From time to time, we are asked how our diploma will hold up in the world beyond graduation. Maybe you haven't asked this question, but now I've sparked your curiosity? Well, in either case, with today's post I hope to address some of those questions & curiosities!

While The Dome School's Secondary Program issues perfectly legal and valid high school diplomas, The Dome School is NOT an accredited school and therefore does not issue "accredited diplomas". Many schools, including public and private schools, are not accredited. A school becomes accredited by signing up with a private (not state or federal) accrediting agency and jumping through a series of  hoops.  Accreditation usually requires meeting state standards and having defined curricular descriptions, assessments and objectives.

At The Dome School we believe that learning is a unique experience, especially productive when one is fully engaged and interested in one's endeavors. We also feel it is important to remain open and flexible to many styles of teaching and learning depending on the students, families and teachers involved each year. This kind of learning environment does not fit into the box of accreditation, and therefore we are proudly NOT accredited. 

The Dome School expressly makes no claims regarding the acceptance of our diplomas, courses or transcripts by any specific organization. However, our school's unaccredited status should not have a negative impact on a student's admission to colleges, trade schools or career paths.  Students get admitted and recognition from private unaccredited schools and home schools all the time. Our documentation of each student's progress via portfolios and official transcripts alongside our high school diploma provide a strong record and recommendation to assist students in any path they may choose beyond secondary school. 

Information concerning the acceptance of our diploma, courses and/or transfer credits to other schools, whether secondary or higher education, should be directed to the admissions official at the public or private transfer institution well in advance, prior to seeking enrollment in their institution or programs. 

However, keep in mind, when applying for Federal Student Aid for College, The Dome School graduates should check  "homeschooled"  rather than high school diploma. Click here to read why. ​

Still have questions? Contact us for more info! 

That's all for now, 

With Care, 
Kimiko

MODULE PLAN                                                                   Submitted by:
Subject/ description:
Will be taught by:                      Contact phone number:
                                                                                                  Email:
Goals (what do you hope the children will learn, understand, or demonstrate as a result of this class?):


Each module can be one to 2 hours of class time each day, and can run for up to 3 weeks in a row. Thursdays and Fridays are the best days for scheduling these classes. What months, seasons, weeks, and/or days might work well for this class?:

How much class time do you need each week?   _____one hour
                                                                                      _____two hours
How many class periods do you plan on teaching?  ___1     ___2 ___3     ___ more
Outline the course, grouping activities into what might be covered in each class period:









What kinds of materials, tools, and/or resources are needed and which do you plan on providing?:


Provide a  relevant vocabulary list of at least 5 words:
                                                                     

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MODULE PLAN  (Sample)                                                      Submitted by: Sarah
Subject/ description: Planning a community pancake breakfast
Will be taught by:  Sarah                                     Contact phone number: (removed for sample)
                                                                                              Email: (removed for sample)
Goals (what do you hope the children will learn, understand, or demonstrate as a result of this class?):
Children will  plan, promote, organize, and run a fundraising breakfast at the school.  As a result we will hopefully make money for the middle school program and have fun.
Each module can be one to 2 hours of class time each day, and can run for up to 3 weeks in a row. Thursdays and Fridays are the best days for scheduling these classes. What months, seasons, weeks, and/or days  might work well for this class?:
Fall, Classes on Thursday or Fridays, events on Sundays.
How much class time do you need each week?   _____one hour
                                                                                            X two hours
How many class periods do you plan on teaching?  ___1     ___2   X 3 ___ more
Outline the course, grouping activities into what might be covered in each class period:
Prior to teaching module, I’ll see if there is interest among the students to putting on a pancake breakfast on a Sunday morning.
First class, we will brainstorm the event -- what are our goals by holding this event and how are we to get there? menu, dates, entertainment, list of chores to be done and divide chores amongst the students.  Figure out where we need extra help and how to get it? Start checking on family/ help/ building availability/ recipes.
Second class- design a poster, write ads and decide where they will be posted and by whom.  Test a recipe or recipes. This can be done in the classroom if the kitchen is not available.  It might be messy, but can mostly be done with 2 bowls and an electric skillet. Make a list of ingredients and supplies needed for the breakfast and strategies for how to get them. Use math to figure how much we need. Adjust recipes to taste and also size of batches.  Rewrite them.
Third class-Make a new list of jobs to do and ask for volunteers to do them, making phone calls if we need to.  Look at our ingredient receipts and determine the cost of each serving of each menu item. Make a menu and price list.  Decide on decorations and entertainment. Double check on job lists to see if they are covered.
Finally, stage the event!  Have fun making and serving pancakes and cleaning up!  The following week we will discuss what worked and what didn’t, analyze the finances, and decide if it is worth doing again sometime.
What kinds of materials, tools, and/or  resources are needed and which do you plan on providing?:
Pancake and side-dish ingredients will be provided by parents and receipts covered by school.  I will bring electric skillet for possible classroom cooking. Lots of other stuff is involved and we’ll all pitch in.
Provide a relevant vocabulary or concept list of at least 5 words: gluten-free, price analysis, analyze, gross proceeds, net, delegate.                                                                  

The Secondary program was formed from the early idea of an "Independent Study Program", where teens could come together to share space and further their studies in a homeschool-esque setting. Today, we have a fully staffed Secondary program bringing the learning group fully conceptualized, engaging academic curriculum and facilitating a constructive and creative space! However, we still need and require students to (1) be capable of independent study, (2) have a natural aptitude for self motivated learning both independently and in a group setting, and (3) have a strong desire to unleash their academic potential. 

Academic readiness for enrolling (or moving up from elementary) is also a big factor, as we learn in a group setting and need to all have a strong foundational skill base in reading, writing and mathematics so we may work productively together. A general guideline for academic readiness is as follows:

• Reading – An openness to exploring many forms of literature with an interest in reading for enjoyment and to gain knowledge, through both literary and informational texts. Time set aside for reading both at school and at home.  

 

• Writing – A willingness to write frequently and explore all writing genres, and ability to write 150 words within 30 minutes. Before starting the Secondary program, each student will need to write an admissions essay to demonstrate their writing capabilities.   
• Math – An interest in investigating advanced mathematical concepts and ideas, and the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner. A foundational understanding of elementary mathematical concepts (including fluency with the four operations and whole numbers). Before starting the Secondary program, each student will need to take a math placement test. 

Finally, last but not least, is the necessity of Parent Support from home! We absolutely require and plead for parent participation at home to assist students in (1) learning and practicing materials covered in class and seeking extra support materials from teachers when needed (2) maintaining regular attendance and (3) completing weekly homework assignments in a timely manner. We cannot guarantee your child's success without your active involvement and support! 

For more information, or if you just want to chat about enrollment, send an email, text or give me a call at (541) 613-4505! We look forward to hearing from you,

With love, 
Kimiko