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	FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
	Q1: Are these courses appropriate for the average child, or are they just for the gifted? A1: They are definitely excellent material for the average child, and the average parent; all that’s required is a study ethic and a schedule that allows for focused study. Q2: Are these courses suitable for all children? A2: There may be children who struggle with reading for whom some courses might not be successful. You should be able to tell after a couple of weeks, and by consulting with the instructor, if that is the case. Q3: Who will be teaching these courses? A3: Experienced, certified teachers will be teaching the majority of the classes, with the exception of some courses for younger students, which may be organized and run by participating families. All curricula will be carefully designed for maximum quality. Q4: Will the same offerings be given each year? A4: We are committed to developing core classes of the classical curriculum and will prioritize Latin, Logic, Progymnasmata, Omnibus and Rhetoric. In future years it may be necessary to phase out other courses, such as modern language or enrichment classes in order to accommodate the core courses. Teacher availability, scheduling difficulties, and demand may also have an impact on what we are able to offer for a particular year. Q5: Do I need to know much English grammar before beginning the study of Latin? A5: No. You will automatically learn English grammar as you study Latin grammar. You may have a more difficult time at first if you have done no grammar at all, but you will learn it better through the study of Latin than simply through the study of English. Q6: How far can we go with the Latin courses? A6: Latin students have the opportunity to continue through the Advanced Placement Latin exams (5th year of study if a student begins with Latin ½). This will, of course, depend on the availability of a Latin teacher, but be assured that we will make every effort to continue the classes. Q7: What in the world is Progymnasmata? A7: Progymnasmata (which means preliminary exercises) is the ancient art and science of teaching the skills of writing. This curriculum is similar to, but more complete than, The Institute for Excellence in Writing program. See the CCS Course Descriptions for a more thorough description. The course is a two-year program, and a student who only takes 1 year of Progymnasmata is missing half the benefits. The program is also wonderful preparation for Rhetoric. Q8: How much preparation will these classes require each week? A8: This varies from class to class. Latin will be the most demanding, requiring a solid 3-4 hours of work each week. Upper School courses take an average of 2-3 hours of independent student work per week. At the younger level, little or no homework is required. Q9: How can I know how to be successful in teaching this material to my children? A9: The board members (Judy Taylor, Cindy Leahy, and Beth Schloemer) offer yearly “What is Classical Education?” orientation sessions. We require all new families to attend this meeting, and encourage returning families to come share their experiences and renew their vision. We also encourage you to begin reading some of the books and essays that follow. Q10: Do I have to attend all of the upper level classes with my children? A10: Your presence is required only for Latin. The other courses will not require a parent’s assistance, but parents are welcome to attend. All we ask is that parents make certain that homework is completed on time. Q11: What about babysitting services--how does that work? A11: A nursery is available for children 3 and under. The babysitter’s fee will be paid directly to the nursery supervisor by participating families. Children ages 4 or over should be enrolled in classes. Q12: How much is the registration fee and what does it go for? A12: The fee will be $50 per child for the entire year. It will go to the reimbursement fund for the Church facility to cover such costs as electricity, water and sewage. Please read the Participation Guidelines for a thorough explanation of all fees and payment policies. Q13: What are the class sizes? A13: The maximum size tends to be 15-20 per class, depending on the type of class, and the minimum will be 5 (although the per student cost will be higher in those classes). If a course is approaching the maximum capacity, priority may be given to those whose families are participating in the full academic program. Q14: Where can I get more information about Classical Education? A14: *Essay: “The Lost Tools of Learning” by Dorothy Sayers - http://www.gbt.org/text/sayers.html (this is foundational and not to be missed!) Berquist, Laura. Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum Bluedorn, Harvey & Laurie. Teaching the Trivium: Christian Homeschooling in a Classical Style Campbell, Andrew. The Latin-Centered Curriculum Wilson, Douglas. Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning Wise, Jessie & Susan Wise Bauer, The Well Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home The Original Homeschooling Series – 6 volume set on Charlotte Mason method A Charlotte Mason Company by Karen Andreola

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