Author Archives: Marketing

CATASAUQUA, PA —October 9, 2020— Today, Edovate Learning Corporation (parent company of Bridgeway) announced the promotion of Jessica Morris to president of the company. In her new leadership position, Morris will oversee all of the planning and operations of Edovate, its three affiliate companies, and each affiliate’s business units. Current president Jessica Parnell will remain in place as Edovate’s CEO with Morris reporting to her.

“With Jessica’s new role in overseeing business operations, I will be spending more time on the vision and strategy that is necessary for Edovate’s short- and long-term growth. We will greatly benefit from her business knowledge in her new leadership role,” shared Parnell in an email to staff members on Wednesday.

Before her promotion to president, Morris spent two years as Edovate’s VP of Sales and Marketing, playing a crucial role on the leadership team during a period of tremendous growth. Prior to working at Edovate, she served as Vice President of Marketing and Vendor Management at Phillips Pet Food & Supplies where she worked for fourteen years, and where she grew her knowledge and skills in a variety of cross-functional business areas.

Morris earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Cedar Crest College and an MBA with a concentration in Marketing from DeSales University.

Guest post written by Melanie of FinchNWren

My family has had the most wonderful opportunity this year. Bridgeway Academy was kind enough to ask me to serve as a blogging partner with them, and provided a class for our high school-aged son, Jackson, to take and for me to review on my blog, FinchNWren. We were just thrilled to partner with them — Jackson took Bridgeway Academy’s Fun With Science: Marine Biology online course when he was in fifth grade, and that class remains one of our best homeschool memories, even five years later! So we fully expected another amazing educational opportunity and we have not been disappointed. Jackson enrolled in Bridgeway Academy’s FYC Biology Course w/Lab for the 2017–2018 school year.
I have to tell you that our experiences — both Jackson’s as the student and mine as the homeschool mom — have been exceptional, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcomes. Let me tell you about 7 of my favorite ones below!

1.  An Exceptional Teacher. Jackson was blessed to have Carla Berg as his teacher for this high school biology course. Bridgeway Academy’s teachers are certified in their fields, and we knew from Jackson’s marine biology course that Mrs. Berg was both an experienced and interesting instructor. Her depth and breadth of scientific knowledge have been clearly amassed over a lifetime of study of, and love for, the subject. Not only is Mrs. Berg deeply versed in the sciences, she makes classes interesting and enjoyable — as well as productive — for the students.
2.  Interesting Class Periods. Every class period has something in it that’s a little different. Mrs. Berg includes so much variety — not only in the ways she teaches about the subject matter but also in the way students are able to interact with her and each other. So many learning styles are utilized in her teaching (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) that there really is something for every type of student. She uses colorful images, fascinating videos, group projects (yes, that really can be done in an online class), Q&As, and direct teaching, to impart knowledge and information.
3.  Projects. By the time the second semester of biology class is completed, Jackson will have designed and presented two research projects. Students select and create projects based on areas of biology that they’d like to learn more about. They can use PowerPoint, audio and video, Word, and blog posts to organize their information. Then, they present their projects to Mrs. Berg and to their classmates via Moodle, the online classroom where their class meets each week. Students receive rubrics for their projects that help them know how the projects will be graded and what kinds of information they’ll need to include.

I was really pleased with the research and writing Jackson did as he prepared his project. And presenting a project to an online audience/class was something that he’d never done before. It was just a fantastic learning experience and very effective for him both as a learner and a speaker/presenter.

4.  Tests. Yes, the tests are something I greatly appreciate! The textbook for this course is Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Biology. This is a rigorous book and requires an investment of time and attention on the part of the students. The tests are administered online and they really are tough. However, test-taking is a challenge that students will need to master if they’re expecting to go to college. It’s a skill set that I’m very happy that Jackson is being required to improve and more deeply develop in his studies with Bridgeway Academy.
5.  Connection with other students. I love that Jackson has the weekly opportunity to connect not only with his teacher but with his fellow students in biology class. In Moodle, they can use text chat, audio chat, and video chat (via their own PCs and microphones), to answer questions or to work on in-class activities with each other. He may never meet these students in real life but he’s experiencing one form of classroom work that’s different from anything he regularly does in homeschool and learning how to interact in a classroom situation.
6.  Dissections. This has been a very interesting, challenging, yet worthwhile, portion of this biology course. (And I confess I was personally dreading it even though I did my best not to communicate my own squeamishness to my son!). As a student, I have had only one dissection experience in my entire life, in high school (I don’t even think we did one in my college biology class). But Jackson has done THREE thus far, and there are at least four more to go this semester. Mrs. Berg knew that the idea of dissection would make many students uneasy. So first, she talked with them about their discomfort. She explained to them how dissections worked. Then, for the first one (an earthworm), she showed them a video of an actual dissection. She explained the entire process step-by-step. Then, she walked the students through every part of the process online as they all completed the dissections in their own homes. It could not have been a calmer or clearer presentation of the dissection process. And with my own discomfort, it was taught so much better by Mrs. Berg than I could have as a non-sciencey mom. And there truly is the purpose in dissection — we have learned so much about intelligent design and a good Creator in the process!
7.  Character Growth. Several areas apart from scholastic work that I’ve seen Jackson really grow in during this course are related to character. He has grown over the course of the year in personal responsibility for his studies, faithfulness, and pursuit of excellence. He has really had to put forth his best effort in this class, whether it’s in class participation, test-taking, weekly assignments, or his presentations. He has stayed on top of his at-home work, which includes everything from chapter reading, Q&As, research, and the dissections. Mrs. Berg gives reminders from time to time of due dates, but each student is responsible for watching for those, doing them, and getting things turned in via the Moodle site. This class has challenged him intellectually and scholastically, and personally as well. And it has produced some fantastic fruit in him.

