General Questions
Classes in writing and Latin are offered for the 2009/2010 school year.
Writing classes are designed as correspondence classes and are conducted primarily via e-mail and the school website while Latin classes meet in live online chats regularly each week. Assignments, handouts,quizzes, and tests in all classes are accessible through the school web-site.
Alethea Academy uses Moodle for its software needs. All of Alethea Academy's classrooms and bulletin boards are currently hosted by CRTeacher.
No. Students need regular access to a computer and internet connection, but do not need to purchase any software for Alethea Academy's classes.
Alethea Academy offers classes designed for late elementary, middle-school, and high-school students.
There are currently no required textbooks for the writing classes. However, there are required texts for Latin classes. These, along with optional resources, can be viewed and purchased at the bookstore.
Classes for the fall semester generally begin in late August and end in the middle of December. Classes resume in early January and end at the beginning of May. Visit the school calendar for details.
Percentage grades are given at the end of each semester. This percentage grade is based on the combined scores of tests, quizzes, and various class activities. Letter grades are generally not given unless specifically requested by parents, as grading scales vary widely.
Yes. Full refunds are offered for any reason within the first three weeks of school.
Writing
Students are provided with bi-weekly assignments. They are expected to return the assignments by the deadline. The instructor then critiques the assignment for clarity, structure, and grammar. Regular quizzes in grammar are also provided.
No. This program is designed to train students in the art and skill of writing formal essays. However, the skills that students acquire in this class will aid them in any area of writing that they pursue.
Assignment deadlines are in place so that students are continually and regularly practicing their writing skills. Deadline extensions for emergencies and unusual circumstances are granted upon parental request. However, a student who is merely sloppy about meeting deadlines will receive lower grades.
Grammar is an essential part of writing. To write clearly and concisely, one must firmly grasp English mechanics.
No. The writing classes do not meet in live online chats. The student and the instructor interact via e-mail and the class bulletin board.
Assignments are provided regularly by the instructor. These assignments are structured around the specific goals of each class. However, students are frequently required to choose essay topics or essay questions based upon the class assignment.
Latin
Latin I is taught using Wheelock's Latin, a textbook used in high-schools and colleges around the country. Because of the fast pace of the class, students should have some knowledge of Latin or at least a strong grasp of grammar before enrolling in this class.
Elementary Latin I and Elementary Latin II prepare junior-high student and young high-school students adequately for Latin I. If you are not sure whether your student would work more comfortably in Elementary Latin I or Latin I, contact the administration.
Latin is taught using the excellent textbooks of Memoria Press and Wheelock's Latin. Drilling, practice, memorization, and testing consistently teach and reinforce concepts. Classes meet in live online chats several times a week. In the chats, new concepts are introduced and homework is reviewed.