A Virtual Homeschool High School Classroom
A Virtual Homeschool High School Classroom
MISSION
Homeschool Companion Virtual High School exists to show teens, Jesus, nurture their love for Him, teach them to think, and empower them to serve.
PHILOSOPHY
MRG Media Ministries operates Homeschool Companion to provide spiritually-oriented educational support for homeschooled teens. A belief in the existence of the Creator God is fundamental in our school's philosophy. We respect His divine authority and recognize His intervention in human affairs. We believe a proper education develops each student's spiritual, mental, and physical powers. It prepares them for the joy of service in this lifeequal andthe higher joystudents GPA of service in the future. To achieve this goal, we encourage each student to:
LOCATION
Homeschool Companion's Virtual High School serves homeschooling teens across North America who are seeking an education that emphasizes exceptional academics, develops self-discipline, and serves the community with faith-based character growth. Our headquarters are in Smithsburg, Maryland.
Local area students are welcome to participate in band, choir, and handbells, which will be performed at various churches and at graduation. Seniors are welcome to graduate with their online peers in a virtual graduation service or travel to Maryland.
ADMISSION
Students in grades seven through twelve who express and demonstrate a sincere desire for learning, a willingness to cooperate with the culture of virtual high school policies, and mutual respect are welcomed. However, admission is a privilege, not a right, and Homeschool Companion may withhold or withdraw students at its discretion.
Admission is based on the following:
· Credits and transcripts from the last school or home school attended;
· References from a pastor . a non-related adult;
· Immunization records or a letter of exemption;
· Financial support – However, students may enroll pending financial approval.
We are happy to help students without current transcripts by reviewing any evidence, such as the following:
· Portfolio
· Standardized/placement tests
· Pertinent homeschooling material
· An interview with the student
ADMISSION DATES
It is standard for students to enroll at the beginning of a semester. However, late admissions are allowed to maintain the integrity of a student’s academic program. We practice open enrollment.
CLASS LOAD
Students may register for as many or as few credits as needed. The parent can verify this need at any time. We are happy to include classes taught at home in a transcript. The academic standards committee must grant qualified students permission to take more than eight credits per semester.
CLASS MEMBERSHIP
To be classified as a Freshman, verification of successful completion of eighth grade from a standard or homeschool program.
Membership in the Sophomore class requires the completion of a minimum of five secondary credits.
Junior class membership requires the completion of a minimum of ten secondary credits.
Senior class membership requires the completion of at least sixteen secondary credits.
We can assist students through our educational consultation feature to obtain homeschooling credits by interviewing the families to see what real-life experiences may be converted into academic credit.
The registrar will evaluate each student’s records as soon as the homeschooling documentation/transcripts are received and after the close of each semester.
DEFINITION OF CREDIT
A 40-minute class period (200 minutes per week) or equivalent for 180 days defines one Carnegie Unit of credit. This standard does not exclude flexible scheduling and varying time modules.
FOUR-YEAR SENIOR
A four-year senior is a student who has earned eight semesters of grades from Homeschool Companion Virtual High School. A student who accelerates may be considered a four-year student. This designation is for award purposes only. A senior may be classified as a senior based on equivalent credits with a minimum of twenty credits.
GRADES
Teachers use Google Classroom for grades. This allows parents to check their student’s progress from any location, anytime. Grade reports are issued to students and parents by email every nine weeks. A final grade is issued at the end of each semester and is recorded permanently on the student’s transcript.
GRADING SCALE AND GRADE POINTS
Percentage Grade Points
92-100 A 4.0
90-91 A- 3.7
88-89 B+ 3.3
82-87 B 3.0
80-81 B- 2.7
78-79 C+ 2.3
72-77 C 2.0
70-71 C- 1.7
68-69 D+ 1.3
62-67 D 1.0
60-61 D- 0.7
0-59 F 0
Courses graded with pass/fail (P/F) do not affect the student’s GPA.
