A Virtual Homeschool High School Classroom
Stay Curious. Learn how you can help your teens with a virtual high school
Join our community of learners!
We Believe:
- Every student's first and most important school is their home.
- Every student is of immeasurable value.
- Education and redemption are one.
Note:
- We don't replace homeschooling.
- We provide support in the form of instruction
- We are an additional tool for creating curiosity
- And we help motivate
- We are non-accredited
Our Goal:
Homeschool Companion strives to support the 5 million families that homeschool their children each year. We provide programming on cutting-edge educational strategies, techniques, and inspirational themes. Homeschool Companion Virtual High School is an educational program to assist you and your teenager by providing virtual face-to-face instruction through Google Classroom. Homeschool Companion also broadcasts a daily radio show dedicated to providing information to families. The show currently airs every day, Monday through Friday, at 11:05 a.m. EST. Or you can listen to the podcast on your favorite outlet.
For more information
Phone, Email, or Call:
Homeschool Companion Virtual High School,
PO Box 413, Smithsburg, Maryland, 21783
Or Email myhomeschoolcompanion@gmail.com
Phone: 301-824-3162
About Our Faculty
Dr. Rose Gamblin, Principal, Math
Dr. Gamblin began teaching at an early age since her parents were missionaries in West Africa. She was homeschooled through the 10th grade. She earned a Ph.D. with an emphasis in Special Education/Gifted and Talented. “I believe every child is gifted in some way.” In 2008, She began her daily radio show, Homeschool Companion, which broadcasts daily. Rose is a home school evaluator (K–12, Special Ed.) for the state of Pennsylvania. She is working with a team of like-minded educators to provide a virtual high school for families who want to homeschool their children through high school. “With the pandemic, school violence, and limited accessibility, homeschooling has exploded, so much so that we recognize that we are part of "The Home School Revolution.”
Mr. Vaughn Jennings, Vice Principal, Humanities
After becoming a respiratory therapist, Mr. Jennings returned to college and earned a BS in elementary education and art with minors in elementary math and science. Later, he received an MAT in Multi-age instruction and was certified in WI, NY, OH, PA, and MD. From 1965 to 1999, he began and taught in several small, church-run micro-schools. Then, he became a supervisor of MD, DE, parts of WV, and PA schools.
Since retiring, Vaughn has taught elementary and high school classes virtually. He loves editing, writing books, poetry, and studying the Bible. For the past three years, Mr. Jennings has worked tirelessly to create community through the virtual delivery of instruction. He is considered a pioneer in the field.
Mrs. Gretchen Harman, Registrar, German, and Math Tutor
Mrs. Harman is our resident homeschool authority, having homeschooled all seven of her sons. Before having a family, she earned a BS in mathematics and did graduate work. She serves as a math tutor and registrar. Most recently, she has been teaching German, Algebra 1/2, 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 both virtually and face-to-face. She believes that mathematics should be taught like a language. It takes both practice and a connection to real-world experiences.
Mrs. Courtney Tooley Dye, Health and Fitness, Music Appreciation and Flute
Courtney Tooley Dye graduated from Washington Adventist University in 2021 with a triple major in Physical education: teaching certification K–12, Music, and Interdisciplinary studies. While at the university, she was a Dual Athlete at the NCAA Division II level in Volleyball and Basketball. She was a collegiate musician for both orchestra and band and played with the New England Symphony at Carnegie Hall, NY.
Courtney's other hobbies include traveling, reading, rock climbing, and hiking. She has been a teacher for two years and works at the Boys and Girls Club in her spare time. She is excited about teaching and participating in the Homeschool Companion Virtual High School Team. She is also available for virtual flute lessons.
Dr. Faith Laughlin, Spanish, English, Social Studies, and Career Paths
Dr. Laughlin graduated from Colegio Adventist de Sagunto, earned a bachelor's at Andrews, and then went on to Pacific Union College for her master's. She earned her doctorate at Shenandoah University. As a Christian educator, she aims to educate students not merely for life after graduation but also for eternity through the integration of faith and learning. This education occurs through the use of diverse methods, incorporating various learning styles, presentation styles, learning activities, collaborative projects, modeling, scenarios, case studies, technology usage, and question-and-answer sessions. "In this endeavor, I frequently remind myself that our lives must center on Christ "momently" if we truly desire to integrate faith and learning," says Dr. Laughlin
Andelena Jackson, Music Composition and Oboe
Andelena Jackson graduated from Shepherd University with a Bachelor of Arts in music composition. She wrote the film Score for the theater department's annual production. She has mastered multiple forms of composition, including solo works with accompaniment, woodwinds, brass, choir, chamber ensembles, concert bands, string orchestras, and symphony orchestras. She currently works at Music and Arts of Frederick, MD, teaching voice, oboe, and composition. She has had several works published by C. Alan Publications, was the winner of the CATF 30th Season Opening Fanfare Competition, and sang the national anthem for the Letterkenny 77th Anniversary Celebration for Italian POWs in 2022. Most recently, she won the opportunity to have one of her orchestral compositions played by the National Theatre Claudio Santoro Symphonic Orchestra. Ms. Jackson believes that music is a universal language and a way to communicate with every human being.
Jacob Harman, Topics in Technology
Mr. Harman works extensively in the field of technology. He is competent in various applications. And serves Homeschool Companion as our resident IT. He is always available to help teachers and students navigate Google Classroom, Drive, and other Google Applications. Students will learn digital ethics, how to develop a media plan, and how to use all the various applications that we use within our virtual high school, plus more. In addition, students will have projects to do that will help them in real-life situations, such as a digital portfolio (great for those districts that require them), a resume, and some coding.
Dr. Allen Shepherd, MD, AP Biology and Chemistry
Dr. Shepherd is a retired physician and pastor. He was raised in Los Angeles, in the San Fernando Valley, and graduated from La Sierra College with a BA in chemistry and Loma Linda with an MD. He finished a surgical residency in Santa Barbara, CA, a hardship by any measure. He spent eight years in Africa at two mission hospitals, Malamulo and Mwami. On his return, he practiced in the Boston area and eastern Indiana and served as a pastor for 12 years in northern Indiana. Next, he began a teaching career working with a small academy. He now lives with his wife in Valparaiso, Indiana, where he enjoys gardening and running his rental business.