Does all of this sound like my family and I are enormous fans of Bridgeway Academy? We are, wholeheartedly. This biology course has provided so much for my son and in him, because he has been challenged, encouraged, and enabled to learn, stretch, and grow. We are so pleased with his biology experience. I encourage you to investigate Bridgeway Academy. It might be just the right fit — and blessing — for your family!

Melanie (Wren)
FinchNWren

We asked, you answered! Check out these wonderful Christmas traditions from our Bridgeway Academy parents and students!

I live in the desert and there is this huge cactus garden outside of a chocolate factory. Every Christmas they light up the cactus garden with thousands of lights. My family goes to walk through it and we get some chocolate. It’s called Ethel M chocolate factory. This year I’m waiting for my big sister to come home on Thursday so we can go. Maddy K

We all get dressed in our pajamas, take our blankets and favorite stuffed animal, make hot chocolate, and drive around and look at all the pretty Christmas lights on Christmas Eve. Michele P.

We are starting a new tradition this year… Everyone gets to open a gift on Christmas Eve, that includes pajamas and a favorite snack. Then later we’ll also receive a book and a movie. Cara S.

Instead of cookies, Santa gets cake. It’s my second child’s birthday on Christmas Eve, so we started that 15 years ago. Jamie S.

We celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving with extended family which we love- just not the menu.Christmas is just the four of us. Our tradition is dining on NY strips, baked potatoes, and asparagus. Deborah G.

Thanks to everyone who contributed on our social media! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

I remember when I was a senior in high school that college prep was REALLY stressful for me. Living in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with a plethora of colleges available for the choosing because of the location, it was mind-boggling! Where to apply? Did I want a smaller, liberal arts college or a big, public university? I think my mom was equally freaked out, or even more so!

I wish I had received more guidance in my application- and decision-making process, and I also had regrets about not taking SAT and ACT prep courses. I missed opportunities to apply for scholarships, all because I didn’t have the proper action plan.

I wish I had known about Bridgeway Academy’s College Prep webinar.

I’m really excited for November 3rd, because Bridgeway Academy will give you the lowdown on college prep. From the start of your high school years to the final decision, they’ll be with you every step of the way.
You’ll discover that taking SAT and ACT prep classes is actually good for you, as well as learn how to check off a list of college requirements and research which colleges are the best for your needs and interests. You’ll also learn that homeschooling sets you apart from your peers by your life experiences, such as internships and other extracurriculars.

Take action now — whether you’re an eighth grader or a senior — to prepare for college. College prep is so important, and we want to make sure you’re ready when you throw your cap in the air at graduation! So, it’s time to get your game face on for college prep!

Check out our College Prep YouTube playlist and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Yes, you read the title correctly — the new school year has arrived for some and is right around the corner for others. With that being said, I’d like to share a few habits and tips for studying that may benefit you greatly during the academic year!

1. Make weekly summaries
I know what you’re thinking — this seems like a very time-consuming task, but it doesn’t have to be dreadful! I, among many others, have found that keeping a summary notebook for each course is very beneficial for retaining information for longer periods of time. Writing a summary of what you’ve learned in your courses each week will make the pre-test review process easier. However, remember not to review it last-minute before a quiz or test; read over the material in your summary book throughout the year, perhaps before you start each new lesson, so you can remember the important information and be prepared for each assessment and exam. You can dedicate a plain, lined notebook to your course summaries, or you can purchase a summary book that is already pre-planned and ready to be written in!

2. Take breaks
Try not to overload your study sessions. Avoid cramming a ton of work into each session, and really strive to focus on what you’re learning. It may seem easier said than done, especially if you have a lot of assignments to complete, but think of it this way: spending more time on each assignment rather than rushing through them will help you see if you truly understand the material, and most likely you will. Spacing out your assignments and study sessions will assist you in getting better grades because that is more efficient than completing a lot of work, not fully understanding everything, and getting poor grades. Additionally, you’ll want to take breaks during your study sessions, so your brain doesn’t feel overpowered by all of the new information you have just learned! Overall, don’t rush your work and studying!

