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Catholic Homeschool Group Here is a link to the Church of Saint James Catholic Homeschooling St. Elizabeth Home Educators THIS SITE IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION Serving the Eastern Panhandle       Catholic Homeschooling “Since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence, parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure of it.” Declaration on Christian Education Pope Paul VI   The reasons why families choose to home school are as varied as the families themselves. For some, it becomes a lifelong vocation; for others, it is a temporary solution in response to a child’s needs or lack of good educational alternatives. The Catholic home school movement continues to grow nationwide. Each year more quality Catholic resources are available in response to the growing audience. You may pick and choose your own curriculum from a wide range of sources or choose a full-service provider. There are several full-service curriculum providers whose services typically include all books and workbooks, full lesson plans, counseling, tests, grading, and record keeping. This is a great option for families new to home schooling. Local Support St. Elizabeth Home Educators is an active group of Catholic home schooling families in the Eastern Panhandle. We host monthly educational field trips and support group meetings, participate in the many family-centered activities offered by the Catholic Family Network, and participate with other Christian home school groups in a fall co-op and annual year book . You can join us on the 4th Wednesday of each month for topical discussions regarding home schooling such as curriculum, methodology, record keeping, the law, motivation, learning styles, community resources, and general support. Meeting location varies. Why Folks Home School When we lived in Utah, we had some home schooled kids as babysitters. I was blown away at the maturity and self-confidence that these teenage girls had! I knew nothing about home schooling at the time but I was sold on the idea! --Dawn Timberlake, Mother of 4 children I home school my two children because I feel that God opened a window for us. He presented us with the opportunity and gave us the strength, perseverance, and family support to see us through. And what a year this has been for us! Our children are learning beautifully with one-on-one instruction. As a family, we are closer than we have ever been. We know the Holy Family is watching over us at all times and giving us protection and support. --Maura Sherrill, Mother of 2 children The primary benefit I've realized through home schooling is the time it allows for our family to grow together. As my family spends time together, each relationship is strengthened, mine with my husband, ours with each of our individual children, and the children's relationships among themselves. I think home schooling just affords a family more time to be a family together. It also allows us to spend more time nurturing that most important relationship with God. As we pray together throughout the day, offering up our joys and sorrows and petitions for friends, our faith grows. The time we spend in each other's company is precious and irreplaceable. --Jennifer LaFear Ward, Mother of 5 children Resources Home schooling is legal in West Virginia and there are many avenues of support for both beginning and experienced home educators and homeschoolers of all ages. In addition to the St. Elizabeth Home Educators, the Jefferson County Christian Homeschoolers is a large and active group in the Eastern Panhandle. The Home School Legal Defense Association’s mission is to preserve and advance the fundamental, God-given, constitutional right of parents and others legally responsible for their children to direct their education. They advocate these freedoms in the courtrooms and in the public arena. Visit them at www.hslda.org NACHE Conference The National Association of Catholic Home Educators annual conference in July is held in Northern Virginia. Catholic homeschooling families from all over the East Coast come to hear speakers on a wide array of topics and explore the many curricula and materials on display. Visit them at www.nache.org Sources of full-service Catholic curriculum: Kolbe - www.kolbe.org Our Lady of the Rosary - www.olrs.org Our Lady of Victory - www.olvs.org Angelicum Academy - www.angelicum.net Regina Coeli Academy - www.etwn.com/rca Seton Home Study School - www.setonhome.org Mother of Divine Grace School - www.motherofdivinegrace.org   Catholic Family Network Catholic Family Network hosts a large variety of activities focused on strengthening Catholic families. Below is a partial list of activities. First Fridays Join us on the first Friday of each month at Daily Mass and afterwards for a potluck lunch, a moms’ lively discussion on spiritual growth, and liturgical kids’ activity. Little Saints Come make friends and share parenting experiences in our preschool/toddler playgroup. The program includes kids’ activities, adult discussion, and local field trips. We meet every Tuesday. Little Flowers All school-age girls and their moms are invited to come and learn about the heroes of our Faith and study and practice the virtues together. We gather on the first Wednesday of each month. Blue Knights All school-age boys and their dads are invited to answer the call for faith, hope & justice. We come together on the third Wednesday of each month to learn about the heroes of our Faith and to study and practice the virtues. THIS SITE IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION         Home | Testing | Yearbook | Library | Mountain Group | Charles Town Group | Catholic Group | Covenant Homeschool Group | Message Board | Homeschooler's forum | Field Trips