Other grade designations include:
I = Incomplete W=Withdrew
WP = Withdrawl while Passing WF = Withdrawl while Failing
LC= Loss of Credit* N= No Credit
*failure to meet proof of minimum requirements or academic dishonesty
HONOR ROLL
Honor Roll lists will be designated by the term with Grade Point Average (GPA) as follows:
Principal’s List 3.75-4.00
Honor Roll lists will be designated by the term with Grade Point Average (GPA as follows:
Honorable Mention 3.00-3.49
INCOMPLETE
A student receiving an Incomplete (I) should arrange with their instructor to finish the work. No grade will be issued until the job is completed.
RECORDS
All cumulative records are kept in the registrar’s office in a confidential file. The registrar will maintain these records in a current condition. Grades will be completed by June 30. Only parents, guardians, or students of legal age will be given access to these records.
SEMESTER EXAMS
Students are expected to take semester examinations at the times scheduled except in case of illness or death in the immediate family. Students may request a rescheduled test from their teacher. We will accommodate students who may need more time and constantly look for ways to modify our courses so all students can succeed.
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO
The student-teacher ratio is planned not to exceed 10:1.
TRANSCRIPTS
At the end of each school year, one transcript is issued free of charge. There will be a $10.00 fee for each additional transcript requested. Allow 7-10 days to process transcripts. Contact us directly at myhomeschoolcompanion@gmail.com or call
301-824-3162 if you need the process expedited.
VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN
The valedictorian and salutatorian will be those students taking three or more courses from Homeschool Companion Virtual High School with the highest two cumulative grade point averages in their graduating class and obtaining the College Entrance with an Honors diploma. The grade point average will be calculated after the first semester of the Senior year. We do this to help students win scholarships and awards from outside entities.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
Students who withdraw from school during the year must complete a withdrawal form obtained from the registrar's office. Charges will accrue until the student has been officially removed.
COLLEGE PREPARATORY DIPLOMA
Religion – One Credit for each year in attendance (being involved in your local church can count as your Religion course)
English – 4 credits
Social Science – 3 credits of U.S. History and Government
Mathematics – 1 credit each of Algebra 1 and Geometry, plus advanced math or consumer math credits. (Pre-Algebra does not apply toward the math requirement for this diploma but does count toward a general student's equivalent GPA certificate..)
Science – 1 credit of Biology plus two other credits in lab sciences
Foreign Language – 2 credits
Physical Education – 2 credits
Computer Competencies – 1 credit
Health – ½ credit
Fine Arts – 1 credit
Electives – 1-1/2 credits
TOTAL = 24 credits
GENERAL DIPLOMA
Religion – One for each year in attendance (involvement in your local church can count as your Religion course)
English – 4 credits
Social Science – 3 credits, of which one must be U.S. History.
Mathematics – 3 credits, including one credit of Algebra and one credit of Geometry
Science – 3 credits
Physical Education – 2 credits
Computer Competencies – 1 credit
Health – ½ credit
Fine Arts – 1 credit
Electives – 11/2 credits
TOTAL = 22 credits
SUGGESTED OUTLINE OF COURSES
FIRST-/SECOND-YEAR STUDENT
Religion
English
Pre-Algebra or Algebra or Geometry
Environmental Science or Biology
Physical Education
World History
Freshman Seminar/Keyboarding Computer Competencies
Health
Elective(s)
JUNIOR/SENIOR
Religion
English
Algebra II, Geometry, or Advanced Math, Calculus
Chemistry, or Chemistry in the Community, Physics, or Forensic Science
American History or Government
Spanish 1 or Spanish 2
German 1 or German 2
Classes Taught
ART
A Jackson Drawing Anime--1/4 Credit
G Harman Creative Card Making--1/4 Credit
V Jennings Arts & Crafts--1 Credit
BIBLE
V Jennings World Religions--1 Credit
V Jennings Christian Denominations--1 Credit
V Jennings Steps to Christ--1/2 Credit
V Jennings Genesis and Me--1 Credit
F Laughlin Follower to Disciple 1st Sem--1/2 Credit
F Laughlin Disciple to Disciple Maker 2nd Sem--1/2 Credit
CAREERS
F Laughlin Tutoring neurodiverse students 1 Credit
TBA Career Exploration Careers
V Jennings Creative Writing, Editing, & Publishing--1 Credit
V Jennings Introduction to Writing Poetry--1 Credit
V Jennings Freshman Eng--1 Credit
V Jennings US Literature/Culture--1 Credit
V Jennings British Literature/Culture--1 Credit
EXECUTIVE SKILLS
C Dye College Prep/Trade school school Life 101
