Eagle River Homeschool
 

FAQ's

General

Question

How do I pay for classes?

Answer

Class prices are listed PER SEMESTER.  Spring class registration opens in December. 

If homeschooling allotments are available to families for the 2024-2025 school year, vendors will direct bill Charter and Correspondence Schools. IDEA families must turn in the Vendor Direct Payment Form by the end of the first week of classes.  For families who choose not to use direct billing to a Charter/Correspondence School, they can pay by cash or check directly to the teacher.  A receipt will be issued for reimbursement purposes. If choosing to pay the vendor directly through one of these methods, full semester class tuition will be due by August 23rd for Skyline families and September 13th for UMCC families.

If homeschooling allotments are not available to families for the 2024-2025 school year, vendors will require full payment for the class by August 23rd for Skyline families and September 13th for UMCC families.  Families can make payments by cash and checks. A receipt will be issued for reimbursement purposes.

*If a family would like to work out a payment installment plan, they should speak directly with the teacher. 

**Families are responsible for the full tuition payment if there is no money left from their allotment or allotments are restricted for any reason.

***Class payment policies are subject to change depending on the AK Homeschooling court ruling decisions.

Question

Is Eagle River Homeschool Classes a Co-Op?

Answer

No, Eagle River Homeschool does NOT operate as a traditional co-op.  Usually, co-ops require parents to participate in a significant way by teaching classes or volunteering.  Eagle River Homeschool does not require parents to volunteer their time.  ERH is a collective of teachers who offer high-quality classes at the same time and place.  Families enrolled in the classes can choose to participate in extra activities held outside of classes such as Friday Activity Days, TEEN Nights, and holiday parties.  The goal is to build ERH into a community of families who learn AND play together!  

Question

When are classes held?

Answer

Classes for all age groups (Elementary, Middle, and High School) are on Monday and Wednesday.  Classes are purposely arranged in a block schedule so students can take core and elective classes back to back.  Taking multiple classes in a row gives students time to build relationships with peers and teachers and offers the feeling of being part of a group.  Students often comment that taking classes at Eagle River Homeschool feels like going to school because they can learn with friends, without having to go every day. It’s the best of both worlds!  Classes run twice a week to allow students to complete assignments outside of class on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. It also allows families to participate in other activities that might run on a Tuesday/Thursday schedule.  For families that have students in both elementary and high school classes, this schedule allows families to concentrate on schoolwork at home the rest of the week without having to run students to different locations on different days. 

Question

What determines the class price?

Answer

Many factors go into the price of a class.  Please remember that these classes are the teachers' job.  Teachers are also responsible for paying rent for the room, insurance, license fees, taxes, and all class supplies and materials. Eagle River Homeschool class prices are comparable to other classes in Anchorage and Mat-Su Valley.  If high-quality classes and being part of a great community of learners is important to you, please plan your homeschool budget to be able to fit in the classes you are interested in.  

Question

How do I register for classes?

Answer

Registration is done on the Eagle River Homeschool Website.  Log in to the website with your secure password.  Find the class you want to register for on the gray class matrix and click on the student you want to be in the class. Teachers will then send a confirmation email and a registration packet with additional class information.  You can view all the classes you have registered for by logging into your account and clicking on CLASSROOM DASHBOARD on the top right of the page.  

Question

What happens if I change my mind and want to un-enroll from a class before classes start?

Answer

Parents can only add their students to a class list, not remove them from the list. If you would like to remove your student from a class before the class has started, please send an email to the website administrator and they would be happy to help.  Include your student's name and the class you wish to have them removed from.  Email - [email protected]

 

 

Question

Is there a registration fee?

Answer

Yes. To become a member of Eagle River Homeschool, there is a $50 non-refundable fee paid each semester, per family. This fee helps cover administration costs, website fees, insurance, and rental fees.  The $50 fee can be paid on the website with a credit card, or a Cash or Check payment can be arranged.  Each class has a tuition fee that is paid directly to the teacher.

Question

Are there social events offered outside of classes?

Answer

YES!  Eagle River Homeschool strives to nourish friendships outside of class times.  We intentionally set aside time to meet with other families for activities that give kids and parents the chance to build relationships.  Homeschooling is so much better with friends!  Each Friday afternoon we meet at varying locations for an activity. Friday Activity Days include park meet-ups, hiking, sledding, ice skating, field trips, and more.  TEEN NIGHTS are special nights held once a quarter designed to give teens a fun space to hang out and have fun.  ERH also hosts holiday parties several times throughout the year.

