EDUCATION DIRECTORY EXPLORE YOUR HOME SCHOOL AND PRIVATE SCHOOL OPTIONS FEATURE | FAMILY EDUCATION DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS. WHICH WAY TO GO WHEN IT COMES TO THE 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR

written by Kimberly Davis Guerra

f any of you had a last TEXAS • Good citizenship schools to choose from in the semester of the 2019-2020 HOMESCHOOL is similar to civics. Greater area alone. school year like we had at my Public schools teach Depending on your affiliations house, I know this thought LAWS 2019 one semester of civics, or preference, you can narrow has crossed your mind. ”If On June 15, 1994, after a usually in the senior down your options. my kids are learning at home, nine-year court battle, the year of high school. Here are some of the categories Iwhy not just home school? It Texas Supreme Court in TEA Teaching U.S. and Texas to consider. would probably be easier to v. Leeper issued a 9-0 decision history, government manage and more organized, guaranteeing the right of Texas (theoretical and Private Schools: which would make our lives parents to teach their children practical), the Pledge of • All Girl/All Boy easier. Bonus, they might at home without fear of Allegiance, and similar • Religious Affiliation actually learn something.” prosecution. activities will also help (Christian, Lutheran, The other opinion I have The court held that meet this requirement. Methodist, Jewish, etc) heard is, ‘I’m not feeling really homeschools are exempt THSC provides several • Hybrid (Part home school / comfortable sending my kids from compulsory attendance ways to help you meet part on campus) back to a school filled with because they are considered this requirement (see • Traditional Non- 1,000 other students. I’d feel a type of private school. The resource box below). denominational more comfortable in a private compulsory attendance statute • Online only environment with smaller is currently found in Section There is no need to register classrooms/school setting. One 25.085 of the Education Code. or in any way contact the local Once you have an idea of that offers more control and In accordance with the Leeper school or the state government the type of campus environment flexibility.” decision, homeschools are prior to homeschooling, unless you are interested in, then you With the turbulent times exempt from the compulsory your student is currently in have to look at the curriculum https://thsc.org/ and the roller coaster ride that attendance statute because they public school and student to teacher ratios. sending-a-withdrawal-email/ COVID-19 has caused in our are considered a type of private If you have a kid who is really lives, it is wise to consider all school under Section 25.086(a) If your child has never been focused on sports and they don’t your options. The fact remains, (1) of the Texas Education Code. enrolled in public school, simply offer any, that will be a problem that as we go to press, the TEA According to the Leeper case, obtain curriculum and begin. It for your child. If they are really and Governor Abbott have the only legal requirements to is also to your advantage to find into robotics, make sure they not come to terms with what homeschool in Texas are: a local support group to help have a killer computer lab and the requirements will be for • The instruction must be you in this endeavor. programs to keep them growing the 2020-21 school year. In bona fide (i.e., not a sham). in the right direction. Last, you fact, even if decisions are made • The curriculum must be MANY CHOICES want to be sure that they are in today, they may change due in visual form (e.g., books, AVAILABLE a small class environment, given to rises in cases or outbreaks. workbooks, video monitor). the recent outbreaks. They will So, it stands to reason that you • The curriculum must If you decide to look into be less likely to be exposed if need to be prepared either way. include the five basic options other than the they are surrounded by fewer Knowing what your options are subjects of reading, spelling, traditional public school route, kids on campus. is the first step. grammar, mathematics and there are many options to The other benefit afforded good citizenship. choose from. According to latest by the private schools is, let’s stats, there are over 1,200 private face it, greater resources. Many researching, I was blown away are already equipped with state at all of the options available. FREE: Abeka of the art facilities. With the Not only are there private Texas Connections Academy www.abeka.com current outbreaks, you can online programs there are also www.connectionsacademy.com/ bet that they are upgrading free, public online programs texas-virtual-school Time4Learning webcams and streaming services available! There seems to be www.Time4learning.com to offer more online teaching price points and benefits for DiscoveryK12 environments for students, every type of family. www.discoveryk12.com Whether you choose to depending on their needs and The curriculum seems to be go with a private, homeschool comfort levels. extremely well-balanced, straight Ischool Virtual Academy of Texas or public education program *Check out the education forward and easy to access. One- www.ischoolvirtual.com for your child, it is going to directory following this article on-one relationships are available take time and research to for more information on stand for students to enhance learning, IUniversity Prep decide which path to take. out schools in our community as well as group opportunities www.iuniversityprep.com We encourage you to begin to meet classmates. Clubs are your research early, so that you HOMESCHOOLING, available for kids who have Texas Virtual School have time and are not stressed specialized interests to interact www.txvs.org out before the kids go back to IS IT RIGHT FOR with like-minded students. There school. As with any start of a YOUR FAMILY are even groups for parents to K12 Academy new school year, children are interact with other parents to www.k12.com anxious enough. We do not If you are still concerned about discuss issues they are facing. need to add to it if we are going exposure for your family, All in all, it seems like a strong CHRISTIAN: to make any big changes to their you may want to go with platform to consider. Alpha Omega Acdemy future. the homeschooling option. As always, we recommend www.aoacademy.com Look to Houston Family’s Before COVID-19, I never doing your due diligence. daily E-newsletters throughout considered it. However, with United Christian Home School Research the options, talk with the month of July & August the continuing ups & downs friends and family who have www.unitedchristianschool.org for more tips and information our city is facing, it only seems tried it and make the right on education and support prudent to strongly consider Enlightium Acacademy decision for your family. information. We are here to making the change. www.enlightiumacademy.com Here are just a few websites help provide you with answers Did you know there are of programs to check out for to your questions! over 300,000 homeschoolers Paratus Academy more information: in Texas? Once I started https://paratus.academy SPECIAL ADVERTISING | EDUCATION DIRECTORY ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON- 11123 Cypress N. Houston Rd. HOUSTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Houston, TX 77065 As the largest private school system in Texas, our 60 Catholic Schools serve students in grades Pre-k HOUSTON CHRISTIAN HIGH through 12. Actualize your child’s potential and SCHOOL choose a Catholic school. Houston Christian High School engages students to www.choosecatholicschools.org become impactful leaders through an empowering, dynamic education within a spiritual worldview. Houston Christian is an independent, nonprofit, BAY AREA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL coed day school accredited by Independent Schools Bay Area Christian is accredited for academic Association of the Southwest (ISAS) and serves nearly excellence and has been serving kindergarten 500 students in ninth through twelfth grades. through 12th grade students in the Bay Area with Christian values and leadership for over 40 years. It www.houstonchristian.org is their joy to have a school ministry that provides 713.580.6000 quality education and Christian education. The entire 2700 W Sam Houston Parkway N school staff is dedicated to helping each child reach Houston, TX 77043 his/her greatest God-given potential with the belief that well-educated Christian youth will have a great influence on our future communities and nation. LIFESTYLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bay Area Christian School prepares students for LCS is a Christ-centered, fully accredited school college and offers extracurricular activities including serving students from Kindergarten through 12th competitive music and sports! grade. With a strong history spanning more than 35 years and a clear vision for the future, LCS is leading www.bacschool.org the way for Christian education in the north Houston 281-332-4814 area. Learn more about LCS and experience the 4800 West Main Street League City, TX 77573 difference! lifestylechristian.org 936-756-9383 The mission of Cypress Christian School is to provide 3993 I-45 North students and education based upon academic Conroe, TX 77304 excellence and biblical values. Serving grades K-12 throughout northwest Houston since 1978.

