Peek into this vibrant classroom, where children are engaged in gently guided learning:
Sara, a pre-schooler, happily arranges her "store" of canned carrots and corn on the table as she becomes familiar with the consonant sound of "c."
Joseph, a second grader, carefully places pennies in the milk-jug lids taped to each end of his home-made lever experiment. If the fulcrum is shifted to left of center, how many more pennies will balance the smaller pile on the right?
Gianna, fourth grader, traces and snips an esophagus and small intestines from pink felt, the last body parts she needs to complete her three-dimensional Human Body felt project.
Martin, in fifth grade, has just finished watching "Padre on Horseback," a movie about Father Kino and his work developing Catholic missions in the Southwest. Martin is gathering craft supplies to create his own scale model of a Spanish mission.
Now, can you guess? Is this a Montessori homeschool, or perhaps Charlotte Mason, or even unschool?
Surprise! It's a CHC family, engrossed in activities included in their workbooks and lesson plans!
CHC understands that moms can feel pressed for time to fit in all the tasks that go along with being wife, mother, homemaker, and homeschooler. This understanding has led CHC to develop materials and lesson plans that are time-proven to enrich the homeschooler, both academically and spiritually, without bombarding or overwhelming mom and her students with a multitude of choices or assignments.
We invite you to learn more about CHC by exploring CHC's hallmarks:
1. Academic Excellence
It is CHC's belief that, when solid academics are offered in a gentle, flexible manner, the vast majority of children will blossom spiritually, emotionally, and academically. An exhausted child is not going to be as receptive to learning as is the child who is engaged in his subjects and not overwhelmed. CHC's educational approach lays a joyful foundation, resulting in children who achieve at and above grade level, do not "burn out," and instead "learn how to learn."
"Here is a picture of my children during last school year's 'graduation' celebration. In the picture, they proudly show off their awards and certificates of completion, as provided in each grade level Lesson Plan. We all helped out to prepare a special family dinner, complete with songs and poems for entertainment! God is so good! Thank you for all that you do to help us homeschoolers!" -Cristina, Canada
2. Catholicity
Our children's happiness, self-discipline, obedience, sharing, cooperation, thoughtfulness, all stem from being exposed to the teachings of our Faith. If we do not teach our children to know, love, and serve God, all the academics are for nothing. CHC materials, in a gentle, often subtle and happy way, recognize that our Faith is not a separate component of our lives, but rather who we are and Who we wish to be transformed into.
"This is a photo of my son Armand with our liturgical year wheel and the project outlined in A Year with God. We have also made several prayer books throughout the years. I particularly liked the prayer book ideas for First Communion year. They were extremely helpful in formation for the sacrament." -Christine, MA
3. Simplicity
It is sometimes mistakenly thought that if a child is not struggling or spending at least five or six hours a day on school, that his education must be deficient. In most cases, just the opposite is true. CHC materials are designed as bite-size lessons so that a child can easily absorb and understand the concepts.Students who follow the scheduled studies suggested in CHC's Lesson Plans and complete the assignments will have a positive educational experience, without the frustration and burnout.
"I love the CHC program....it puts sanity in schooling 7 children. :) I always tell people that your program is a gentle Catholic education for my family. Here is a picture of my husband (active duty Marine) with our whole crew. We are very proud of them." -MarieAnne, WI
4. Gentility
The standard of measurement is easily provided with testing. However, let's not forget to also measure the character of the child, which is every bit as important as academic testing. Is he/she learning to share, etc.? A complete education includes the formation and development of God-given talents and moral character. A Christian places his education and energy at God's disposal. We realize education is not for mere acquisition of knowledge but for sharing our gifts with others.
"Here is why we homeschool!" -Cristina, SC
5. Affordability
CHC charges neither registration nor tuition fees. The cost of the program is based on lesson plans and core materials for each grade, with Electives and Enrichment materials selected and added on as time and funds allow.
"Picture of my 4 sons working around our kitchen table using CHC materials. The 5th graders and 1st graders are working on their Spelling and Language - my precocious 2 year old is 'reading' the Little Stories for Little Folks (he has to have his 'work' whilst everyone else is working!)" -Marilyn
6. Flexibility
CHC offers a balance of all core, essential subjects and ample enrichment activities, without overwhelming the student or his teacher. CHC's flexible program allows enrichment activities to be added to the schedule as time permits; the focus on "core" subjects assures that the student will be exposed to all that is necessary for his grade level, without placing undue demands on student or teacher.
"My fourth grader with his state of Kansas cake, including major rivers. CHC has been such a blessing to us. This is our first year using it, and I'm finding that the lesson plans provide the structure that I need for planning, while allowing plenty of time for creativity and expanding the lessons via literature, etc. Just what I needed!" -Becky, KS