3. Stick to a schedule
Find a study schedule that works for you and stick to it. Try to keep it the same every day, and maybe even switch it up halfway through the year. Like I mentioned in an earlier blog post, starting your academic routine a couple of weeks before school begins will help you see if it works, make alterations if needed, and get used to it beforehand! Along with this study tip, I’d advise you to notice which courses and tasks are more difficult and which are easier once you start the school year. Then, you may choose to work on the difficult courses and assignments first and get them out of the way while you are able to focus best!

4. Create goals
Before each study session, create goals. Think of what you want to achieve, and what tasks you wish to complete, before jumping right into studying. You can either write these goals down or keep them as mental thoughts, and you’ll be able to look back and see what you’ve accomplished! Doing this a few times may help you realize how many tasks on average you’re able to complete each day so you don’t overload and overwhelm yourself with too much work in the future! With that said, you should also think positive! Seek positive thoughts before, during, and after your study sessions.

You don’t want to go into studying with a negative mindset because you may not accomplish as much as you could or work to your full potential. Frequently remind yourself that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, and focus on trying your hardest. Creating or finding a mantra that you can recall throughout your study sessions will keep you thinking positive! Finally, don’t compare yourself to others. Comparing your grades, learning style, or the amount of time it takes you to complete an assignment or test to others won’t leave you feeling happy or motivated, so focus on you and do your best, because everyone learns differently and at their own pace!

5. Don’t procrastinate
Try your absolute hardest not to procrastinate! If you find that you are having trouble focusing and are often getting distracted, turn your technology off and don’t keep it at your desk — or at least right next to you — while you’re studying. If you need to use a laptop, that is obviously an exception, but try not to keep a phone or tablet at your study space because it may be tempting you when you don’t even realize it! Also, eliminate clutter around you. Try to keep your desk as clear as possible — having various items and objects in front of you may be what is causing you to shift your focus from your work to something else.

It is very important to make sure you have enough energy before studying. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy brain foods, exercising, and studying at an appropriate time during the day will give you the energy you need to focus on your studies! With that said, make sure you’re also staying hydrated and drinking enough water — and definitely keep a water bottle on your desk! One last thing: don’t focus on the time! While you’re studying, you may be wondering when you should start your next lesson or course, but try not to take time away from your current studying to constantly check the clock.

6. Find your learning style
Discover the learning style that works for you because finding the one that best suits you is crucial to truly excel in your studies. Additionally, with their customized programs, Bridgeway Academy offers a learning assessment that provides you with “in-depth insight into your child’s learning style, personality style, and ideal learning environment. It also provides you with tips on what works and what doesn’t, potential struggles, communication, and the incredible strengths of your child.” I encourage everyone to take their learning style assessment at Bridgeway Academy because it will help you discover your strengths and weaknesses, and give you tips for studying. Take the learning assessment so the school staff can be of greater help to you as you learn!

7. Read actively
While studying, make sure you’re reading “actively.” This means you are truly focusing on and understanding what you’re reading as you’re reading it. Reading actively may also involve taking notes, highlighting important information, asking questions, etc. Just make sure you’re really processing the information that is going into your brain rather than quickly scanning the text, and you’ll be on your way to studying better in no time!

8. Take practice tests
Take the time to complete practice tests throughout the year. Often, textbooks and study guides will include optional questions after each chapter or lesson; they do this to help you better prepare for the upcoming exam, so consider testing your knowledge and answering them to see what you know and what you need to study further. In fact, this also applies to standardized tests! From personal experience, I know that taking practice tests is very efficient and ultimately helps students earn better grades! I took practice tests for the SAT almost every weekend for about 3 months up until the test date. I noted my correct and incorrect answers, studied as needed, and made a graph in which I inserted my sectional scores after each practice test. I was able to not only see my great improvement in the practice tests, but to raise my score immensely on the actual SAT. I know what I did was very time-consuming, and I’m not asking that of you at all!

But occasionally looking over practice questions may ultimately help you score higher on your exams and keep you from being overwhelmed when it comes to taking them, because you’ll be prepared for what is to come!
And that is it, everyone! Those are 8 effective study habits and tips that I have learned during my academic career and found are my favorites.

I hope these tips ultimately help you improve your own study habits! Let us know in the comments below what has worked for you, and feel free to share any additional tips that may not have been mentioned above! I wish you the utmost success in the upcoming school year!

I can’t believe it’s already the end of August – time flies! And you know what that means: school is starting soon! To ensure you’re well-prepared and have all of the necessary materials for the upcoming school year, I’ve made a long, thought-out list of back-to-school supplies. Today, I’m going to share some of my favorite must-have back-to-school supplies for the new academic year – hopefully, you can take inspiration and ideas from here when creating your own list!