HISTORY
V Jennings World History--1 Credit
V Jennings British History & Culture--1 Credit
V Jennings US History & Culture--1 Credit
LANGUAGES
G Harman German 1--1 Credit
G Harman German 2--1 Credit
F Laughlin Spanish for Native Speakers--1 Credit
F Laughlin Spanish I, Novice--1 Credit
F Laughlin Spanish II--1 Credit
MATH
C Dye 7/8 Math--1 Credit
C Dye 6/7 Math--1 Credit
R Gamblin Math Placement Tests
R Gamblin Algebra 1/2--1 Credit
R Gamblin Geometry--1 Credit
R Gamblin Algebra 1--1 Credit
R Gamblin Algebra 2--1 Credit
R Gamblin Pre-caluculus--1 Credit
MUSIC
C Dye Music Appreciation--1 Credit
C Dye Flute--1/2 Credit
C Dye Piano--1/2 Credit
A Jackson Oboe--1/2 Credit
A Jackson Voice--1/2 Credit
A Jackson Music Composition--1 Credit
A Jackson Song Writing--1 Credit
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE GROUPS
We are happy to credit you for musical/dance groups you may already be part of. Here are some examples:
Ensemble – ½ credit
An ensemble is designed to develop extensive comprehensive involves cover with teamwork, listening, and following a conductor. The students will rehearse and perform a varied repertoire drawing on music from different cultures and styles and start composing or arranging for the symphony orchestra’s instruments (strings, winds, brass, percussion).
Choir – ½ credit
A choir or vocal group involves skills, interest, and love of vocal/choral music. This course seeks to develop vocal techniques, sight-singing, musicianship, and ensemble skills. The challenging repertoire will be drawn from the Renaissance to Contemporary periods, reflecting different languages and cultures.
ELECTIVES
Publications/Yearbook – ½ credit
This elective course introduces and develops skills in journalistic writing, photography, layout, editing, and publishing software (Adobe Photoshop & InDesign). Students apply these skills in publishing Stars, the school yearbook. The yearbook staff works under the leadership of a student editor. Emphasis is given to graphic design, as well as to organization, group effort, and timeliness in meeting deadlines. Class size is limited.
Drama – ½ credit
Students will be involved in a stage production--positions which include acting, stagehands, choreography, costuming, sound enhancement, props management into periods between, lighting, and music. Performances will be for a Christmas program and an Easter program. Puppets are also included.
Other Electives
Students can create electives around their family culture, work, and events. These may include travel study trips, personal health goals, community events, and church activities.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Although parents track most attendance, Homeschool Companion Virtual High School expects students to meet all scheduled appointments. Tardiness to classes will be managed in the classroom. Students are tardy if they enter the virtual room after the class start time (beware of time differences--all classes are scheduled in EST).
Excused Absences:
· Illness
· Death in the family
· Pre-approved dental or medical appointments
· Pre-approved parent-initiated absences and travel
·Technical problems
Unexcused Absences:
· Arriving more than 10 minutes late
· Leaving class without permission
· Missing class without a valid excuse
· Non-pre-approved dental or medical appointments
· Non-pre-approved parent-initiated absences
· Disruptive behavior in class
The above items are considered unexcused absences for the attendance participation grade.
How to get your absences excused:
If a student is to be absent from the virtual classroom, a parent or guardian must call/text the teacher as soon as possible.
MEDIA/TECHNOLOGY POLICY
The virtual high school prohibits unauthorized photographs and audio or video recordings using cell phones, PDAs, laptops, or other recording devices during class. Recording or using various media devices may only occur when authorized by the teacher for participation in the educational process.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A one-time $75 registration fee for the yearbook, transcripts, administrative services, and insurance. Each course costs $70 per month per course ($700 per year). There may be additional charges, such as Biology and Chemistry labs.
Families are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks and student supplies. Invoices for purchased courses will be emailed as a reminder when necessary. We do everything we can to keep the tuition affordable.
To apply for financial aid, you need to be willing to have a virtual meeting with our treasurer and assistant principal to provide your personal tax information. And any other information concerning the financial hardships you may be experiencing.
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