some point in the educational journey as is a broad understanding of many areas of study. However, in both of these options, many times the “heart” or passion of learning is missing. Aristotle sums it up nicely when he says “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” Jones emphasizes that in any form of education, a mentor can be helpful to lead a young person in their passion. The mentor’s job is to impart instruction, ask questions and force application on a private level. Mentoring is an excellent way to benefit from any education. Whether it is a teacher, tutor, parent or pastor who takes on the role of mentor, they can provide the “heart” to the educational experience.

Why A Blog?

Well, I could say that I was inspired by the movie, Julie and Julia, or that because I ask the 7th grade class to blog each day, I thought that perhaps I should write too! However, with the web-site update, it seemed like a good opportunity to pass along tidbits of the CHA community. So, we move into the new century and a new decade, and even though the younger generation wins "hands down" when it comes to technology related tasks, even the moms and dads can use computers, websites and blogs to our advantage. There will be blogs about the CHA community, what individual classes are doing, events at CHA and more. Ideas are certainly welcome, but this will not be a forum for discussion --- just information. Besides this blog, the small articles will not be centered on my thoughts. The information is designed to help the CHA community and those interested in our programs to catch some glimpses into life at CHA and life in the homeschool world!

Learning to Be a Community


The Christiana student body pursues a high standard of academic pursuits whether on “school” days at the academy or at home doing follow-up work. But the student body and moms, dads and other siblings have the rich opportunity to learn what it means to be a community and to “do” community. First, there is a high priority to prayer. Families are regularly lifted up to the Father for illness, personal struggles, family crisis, etc. House sales, business problems and financial struggles are a part of the CHA prayer lists that are sent weekly to the CHA family. And on school days, parents can be found huddled, praying together. Students are encouraged to pray with and for each other and will often gather during the school day to lift up a particular struggle. There is great comfort in knowing that this extended family is praying. In addition, there is a helping network to provide meals in times of illness, surgery and other family crisis. People genuinely care for one another and make it a practice to “check up” on one another. The whole person is deeply cared for. This CHA community is an amazing ecumenical community where Methodists, Presbyterians, Catholics, Lutherans, Assembly of God members and others come together and pray, teach and serve one another in love. A tiny glimpse of heaven is seen each week as this rich academic community joins together!

Senior Class Nearing the End of Thesis

One of the highlights of a high school education at CHA is the thesis project, required of each senior at the academy. Pre-thesis work begins in the spring of the junior year with a nine week class taught by Thesis Coordinator, Amy Bittner. Students begin by considering a topic and securing a mentor who will help in the research and experimentation steps of the thesis. The 2010 senior class has been tackling music related topics, theatre/acting topics, stem cell research, the brain and memory and other pertinent topics in today’s culture.

During the summer and fall, the students are encouraged to read and research their topics and write a “Literature Review.” CHA students have been working with Carroll Community College, Hood College and other institutions of higher learning to provide materials pertinent in their research. Each senior then completes an experiment or survey that will prove/disprove their original theories. As the calendar rolled over into 2010, there was a collective “yelp” for joy as the seniors realized that much of their work was completed. The “literature reviews” are nearly done and experiments and survey results are being analyzed. The students will continue the process by preparing Power Point presentations. The work will finally be complete in March and will then be presented to the CHA community and a panel of judges.