Frequently Asked Questions
What is Great Oak Academy?
Great Oak Academy is a science, technology, math, and art program in the home of Jay and Norma Street. For many years, we’ve shared our passion for exploring God’s creation with other homeschoolers. The fully equipped science lab, math classroom, and field trips are now enjoyed by dozens of families. Most classes have between five and ten students.
What is Great Oak Academy’s position on creation and evolution?
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and contains the creation account. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We should always be ready to give a gentle, reverent defense of our faith in our discussions with others who may believe differently.
We’re interested. What should we do?
You may email norma@greatoak.net to schedule a time to sit in on classes. You may also schedule a time to visit outside of class times. This allows us to get to know each other and chat about any questions you have. Your students would also enjoy feeding the lab animals during your visit with us.
On the web site, look through the course offerings. The New Family Checklist explains how to apply, when the interview occurs, and what to do after a student is accepted into the program.
Which course should my student take with Great Oak Academy this year?
Monthly classes have suggested age ranges, although decisions are made primarily on the readiness of individual students. For weekly classes, it is recommended that students plan to take Biology the same year they take Algebra 1. This is to prepare them to take Chemistry or Physics the following year which requires successful completion of Algebra 1.
My student really loves science already. Can you challenge this kind of student even more?
Yes, of course! Students are welcome to take several science classes to learn even more!
Where can we purchase textbooks?
Homeschool Hangout (www.hshangout.com) carries many of the textbooks we use. Christian Book Distributors (www.christianbook.com) and Rainbow Resource (www.rainbowresource.com) are excellent sources of educational materials as well.
How can I best help my student at home between classes?
Monthly students enjoy "Home Challenges" emailed to the family after class, which lists activities to further explore the concepts covered in class. Points may be earned to trade in for prizes from the science box. For weekly students, parents are to check the assignment sheet in the student's notebook after each class, help the student schedule homework wisely, and initial that it is corrected and scored. Parents or grandparents are welcome to attend classes with their student(s) at any time.
About how much time should a student expect to spend on homework?
Monthly students are encouraged, but not required, to do homework. It is up to the parents to determine which “Home Challenges” the student does each month. Weekly students probably spend about 30-60 minutes per course on homework daily. Students may schedule times at Great Oak Academy to study with others, or work on projects.
Do students test with you in class?
Testing is usually done at home. Students bring home each test in a sealed envelope with the due date on it. These are proctored by a parent, and the student returns it to the teacher to be graded. Testing may also be done during class at the teacher’s discretion.
Norma, are you the only teacher?
We have been blessed by the addition of other science teachers with degrees in science. We also have a math and art teacher. Occasionally, we invite guest speakers to present topics of special interest.
Is Great Oak Academy accredited?
Although Great Oak Academy is not accredited, we have many years of experience working with accrediting organizations Great Oak families may use. We are happy to help you meet the requirements of your accrediting organization.
Who goes on field trips?
Most of our field trips are local, inexpensive, and open to all Great Oak Academy families regardless of the classes in which they are enrolled. Extended family members such as grandparents may join us as well. Participation in field trips is not required.
What are Best Labs?
Best Labs are intensive, 2-day events (9am - 4pm) that allow a student to do a year's worth of the best labs in a course. Best labs are open to public, private, and homeschool students. We offer Best Labs in Physical Science and Best Labs in Biology several times a year. We hope to offer Best Labs in Chemistry in the near future as well. Email norma@greatoak.net to request more information and a Registration Form.
Do you offer summer camps?
Yes, summer camps are open to public, private, and homeschool students. Email norma@greatoak.net to request more information and a Registration Form.