CLASSES

This page gives information about classes, activities and resources that AAEN members have used and been pleased with. While many of these classes are run by religious groups (reflecting the sad shortage of secular opportunities existing at this time), they are all open to all homeschoolers, and none require a statement of faith. AAEN does not sponsor these opportunities and makes no warranties regarding them.

2008-2009All-Secular Academic and Enrichment Classes
Classes for homeschooled middle and high school students (6-12th grade) are offered Tuesdays Through Fridays at Pierian Springs, 190 Sandy Springs Place, Atlanta, GA 30328. Second semester classes begin January 20. Registration is ongoing. Many of the teachers and organizers are AAEN members, and have taught at AAEN in the past.
For more information,including directions, teacher bios and class descriptions see our website at http://www.Pieriansprings.org or email Karen@pharsalia.com.

2008-2009Young Actor's Ensemble
Young Actors Ensemble offers teen actors in the Atlanta area a creative and nurturing training experience so they may develop technique and truth in acting.
Through acting classes, scene study, improvisation, and by performing in theatrical productions, actors are able to engage themselves in the creative process of working with an ensemble to develop and perform shows for young audiences.
Young Actor's Ensemble meets at Pierian Springs, 190 Sandy Springs Place, Atlanta, GA 30328. For more information see our website at http://www.youngactorsensemble.org, or email Karen@pharsalia.com.

2008-2009Math and Science Classes at the Paul's
Long-time homeschooler Angela Paul teaches a complete line-up of high school math and science classes at her home in Tucker. These are all taught using mainstream, secular texts. Many AAEN families have enjoyed them. Contact Angela at 770-939-1006 or jimangpaul@juno.com.

2008-2009Math and Science Classes with Derek Owens
Derek Owens teaches high school math and physics classes at the Dunwoody Coop and Lilburn Alliance Church. Both groups are Christian, but the classes are open to all and Derek's are secular in content and materials. Go to http://www.derekowens.com for details. Contact Derek at derek_owens@comcast.net.

2008-2009Other Classes at Dunwoody Co-Op
The Dunwoody Co-Op offers other classes for middle and high schoolers as well. Some classes use Christian materials, others are secular in perspective, so check with each teacher if that is an issue for you. Click here for more information, or contact
Trez Dabbs at trezevant@mindspring.com.

2008-2009Classes at Lilburn Alliance
Lilburn Alliance offers classes for all ages, with a heavy emphasis on High School core subjects. Some of the history classes use Christian materials, and most science classes are taught from a creationist perspective using Apologia texts, but the Physics and Math classes are entirely secular in content and materials. Their website is http://www.lachomeschool.com/.

Joyful Noise Homeschool Band
Joyful Noise Home School Band provides band instruction on four levels, beginner through elite. They offer Concert Band, Orchestra and Jazz Band ensemble and performance opportunities. Many AAEN families participate.
http://www.joyfulnoiseband.com/

Masters Academy Band
Master's Academy in Covington is offering band and you don't have to enroll in Master's to do just the band. Also, the band leader there is the director of another group called H.O.M.E.- Homeschoolers Offering Music Education.
The website for H.O.M.E. is : http://www.homeschoolers-music.org/
The main website for Master's Academy of Fine Arts is: http://www.mafa.net
The website for the COVINGTON Master's that offers the band program is: http://www.mafa.net/schools/covington

CURRICULUM

We often get questions from new homeschoolers (and those of us looking for a change) about curriculum options. Here are some resources that various AAEN members have used and are happy with. As always, AAEN has no ties to these opportunities and makes no warranties regarding them.

Calvert School, the granddaddy of elementary grade distance education, offers a complete, traditional MSACS accredited curriculum through grade 8.

Oak Meadow School is a complete Waldorf based curriculum through grade 12. Its high school is SACS accredited (the same as Georgia public schools, so transfer should be easy).

Sonlight is another complete curriculum through grade 12, heavy on literature. It is Christian, but includes books that contain diverse points of view. Even if you don't use the curriculum, it is worth a look for its many interesting book recommendations.

Ambleside Online is a curriculum guide and booklist (complete through grade 11) designed to follow Charlotte Mason's method of homeschooling. Each year/grade has a list of books to lay out what resources will need to be collected or purchased, and an optional 36-week schedule to break the resources into smaller increments to help with pacing the books throughout the year. There is no fee to use the curriculum or website. Parents may use as much or as little of the booklists and schedules as they like.

The Well-Trained Mind, a book published in 1999 by W.W. Norton, serves as a resource for parents wanting to educate their children according to the classical model of education. The website has resources and discussions for families using the classical approach.

Clonlara has been used by some AAEN members in the past. They have a flexible curriculum that you can tailor for your kids - and they give academic credit for real life experiences (what a concept (-; ).

Even families who mostly unschool or avoid textbooks sometimes want one for math. Sonlight has an interesting discussion comparing some of the most popular programs, giving pros and cons of each and appropriateness for various learning styles. Many AAEN families use Singapore Math.

CULTURAL EVENTS

And here are some of the many cultural venues in Atlanta that offer programs for homeschoolers. Again, AAEN does not sponsor these opportunities and makes no warranties regarding them.

Georgia Shakespeare Festival
Many AAEN members have enjoyed the programs presented by the Georgia Shakespeare Festival. Sometimes we organize group field trips, but one can sign up as an individual as well.
Georgia Shakespeare Homeschool Events

SPORTS

There is an ever-expanding range of sports opportunities for homeschoolers these days. Some of these have been used by AAEN members, some by other homeschoolers we know, and some just sound interesting. AAEN does not sponsor these opportunities and makes no warranties regarding them.