Writing Instruments

• No. 2 pencils These are a necessity! Sometimes, I like to use mechanical pencils, while other times I would rather use regular wooden pencils. It’s all about personal preference!
• Pencil sharpener Of course, if you are using wooden pencils, they will end up getting dull after a while – thus, a sharpener is always good to have on hand! I prefer using small handheld sharpeners, but if you tend to grab wooden pencils more than anything else, I would definitely recommend investing in a sturdy electric sharpener!
• Erasers Extra erasers are always great to have just in case you end up using up the ones on the end of your pencils.
• Pens Especially for students in middle and high school, pens are very handy writing materials. Whenever I’m writing notes, I find myself reaching for pens that have smooth-flowing ink. I would recommend purchasing the three basic colors: red, black, and blue.
• Markers and crayons If you have or are a younger child who completes a lot of art crafts, markers and crayons are great tools to use for drawing and coloring. As a senior in high school, I also tend to use markers and colored pencils a lot when I’m working on school projects!
• Highlighters These are also a must-have. Highlighters will be your best friends when it comes to studying – trust me. I specifically like purchasing multi-colored packs so I can color-code my notes while writing and reviewing them.

Office Supplies

• Wite-Out If you’re like me and frequently write your notes in pen, you’re bound to make a mistake or two (it happens to all of us). So, having a container of Wite-Out, or a Wite-Out tape dispenser, will definitely come in handy.
• Glue Glue sticks and bottles are very useful for projects.
• Tape A tape dispenser is always a good thing to have on your desk for those moments when you find yourself needing to use it.
• Scissors If your child is younger, then safety scissors (with the rounded ends) should be used with guidance by a parent.
• 3-hole punch I frequently print out assignment rubrics and class notes, so having a 3-hole punch definitely comes in handy when I want to place them in my binders.
• Reinforcements If you are using a binder, the pages can sometimes fall out. These are always great to keep on hand for when you notice the paper getting torn.
• Paper clips Once again, if you’re someone who prints out your school notes, using paper clips can help you stay organized and keep everything together.
• Stapler I currently have a mini-stapler on my desk because I find myself using it so much! And of course, you’ll need the appropriate type and size of staples for your stapler.
• Clipboards A clipboard is always a great thing to have when you want to “escape” the study space and do your work somewhere else!
• Whiteboard I personally like to mark important dates on a whiteboard calendar since I’m a visual learner, and also because it’s not a waste of paper. If you do the same, then a dry erase board will definitely be helpful to you throughout the year.
• Dry erase markers If you decide to get a whiteboard, you should also purchase a set of dry erase markers.
• Calculator and ruler Whether you’re instructed by your teacher to have one that is high-tech or one that is more simple, a calculator is always good to have – especially for math class! Additionally, a ruler is a necessity when trying to make straight lines or measure something.
• Sticky notes I’m someone who likes to write down my tasks and important notes and to-do’s, so sticky notes are always on my desk! They’re also useful as bookmarks and page flags.
• Index cards “Repetition is the key to remembering.” You may have heard people, whether parents or teachers, say this to you one time or another. That’s because it’s proven to be true through numerous studies. If this is something that doesn’t help you, that’s okay – we’re all different. Personally, since I am a visual learner, writing things down over and over again actually does help me remember them. Thus, index cards are a great way to study and quiz yourself on key terms and vocab!
• Globe or map This may be geared more towards younger students, but having a globe or a map is great for homeschooled children who are learning about history and geography — they can refer back to them during certain class lessons, as well as learn the importance of being an active, hands-on learner.
• Dictionary This is definitely optional since there are many dictionary websites online. However, sometimes it’s nice to leaf through an actual book.

Class and Subject Supplies

• Binders, folders, and notebooks Although I do most of my school work online, there are a few classes that I prefer to take handwritten notes for. Therefore, I usually like to dedicate a binder or folder and a notebook to each of those courses. I often color code my class materials as well, so my folder or binder and notebook are the same color. For notebooks, specifically, I use college-ruled and graphing paper. When I’m not printing that much work for each class, I use one thick binder that I can fit all of my classes into by separating the sections with dividers (It’s also a good idea to buy lined and printer or copy paper if you are someone who takes notes in binders or prints a lot.).
• Label stickers If you decide to use binders, folders, or notebooks, it may be extremely helpful for you to label each – so writing each class name on a label and then sticking it to your supplies will be to your advantage throughout the year!
• Agenda/Planner: I’ve talked about this before in a previous blog-post, and that is because I swear by it!! I dedicate a planner to multiple different aspects of my life (appointments & school) because writing important tasks and assignments down helps me remember them and plan/schedule each day with ease.
• File Cabinet: I strongly suggest purchasing a file cabinet, or file container, especially if you’re a homeschooler like myself – I find that it’s the easiest way to store and save important documents. Dedicating individual sections to progress reports, community service forms, physical education forms, and more will definitely help you stay organized, as everything will be in its own place.

Okay, I know this list may seem a bit overwhelming, but if you take the time to go through each item above and figure out what you think you’ll need or won’t need, you’ll be ahead of the game for sure! Of course, some of these items you may already have and re-use each year, so this is just a list of supplies to take into consideration and help those who need it.

With a new school year quickly approaching, you may be stressing out over the preparation process. As a parent or student, it’s understandable that you’d want everything to run as smoothly as possible during the transition. Well, you can reduce the stress and worry less, because I’ve got you covered! Read on to find the top 10 ways to transition to the school year.

