Frequently Asked Questions
It is recommended that students start classes in September, as classes are designed to run for the full school year. However, it is possible to start classes mid-year, depending on the class and availability.
Yes. LOL offers a full range of classes.
We recognize the importance of small class size in maintaining a quality learning environment, and keep an average of ten students per class.
Age is often a good starting point when deciding how to place students in a group situation. However, students of the same age are not necessarily at the same place academically, socially, or emotionally. LOL offers multi-age classes spanning 2-3 years, allowing students to be placed where they fit best without the stigma of being "ahead" or "behind."
We advise parents not to automatically assume their child should be in an older group. A child's emotional and social needs are just as important as his or her academic needs. Our small class sizes usually allow us to challenge most students. We rely on our teachers to make group change recommendations.
We advise parents not to automatically assume their child should be in an older group. A child's emotional and social needs are just as important as his or her academic needs. Our small class sizes usually allow us to challenge most students. We rely on our teachers to make group change recommendations.
Our teachers are pivotal to the success of our program. We hire knowledgeable, highly qualified teachers who are passionate about their subjects, teach in a hands-on way, and love and respect our children. Our teacher credentials compare favorably with some of the most expensive private schools in the area: about 40% of our teachers have advanced degrees.
In February and June, students will receive a written evaluation of their work for each class they attend. These evaluations will include learning objectives for the class and information about how well these objectives were met by the student. Information about class participation, conduct attendance, and enthusiasm will be included as well.
Students will be given the option of choosing to receive a letter grade in addition to the evaluation. While we hope that all students are motivated by the intrinsic joy of learning, we recognize that grades can be a motivator for some students. This is an attempt to individualize our program and to best meet students’ needs.
Students will be given the option of choosing to receive a letter grade in addition to the evaluation. While we hope that all students are motivated by the intrinsic joy of learning, we recognize that grades can be a motivator for some students. This is an attempt to individualize our program and to best meet students’ needs.
The requirements are the same for all Ohio school district schools. Notify the superintendent of your school (not the attendance officer, student services personnel or school principal). If your district contains the word “local,” notify your County Superintendent of Education. Download the homeschool notification form from your school district's website, fill it out and submit to the superintendent's office. You will also need to submit an overview of the curriculum you will be using as well as a list of textbooks/books that you will be using. Descriptions of classes that will be taken at LOL and books that will be used can be cut and pasted from our website.
At the end of each school year, you need to provide your child’s school with one of the following assessments:
A portfolio review: Keep samples of the child’s work throughout the year. Contact a certified teacher willing to do a portfolio review (LOL has teachers available). The teacher will review samples of your child’s work, and/or interview you and/or your child. The teacher then provides a signed statement, which you turn in as your assessment. Cost is about $40 - $55 per child, often with discounts for siblings.
A nationally normed, standardized test: You could have your child take the standardized test with other kids at your local public school. Another option is to get a test yourself and have your child take it according to the directives.
Anything else you and your superintendent agree on: Contact your superintendent and request to work out an alternative form of assessment.
A portfolio review: Keep samples of the child’s work throughout the year. Contact a certified teacher willing to do a portfolio review (LOL has teachers available). The teacher will review samples of your child’s work, and/or interview you and/or your child. The teacher then provides a signed statement, which you turn in as your assessment. Cost is about $40 - $55 per child, often with discounts for siblings.
A nationally normed, standardized test: You could have your child take the standardized test with other kids at your local public school. Another option is to get a test yourself and have your child take it according to the directives.
Anything else you and your superintendent agree on: Contact your superintendent and request to work out an alternative form of assessment.
While Leaves of Learning can occasionally accommodate students with minor special needs who are high functioning, we are not a program for special needs students. We recommend you talk with a specialist to find a place where your child can receive the attention he or she needs.