Calvert School is an accredited non-profit organization that offers a traditional curriculum for homeschool families. Although well-reviewed, the cost of the program has been an obstacle for families wishing to enroll. A student choosing the Calvert homeschool program will pay nearly $2000 per year, and a student choosing to enroll with the online component will pay nearly $4000.
Now there's an option available at no cost to families. The Oakland Virtual Academy Consortium (VLAC) is a home based public school option offering the Calvert curriculum through limited local school districts. Calvert's Virtual Public School is a rigorous program offering a full daily curriculum of reading, writing, math, history, art, science, etc.
For families homeschooling and looking for a traditional, accredited, non-profit program, Calvert School enrollment through Dexter Community Schools (via the Oakland VLAC) may be an option. It is public school offered for students wishing to work at their own pace in a home setting. Placement tests are used to individualize the learning to the student's level in different subjects, and students are required to take the MEAP and "attend," or open an online connection, a minimum of 11 days each semester.
A few of the benefits of enrolling through Dexter Community Schools are free Calvert tuition, computer/internet access if needed, eligibility for in-district extracurricular athletics/clubs, and the option of taking non-core classes (orchestra/band/art) at school like other homeschool students in Michigan. Because Calvert School is non-profit, any state funding not needed for tuition or Oakland VLAC administrative/staff costs is returned to the local school districts on a per pupil basis. The reasons for homeschooling are as varied as the families and children who choose to do it, but Calvert and VLAC offer core classes and enrichment that meet state requirements for homeschool families who are interested in a packaged curriculum.
For background and a history of why Oakland Schools chose to partner with Calvert School, Vickie Markavitch, Superintendent of Oakland Schools offers an explanation in this eight minute video. In a nutshell, she decided to offer "a quality option for families choosing home based learning." Calvert was chosen because of its "long and strong history of positive student achievement in grades K through 8." Also, "The curriculum is guided by certified teachers and delivered by . . . parents." Parents have control over the "time, place, path, and pace." A certified Michigan teacher maintains weekly contact with each student and works with only 40 students helping them stay at or above grade level. Markavitch cautions that students need to be able to focus, and parents should expect to spend a significant amount of time guiding their children through the tasks.
Useful Links:
Curriculum by grade level
Oakland VLAC
Oakland VLAC FAQs
Calvert School
Calvert Online Catalog of courses and materials
Dexter Community Schools
Important information:
- The program is for grades K-8
- Students must be enrolled in Dexter Community Schools to participate (424-4100)
- Students must also be enrolled in the VLAC and take placement tests by August 1st, 248-209-2071, info@vlao.org
- Entire registration process must be completed by August 16th
- During the year, students must make adequate progress, take the MEAP, and go online 11 days each semester to continue in the program
- Computer/internet access can be requested if needed
- The number of VLAC openings are limited and may fill up before the deadline