1. Create a Routine or Schedule
My first tip to help you transition into a new school year is to get into a routine that’s tailored to you. Sitting down and taking time to note what has or hasn’t worked in the past is very beneficial in creating a school schedule. You should also begin your new routine at least a week in advance; doing this will give you time to see if you need to make any alterations in your sleep or eating schedule. Jessica from Life as a Mom has wonderful tips that can help you during this process.

2. Get to Know Your Teacher(s)
This is something I truly find to be helpful during the transition process. If you are enrolled in a homeschool program like Bridgeway Academy, you’ll most likely have the same advisor from year to year. But in the case that you have a new advisor or are taking some live classes that have new teachers, talking to them beforehand is very valuable. You’ll want to get to know them, give them information about your learning style, and talk about any classes or school activities you’re interested in joining. This will help them find an academic program and a course schedule that is tailored to your needs.

3. Get Involved

Getting involved is a great way to create better relationships with your teacher(s) and other students. By joining activities and groups that foster your interest, you can connect with kids that have similar hobbies. This helps ease the stress of not knowing anyone, and you’ll be on the road to creating many healthy friendships right in the beginning!

In the case that you’re school doesn’t offer clubs or a particular activity you’d want to join, propose your idea to your school’s staff – they’ll most likely be interested in learning more and your club, group, or activity will soon be underway! Something I personally enjoyed at Bridgeway last year was participating in the Act for Compassion fundraising event hosted by Compassion International. I was able to learn a lot in the process and enjoyed working with my advisor, who sent out weekly emails regarding the activities. Other options for interaction include co-ops, church groups, and athletics!  Take the time to build friendships and get involved in something you are passionate about.

4. Set Goals for Yourself
Whether you want to accomplish many things or just a few, writing down your goals for the upcoming school year can help you stay focused and positive. It may seem difficult to come up with ideas at first, so here’s a website with examples to get you started. Referring back to these goals throughout the school year and adding to the list can foster a sense of responsibility, confidence, and accomplishment.

5. Check in with Your Advisor or Teacher(s)
Scheduling routine check-ins with your academic advisor can help you build a better relationship with your teacher(s) and school staff. This also allows you to make certain you’re staying on top of your school work. Bridgeway offers quarterly check-ins from advisors and teachers to ensure everything’s running smoothly. If you need help figuring out an academic schedule that works for you, your advisor will be glad to help you with that as well!

6. Focus on the Positive
One tip I have for transitioning into the new school year is to stay positive. I know this may seem harder than it sounds, but putting forth the effort to see the positive side of things, rather than the negative, can ultimately help you stay confident and motivated from the beginning to the end of the school year. If you’re stressed out or anxious, the best thing to do is to stay as open-minded as possible. There will be bumps in the road, especially when you try something new, but staying positive helps you push through and get resolution.  When you do struggle, make sure to let your parents, teachers, or advisors know because they may have great ideas for overcoming obstacles. At Bridgeway, you can always count on the wonderful staff to go the extra mile to resolve problems.

7. Get Organized
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to start a healthy transition into the new school year, it would be to stay organized. There are many ways you can do this, such as dedicating a clean, neat space to studying, and staying on track academically with a calendar, agenda, or planner. I’ve tried out a variety of planners, and here are my favorites: Emily Ley Planners,  Design Your Own Planner, Bailey Craft Planners, and Erin Condren Planners. I personally like to use a planner to write my assignments in and create checklists, but I also often utilize print-outs from the Internet (which help to save time and money). Two websites that offer a variety of free printable planners, schedules, and checklists are Pros and Cons of Homeschooling and The Organised Student.

8. Plan Fun Activities
Something very important to keep in mind during the school year is to plan activities around your school schedule. Of course, you don’t want to plan activities during the school day when you’re working or studying, but if you happen to finish your school work early, or even during weekends, planning something fun can motivate you, as well as allow you to learn something new! The reason this is essential during the transition to a new school year is you’re going from two or three months of summer break and vacation to learning every day – fun activities helps make the transition easier by giving you smaller breaks in between learning sessions. I’m sure you can agree that while learning is fun, it can also be tiring at times, so scheduling some free time to go on a field trip, or even just to go outside, enjoy nature, and get fresh air, can help you both in and out of the classroom. You can find some fun outdoor activities and a free downloadable resource here.

9. Communicate with Your Parent or Child
Whether you’re a parent whose child is homeschooling or you’re a student, open-communication is very important when transitioning successfully into the new school year. As a parent, you should check on your child’s progress and ask them how everything is going to ensure that their transition to the new academic year is as smooth as possible.  Many times families just start the school year without ever looking back. But keep in mind that your first attempt might be a bit frustrating, so communicating together will help you make adjustments for a smoother, healthier year. If you do have any concerns about any classes, you should contact your advisor, teacher, or principal via email or phone call.

