Choosing a School That’s Right for Your Family
I remember what it was like to drop off our children at school five days a week. Every August I was sad to see the summer end. It seemed we had just reestablished our relationship, when it was time to send them back to school. With a five day program, teachers and peers have great influence-reasonably so, since a child spends fifty percent or more of their day at school. There are many who would prefer to have more time with their children than a five day program allows.
As an educator, I believe it is important for parents to have options when it comes to meeting the family and educational goals for their children. Learning about different opportunities, allows parents to make informed decisions about what is best for their family. I taught in a traditional setting for several years before having children, and began homeschooling them in elementary school. My passion for helping others to educate their children led to establishing a program for homeschool parents that provided educational support. From there I started a University-Model® school in Florida (Covenant Academy), which blends traditional and home education. The University-Model ® school movement has been growing across the country since 1993 and has extended its reach internationally.
What is a University-Model® School?
University-Model® (UM) schools are Christian private schools for students in Kindergarten through twelfth grade. Like a university, the schedule allows students to take classes two or three days a week and complete assignments for class at home, on the other days. Because each UM school operates independently, the grade levels, classes, and curriculum may vary from location to location.
Offering a unique schedule is not the only draw to a University-Model® school. The benefits of a UM school include: the flexibility it offers families, the family relationships that are strengthened, the Christian training it promotes, and the challenging academics it provides.
University-Model® Schools Offer Flexibility
In a UM school, students have direct instruction from qualified teachers, who provide the parents with a plan to follow on the days at home. This schedule provides flexibility for families. For example, this flexibility accommodates students who participate in an activity like gymnastics or a high level competitive sport that needs time in the schedule for practice and traveling. Additionally, the flexibility allows the parent-teacher to work part time on the days the children are in school. This is helpful for families who like the idea of homeschooling, but cannot make the commitment five days a week. Or conversely, parents can share the teaching, depending on their work schedules and work location.
University-Model® Schools Help to Strengthen the Family
Another advantage of the UM school is having more time to build family relationships. This time allows for greater involvement in your child’s education and more opportunity for child-training. For me this is the greatest benefit. Not only are parents and children together more, but siblings are also able to spend more time together. Although I can say without reservation that my children experienced a rigorous academic program, more important to me is the close relationship we enjoy as a result of those years working together at home. A UM school offers significantly more time for building family relationships than a five day program.
While there may be challenges to working with your children as a parent-teacher, and siblings working together, this model of education gives parents the opportunity to work through conflicts as they surface. Working together throughout the day exposes our sinful nature. Children are impatient at times, become angry, disobedient, or disrespectful. These behaviors and attitudes provide opportunities for parents to train their children and for both parent and children to grow in character. The increased time together is also a factor in parents remaining influential in their children’s lives.
University-Model® Schools Promote Christian Training
In addition to offering a flexible schedule, and greater parental influence, University-Model® schools are Christian schools dedicated to helping students develop a biblical worldview and Godly character. At Covenant Academy we accomplish this with teachers who understand that our faith permeates every aspect of our lives and hence the curriculum. This integration is necessary for students to understand that all decisions, thoughts, actions, and words should ultimately align with Scripture. Our view of the world is seen through the lens of God’s Word. Students are challenged to think critically about the current cultural norms and ideologies that contradict a biblical worldview.
In addition, there is a focus on character development, with students learning the vocabulary that accompanies an understanding of Godly virtues and attributes. Words like diligence, responsibility, integrity, forgiveness, contentment, courage, and loyalty are understood and pursued as traits worth possessing.
University-Model® Schools Provide Challenging Academics
UM schools share a common mission and commitment to high academic standards. As believers, it is important to do everything with excellence. 1 Corinthians 10:31 exhorts us to “do all for the glory of God”. With this in mind, the academic program is one dedicated to preparing students for college. Each student has a different potential and call from God. As educators and parent-teachers, it is our mission to help children reach that potential and be prepared to go where He sends them.
University-Model® Schools International (UMSI) is the organization that provides oversight and support to UM schools around the world. Visit the website to learn more about UMSI and to find a UM school near you. If you have questions, I‘d be happy to help you. Just comment below.