Question

Can parents and siblings wait in the building?

Answer

This is a drop-off program - Parents should drop off students for classes and return PROMPTLY on time to get them after classes. Parents are welcome to come in to drop off kids or pick them up when class is over at any location. Parents and siblings are not permitted to wait in the building.

**During the first week of classes parents are encouraged to walk students in and help kids get settled.

Question

Can students wait in the building?

Answer

Elementary students must be supervised in the building at all times. Teachers supervise students during the short transition between classes. If an elementary student is not enrolled in a class, they should not be in the building.

7th-12th grade students at Skyline are welcome to sit in the designated Study Hall area and work on homework quietly if they are waiting for another class or waiting to be picked up. 7th-12th grade students will not be directly supervised in the Study Hall area and must remain quiet and respectful.

Question

What happens on snow days?

Answer

Eagle River Homeschool follows the Anchorage School District's inclement weather policy. If ASD cancels school for weather, then ERH will also cancel classes. There are two snow days built into the calendar at the end of each semester that will be added to the semester if snow days are used.  If more than one Monday and one Wednesday are used as Snow Days, classes will move to remote learning.  Skyline teachers will hold classes on ZOOM and UMCC teachers will email work for the day.

Question

Is Eagle River Homeschool open to any homeschool student?

Answer

Yes! Classes are open to all homeschool students – with any charter or correspondence school or independent homeschoolers.

Question

Can students eat in the building? 

Answer

Elementary students are welcome to bring lunch and/or snacks and eat during appropriate times in class. Each teacher will let students know when it’s a good time for a snack if they need one.

7th-12th grade students may eat lunch during the LUNCH period inside or outside. Students may also eat quickly during the transition between classes.

Question

Are classes secular?

Answer

Yes, all classes are secular in content and not affiliated with the church in any way.

Question

What should I be prepared for the first day of classes?

Answer

On the first day, parents are welcome to stay and help students figure out where to go and what to do. There are class signs on each classroom door. It’s very helpful to make your child a schedule - If your student is taking multiple classes, please write down the order of classes they are taking and tape it inside their notebook or make a slip for their pocket or backpack. You can also print the schedule and circle the classes they are taking. This makes it easy for them to remember where they should go next and easy for teachers to direct them to the next class. Students are expected to go right to their next class.

Question

How do I stay up-to-date on all the current Eagle River Homeschool information?

Answer

Join our Facebook Page - Eagle River (Alaska) Homeschool Classes.

Join the REMIND Class to get texts sent to you with important reminders. To get the Class Code please email [email protected]

Read the weekly email that will be sent to your inbox each week during the school year!

Check the website for all current schedules, sign-ups, and upcoming events.

Question

I have a question about a class, who should I contact?

Answer

Parents can email any teacher directly with questions about classes. Each vendor email is listed at the bottom of the class description or on the Meet the Teachers page.

Question

What happens if I want to drop a class?

Answer

If you wish to drop a class for any reason, you must drop by the end of the first week of class. The final drop deadline for Fall semester is Friday, August 23 for Skyline Classes and Friday, September 13th for UMCC ClassesThe final drop deadline for the Spring semester is Friday, January 10th. If you wish to drop a class for any reason, please contact the teacher directly.  If you drop before the deadline, you will be charged a prorated fee for the one or two classes your student(s) attended. Families who drop after the drop deadline will be responsible for the entire semester’s tuition. 

UMCC (K-6th Grade)

Question

Can I choose which grade level class my student enrolls in?

Answer

Yes. The classes are grouped with suggested grades. If you feel like your student would do better in another grade-level class, it is your decision. You can always email the teacher if you have any questions.

Skyline (7th-12th Grade)

Question

Are 7th-12th grade classes all-inclusive?

Answer

YES!  The 7th-12th grade classes at Skyline are designed to cover all the class subject matter without any additional supplementing at home.  Each teacher operates a Google Classroom where they post assignments and lesson materials.  Students can turn in assignments through Google Classroom as well and track their grades through the gradebook.  Teachers plan all lessons, give tests and quizzes, and assign final grades.