10. Prepare the Night Before
This tip doesn’t only apply to kids attending public or private schools – it also applies to students who homeschool. Preparing food, like lunch and snacks, and your class schedule the night before, is very beneficial to successfully getting into the routine of the new school year. It also allows you to focus on more important things in the morning, and you’ll thank yourself later in the day when everything is already prepared and set. It also helps you avoid the stress of taking time out of your school day to make your lunch or put together a snack, and you may even finish your courses for the day earlier than you expected.

These are just a few of the tips I’ve learned over the years that have helped me with the transition into a new school year. Try these out and observe how they work for you or your child. What helps you or your child maintain a smooth transition to the new academic school year? Let us know down below!

With the end of the school year rapidly approaching, you may be wondering if summer school is the right choice for you. If you’re like me and enjoy learning year-round, you may want to take on a class or two this summer! From rigorous Advanced Placement classes to Dual Enrollment college credit courses to simple electives, Bridgeway Academy offers a variety of both online and traditional/textbook summer school options.

Today, I’ll be sharing a few advantages of taking classes in the summer for you to take into consideration while deciding if it’s the right choice for you and your family!

Top 5 Advantages:

1. Completing Required Courses – Taking summer classes gives you the opportunity to get required courses out of the way! General course requirements vary from district to academic program, but often include Science, Math, English, and Social Studies classes – the foundation of your education – as well as humanities and electives. You can easily take a couple of these courses during the summer and get them out of the way. This gives you additional time during the following academic school year to focus on other things, take more classes you’re interested in, challenge yourself with more rigorous and time-consuming courses, and even take some breaks!
2. Catching up on Credits – If you fell behind during the previous school year and need to make up classes or receive credits that you’re missing, this is the perfect time to do so! Sometimes, unexpected things happen where you don’t end up finishing a course, but don’t worry. Summer school is a great advantage in this way! Taking summer classes can help you catch up on any missed credits or courses and relieve any stress about having to cram them into your school-year schedule or double-up on courses!
3. Continuing Your Academic Routine – When summer is over and you’re trying to get back into your school routine, it can definitely be a challenge. Transitioning from summer break to the academic school year may not be easy, but taking classes during those couple months can help the transition go smoothly. Regardless of whether you plan to take one class or two, you’ll be able to keep a structured summer school schedule and stay on track so you can bounce back into the school year and be your most productive self!
4. Find Classes You Are Interested In – This is one of my favorite pros of summer school! I often find myself looking to take extra courses or electives that I’m interested in because I love furthering my education and learning new things. I also see summer school as a great chance to take rigorous classes (such as AP (Advanced Placement) courses) and challenge yourself with new material! The benefit of taking summer classes with Bridgeway, in particular, is that you’re given a wide variety of classes to choose from, and you’ll most likely find something new or interesting that you’ll enjoy learning about! This is also a great option if you’re in High School, as it gives you the opportunity to take courses that may aid in your decision of a college major or future career!
5. Earn College Credits – This is an advantage geared more towards High School students. When enrolled in summer school, you’re given the option to take college courses, just like you are during the school year! Dual Enrollment (DE) classes are great if you’re looking to take high school courses that interest you, while receiving college credit for them. DE courses range from electives to core subjects, and offer you the chance of earning college credits early so you can jump into college with course knowledge and experience while saving on college tuition! The benefit of taking DE classes in the summer, specifically, is the extra time you’re able to complete them in without worrying about adding them to your full, school-year schedule – and you can also take them the summer after 12th grade, before you start your college journey!

Now, it’s time to decide, is summer school right for you? If you’re not sure, or would like more information about Bridgeway’s summer and traditional school programs, please reach out and one of our homeschool experts would be happy to speak with you more in-depth. You can call us at 1-800-863-1474.

It’s that time of year when we’re all getting excited (well most of us!) and preparing for a new school year. And, while we may have bought our curriculum or chosen our program in the spring, it’s now time to start making a schedule that includes lessons, co-op or live classes, extracurricular activities, and field trips. But, scheduling is one issue that trips up many homeschooling families each year. In fact, we’ve found that scheduling, or the lack thereof, is one of the top ten issues many moms struggle with when organizing lesson plans and classroom activities for their homeschoolers. When should the school day begin? How do I keep kids of varying ages and levels on task? Should I be more rigid? Should I be more flexible?

If you’re new, struggling, or need to start fresh this year, you’re probably wondering how to set up a homeschool schedule that works for your family. Look no further.

How to Set Up a Homeschool Schedule 

Children need schedules but putting undue pressure upon ourselves and our children is not good. Remember that the two most important factors of a routine in a growing child’s day do NOT revolve around the timing of class work. If you want to know how to set up a homeschooling schedule, start with the most important part of your child’s day: sleep and nourishment.

Consistent mealtimes, and a clear bedtime routine that involves winding down are the key elements to healthy brain growth and development.

If you have to work in some school activities on the evenings or weekends, you are not causing one bit of damage. Homeschooling is flexible. That’s the joy of it.

