Would the shared instruction model be a good fit for your family?
By Mandi Moore
Shared Instruction Consultant at The Ambrose School and Board President at Cross Classical Academy, Brownwood, TX
As our oldest child approached school age in 2009, my husband and I began to research educational options. Through much prayer and research, we became convinced that classical Christian education is the most effective option for instilling a love for God, truth, virtue, and learning into the lives of our children. To make classical education available for our children and other Christian families in our community, we helped launch Cross Classical Academy (CCA), a hybrid educational model in central Texas that blends the best of traditional classical Christian education with the best of parent-based learning. Our children attended classes on Mondays and Wednesdays and completed teacher-assigned lessons at home under my instruction and guidance on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Before attending CCA, I had often felt the time I had with my children passed so quickly that I was not completely accomplishing the goals I had for teaching and training them. The structure of our home days at Cross Classical enabled me to be intentional and effective with our family time. Dinner conversations were rich and meaningful as we discussed what we learned together each day. I became deeply acquainted with my children’s individual strengths and weaknesses. It was helpful to be able to provide extra instruction and practice when they struggled with concepts or content. Additionally, there was freedom to invest extra time and energy in the areas in which my kids enjoyed and excelled. When absences from school were necessary, I was able to easily teach any make-up work because I had all of the materials at home.
“I had often felt the time I had with my children passed so quickly that I was not completely accomplishing the goals I had for teaching and training them.”
Along the way, I had many opportunities to disciple my children as we worked through character issues that naturally arose on home days. We also had time to discuss their time spent on campus with friends and identify any areas for growth. The flexible schedule of our home days also allowed us to enjoy time with friends and family, as well as attend field trips during the week when exhibits were less crowded. I was blessed to be highly involved in the education of my children. The model supported and equipped our family by providing curriculum selection, daily lesson plans, student assessment and accountability, as well as parent training.
Shared instruction model was a great fit for our family, as it is for many families around the country. Ambrose has a vision to make this hybrid educational model available to families in the Treasure Valley in fall of 2017. I am excited to be a part of the team launching the Bridge Program, which will blend the best of classical Christian education (2 days per week on campus) with parent-based learning (3 days at home). Please spread the word to your friends and family!
OPEN HOUSE FEBRUARY 2ND & 23RD!
Any parents interested in hearing more are invited to attend an informational meeting in the Ambrose library on February 2nd or 23rd at 7:00-8:00pm. Childcare available upon request.
To RSVP or for questions, contact Bridge Program Director Melody Tracy at mtracy@theambroseschool.org.
READ MORE ABOUT THE AMBROSE SCHOOL BRIDGE PROGRAM
