Homeschool students get ready for new learning sessions

By Shireese Bell
Morning News Reporter
Published: August 18, 2008

Hannah Perry, 13, was one of many students who were excited about the first day of school Monday because it marked the beginning of new experiences and cooperative learning sessions with peers.

Each Monday throughout the school year, about 41 families meet at Lake View Baptist Church for Hartsville Home Educators Group’s cooperative learning sessions where students are in regular classroom settings learning a variety of topics.

Parents must volunteer during the sessions for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Parents supplement what was taught during the sessions through activities and homework.

Field trips and other activities also are planned during the school year. Students also can participate in physical education courses at the Hartsville Family YMCA, which are held on Thursdays.

Hannah said she was excited about the first day, but also nervous because she was taking two high school level courses for credit for the first time: physical science and South Carolina history.

She said she also was looking forward to the cooperative sessions because it gave her another opportunity to interact with her peers outside of community and church events.

Contrary to popular belief, Hannah said, homeschool students do have opportunities to socialize with other children their own age. She would recommend homeschool to any student.

“I would definitely encourage people to do homeschooling, even though you have some kids who (think or say) you don’t get any social time ... or you’re weird,” Hannah said. “I see my friends during our youth group, the (cooperative).”

While not all homeschool associations have cooperative programs, this group has found a way to put its resources together to offer students such courses as basic chemistry, physical science, writing and art outside of the home environment.

Heather Perry, founder of the cooperative, said she started the cooperative because she wanted her children to experience the benefits of a classroom setting, which gives homeschool students an opportunity to interact with their peers and other adults. The cooperative also is a support system for parents of homeschool students.

Perry, who was a public school elementary education degree teacher, said by homeschooling her children, she’s able to help develop their God-given gifts through individualized instruction.

“I want to provide a Godly education for my children and public schools are not allowed to do that,” she said. “I believe that each of my children have a gift and God has a purpose for their lives.”

Perry said while she knows homeschool is not everyone, anyone can do it if interested, and there’s enough material and resources out there to do it.

Parents Mary Lesley and Julie Watkins said their children enjoy being homeschooled and they have found that it is what works best for their family.

“Everybody has their reasons for why they homeschool,” Lesley said. “I just felt like my children would benefit from one-on-one (instruction).”

For more details on the Hartsville Home Educators Group, e-mail .

School start dates:

Public schools:

Chesterfield County School District schools’ classes begin Wednesday.

Darlington County School District schools’ classes began Monday.

Dillon School District 1schools’ classes begin Wednesday.

Dillon School District 2 schools’ classes begin Wednesday.

Dillon School District 3 schools’ classes begin Wednesday.

Florence School District 1 schools’ classes began Monday.

Florence School District 2 schools’ classes begin Wednesday.

Florence School District 3 schools’ classes began Monday.

Florence School District 4 schools’ classes began Monday.

Florence School District 5 schools’ classes began Monday.

Marion School District 1 schools’ classes began Monday.

Marion School District 2 schools’ classes began Monday.

Marion School District 7 schools’ classes began Monday.

Marlboro County School District schools’ classes began Monday. McColl Elementary/Middle School students are on an extended year calendar. School started July 15.

Williamsburg County School District schools’ classes began Monday.

S.C. Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics classes begin Wednesday.

Private schools:

All Saints Episcopal Day School classes begin Wednesday.

The Byrnes Schools begin today.

Dillon Christian School begins Friday.

Emmanuel Christian School classes began Monday.

Florence Christian School classes began Monday.

The Kings Academy classes begin today.

Montessori School of Florence classes began Monday.

Pee Dee Academy classes began Monday.

St. Anthony Catholic School classes begin Wednesday.

Thomas Hart Academy classes began Aug. 14

Trinity Collegiate School classes begin Wednesday.

Williamsburg Academy classes began Monday.