The Needs of Varying Age Groups

Having different ages within your homeschool classroom can make finding and sticking to a homeschool schedule difficult. However, it is certainly manageable, and actually increases patience, flexibility, and the ability for children to interact with different age groups and/or generations – an invaluable REAL WORLD skill. There will always be time for catch up down the road. Some homeschool parents need to work outside the home as well – but there are always ways to make it work.

What Real Homeschool Moms Do

When we wanted to learn how to set up a homeschool schedule, we decided to talk with several homeschool parents  “from the trenches” to learn how homeschool families operate and what works for them. Here’s what they had to say:

• Sarah: We all thrive on routines and schedules. Because of my son’s special needs, if we don’t have our schedule written out, the day simply doesn’t work. So, we spend 5 minutes each morning writing out what we’re going to accomplish as a family and then I spend time with each kid writing out what they need to do in a spiral notebook. We also plan 1 day to just have fun, explore outside, or do field trips. Usually this is Friday so we all work hard to get our daily work done so we can enjoy the day!
• Jen: “Basically, if it doesn’t benefit survival, homeschooling, writing, or family time, it gets scheduled where and when it can. I make sure that everyone knows that certain things must come first. So when they ask for certain freedoms or activities, they know they might very well get a no.”
• Mary: “I will sometimes take a day off, totally unscheduled, just because. Sometimes that unscheduled break does more for getting things done than anything else.”
• Steve: “We usually keep classroom hours from 9 to 1. Every day we will do math and reading for an hour each. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays is science. Tuesdays and Thursdays is history. Left over time is art, documentaries, or other subjects – whatever we have picked for the week. Friday is always a light day, I “test” what they have learned with small quizzes, and I never start anything new on a Friday. Always, I avoid being too strict – it sucks the fun right out!”
• Wendy: “As far as getting children of different ages on the same page, I just make sure they realize their school day is over when we finish what’s planned for the day. If they’re done by 10 or 11, the rest of the day is theirs. If they take until 3, 4, or even 5 – well, that’s less time outside, or on the computer or video games, or whatever. Basically, they’re in charge of how much playtime they get, by how hard they work. That’s pretty good motivation for getting them both focused and ready to work.”

Common Sense Application

Learning how to set up a homeschool schedule that works is really all about common sense, trial and error, and learning to shrug off what doesn’t work – and trying again. Any, or all, of these ideas can be adjusted to fit your household or the needs and personalities of your children. The key is to find what’s going to fit your individual family best at this season in life. And this should and will look different for each family!

To find out what works for you, start with your non-school life. Does your family accomplish more in the morning or evening? Do you like to go with the flow or need a more structured plan for the day? Do you prefer to have goals written out or to explore what interests you or them as you go? After you’ve figured out your “scheduling style” make sure to leave some space and room for doing nothing, catching up, or allowing your kids to set their own schedule. Finally, be ready and willing to adjust as needed if something isn’t working.

The beauty of a homeschool classroom is the flexibility to apply what works for your family and discard anything that doesn’t. Every day is a work in progress.

If you’d like help setting up a homeschool schedule or need a partner to help you with choosing curriculum and support you throughout your year, give us a call at 800-863-1474. We’ve been helping families like yours for 25 years and are here for you!

Accredited Homeschooling Programs: The Who, The What, and The Why

When you choose to homeschool you’re faced with many options for companion and partner programs. We hear questions all the time like “why does homeschool accreditation matter?” and “what type of homeschool accreditation is best?” One thing is clear: accredited homeschooling programs give your child better access to colleges and universities, security in record keeping and transcripts, and peace of mind. But, in the world of accreditation and homeschooling programs, all are not alike and it can be confusing to weed through the many options. Choosing between accredited homeschooling programs doesn’t have to be mindboggling. Keep reading to find out just what accredited homeschooling programs are and what homeschool accreditation is and why it matters.

What is Accreditation

If you’re searching for accredited homeschooling programs, you probably have some idea about what accreditation is. But, in case you’re not familiar, accreditation means that the homeschool academy or program has opened up every area to outside inspection and review by an accrediting body. Essentially, it’s an audit of policies, procedures, curriculum, and expectations. The best accrediting bodies require schools to submit self-evaluations, curriculum, performance statistics, and procedure overviews. Schools should do this yearly to show that they are maintaining a high level of quality and consistency in their program and curriculum. Accreditation is about ensuring quality, setting high standards, and promoting consistency to raise the impact and view of homeschooling.

Why Choose Accreditation

When it comes to choosing a homeschool program, selecting one that is accredited is essential. The benefits of homeschool accreditation include:

• Knowledge that your program has been audited and evaluated for quality
• Less worry about record keeping, transcripts, and reporting
• Protection of your homeschooling rights
• Freedom to transfer, move, etc. with ease by using an accredited transcript
• And more! Find out all of the benefits of accreditation here.

Types of Accreditation

As we’ve said, when it comes to accredited homeschooling programs, not all are created equal. Knowing which homeschooling programs have the best accreditation can make your decision much easier!

Regional Accreditation

Regional accrediting bodies are those officially recognized by many state and local governments. The Federal government (USDE) does NOT recognize any other accrediting bodies for grades K-12. These regional bodies are the only ones officially recognized by the USDE. While some states have their own accrediting bodies, most states belong to one of the main regional accrediting bodies. Regional accreditation is often the most strict, has the highest standards, is uniform, and carries more weight with colleges and universities. They include:

• AdvancEd Joint K12 School Status Search for the Following Accreditations
• Middle States Association
• New England Association
• North Central Association
• Southern Association
• Western Association

Christian or Religious Accreditation

Many Christian groups, such as private schools and churches, do not pursue secular accreditation, rather opting to go with a private, Christian accrediting body. These groups typically carry less weight than the regional accrediting bodies and are recognized only by a handful of states. None are accepted or recognized by the USDE; however many colleges and universities will accept transcripts and diplomas from these accrediting bodies. These bodies are more concerned with the religious principles and curriculum presentation and are often grouped by denomination or religious affiliation.

Independent Accreditation

Many states and private schools have come together to create their own accrediting bodies, again not recognized by the USDE, but still holding weight within those states. The requirements by these types of accrediting institutions often revolve around state standards and requirements and can vary highly in their acceptance rates between states and by colleges and universities.

Bridgeway Academy is proud to be accredited by AdvancEd, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council (SACS). Learn more about our accreditation and why you should always choose accredited homeschooling programs here. Or call today at 800-863-1474!

This year’s Bridgeway Graduation Ceremony is in the books, and the verdict is … this year might have been the best one yet! Over 30 students from around the country, and some international students, joined us at the Providence Presbyterian Church in Quakertown, PA for our 24th annual Bridgeway Homeschool Academy Graduation.

Graduation is a great opportunity for students and Bridgeway staff who have been working together for years but have never met to finally fellowship with one another. So we start our graduation day by enjoying a catered breakfast together and then get to know each other better through games. It is always a great feeling to see students who’ve been interacting via email and technology for years finally get to meet each other in person. It’s like meeting a long-distance pen pal for the first time, and as a homeschool Advisor, it’s one of the most heartwarming and validating feelings.

Graduates also have an opportunity to create a display board telling their fellow graduates and families about themselves and showcasing their hard work which others can view throughout the day. From artwork to pictures to medals, these displays show just how accomplished our graduates were! Viewing our student’s displays and seeing the excitement in their eyes makes all of our efforts worth it!

After a quick rehearsal, our students got into their caps and gowns, took formal pictures with friends and family, and made their way into the sanctuary for the ceremony. And what a beautiful ceremony it was!
Because this ceremony is about them and their accomplishments, we welcome and encourage participation from our graduates. And their talents were quite evident throughout the ceremony! Our students volunteered to read passages from scripture and poetry that were meaningful to them through their homeschool years and 2 of our graduates sang a duet “For Good” from the musical Wicked. Finally, we were all challenged and encouraged by our Valedictorian, Elizabeth Carter, whose speech was entitled, “Embrace Life.” Her speech was so incredibly moving I wanted to share some of it with you:

We are in a crucial moment where we truly begin our journey into the uncertain world of adult hood. In this moment I challenge you to continually challenge yourself and not be discouraged by the reality put in front of you. … I’m challenging you to invest in your mind, invest in your health. Seek further knowledge and deeper truth. We live in a world divided and broken…unhealthy and hurting. I’m not asking you to take a side, I’m not asking you to point fingers as to who is to blame and who is not. I am asking you to be brave enough to propose solutions for the betterment of all mankind.

But we didn’t stop there, we had something special in store for our graduates this year: an awards ceremony. Based on the interactions we have had with our students over the past four years, we were able to select six students to receive the following awards: the Fine Arts award, Performing Arts award, Outstanding Athlete award, Outstanding Service award, Christian Ministry award, and the Industrial Art award. Each student was surprised as we didn’t tell them ahead of time. They were so excited and grateful to be recognized for their hard work and amazing accomplishments!

After the ceremony, graduates, families, guests, and Bridgeway staff stayed for a Bar-B-Q picnic where we continued to celebrate their achievements and spend time with one another. Many parents with older students who had previously graduated with Bridgeway stated that this was our best graduation yet, in large part due to the amazing participation of our graduates and the extra time given to fellowship. It’s so important to provide experiences, like graduation, for homeschooled students. The relationships built and community created are invaluable.

Congratulations to all of our graduates this year! You all were a true inspiration to us and while we’re sad to see you go, we’re proud and excited that you’re taking the next steps into adulthood. Good luck, and in the words of your valedictorian remember, Embrace Life!

1. He is strong enough to catch you if you fall.

2. He leads the family.

3. He is your best cheerleader.

4. He sacrifices his own time to be there for his kids.

5. Bits of encouragement from him mean more than an award.

6. He works hard to provide for the family.

7. He doesn’t hesitate to support you and point you in the right direction.

8. Even though he can be harsh sometimes, he always wants the best for you.

9. He brings out the best in everyone.

10. Even if it means laying down his own life, he will protect his family.

To all the Dad’s out there, Happy Father’s Day!