www.CypressChristian.org 281.469.7745

The perfect balance of learning and play®

• Safe, nurturing environment • Enthusiastic and caring teachers • Links to Learning curriculum • Ongoing parent communication

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Xplor_HoustonFamily_July20_7.25x4.688.indd 1 6/10/20 3:29 PM SPECIAL ADVERTISING | EDUCATION DIRECTORY

RAINARD SCHOOL ST. ANNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Rainard School for Gifted children addresses The mission of St. Anne catholic school is to students unique academic and social needs. Since develop each student academically, spiritually, 1986, Rainard school has provided Gifted students culturally, physically, and interpersonally in a catholic with an individualized, supportive, and rigorous environment. learning environment. www.stannecs.org www.rainard.org 713-526-3279 713.647.7246 2120 Westheimer, Houston, Texas 77098 11095 Timberline Road Houston, TX 77043 ST. FRANCIS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL St. Francis offers an inspired education with ROSEHILL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL rigorous academics, thoughtful religious instruction, Our goal at Rosehill Christian School is to partner competitive athletics, robust fine arts, advanced with families and lead children both spiritually and technological instruction, and compassionate service academically. The growing faculty and facilities enable learning. Rosehill Christian School’s student/teacher ratio to remain low, and classroom technology is rapidly www.stfrancishouston.org advancing to keep pace with the changing instructional 713.458.6100 needs and learning styles of today’s youth. 335 Piney Point Road Houston, TX, 77024 www.rcseagles.org 281.351.8114 19830 FM 2920 ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Tomball, TX 77377 Celebrating nearly 30 Years of Excellence in Education. SLCS serves students in PreK-8th grade and is conveniently located in the heart of Sugar SCHOOL OF THE WOODS Land, TX. Twice recognized as a National Blue Serving Houston since 1962 as a leading Montessori Ribbon School of excellence. Learn more at wwww. education resource, School of the Woods offers a stlaurenceschool.org. diverse learning community at all grade levels from preschool through college preparatory. www.stlaurenceschool.org 281-980-0500 www.schoolofthewoods.org 2630 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 713.686.8811 1321 Wirt Road Houston, TX 77055

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NOW ENROLLING PRE-K - 12 Sharing His Vision. Teaching His Values. 19830 FM 2920 Tomball, TX 77377 Contact the Admissions Office Today 281.351.8114 [email protected] or 713.526.3279 www.stannecs.org SPECIAL ADVERTISING | EDUCATION DIRECTORY

ST. MARK LUTHERAN SCHOOL WESTBURY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Set your child up for success with an education from Westbury Christian School, a private institution St. Mark. With a NEW K-8 school building and a that serves students from grades K-3 through dedicated staff, it’s a great time join this growing 12, offers an affordable, challenging, and unique community! private education experience taught from a biblical perspective. www.gostmark.org www.westburychristian.org 713.468.2623 7135518100 1516 Pech Road 10420 Hillcroft St. Houston, TX 77055 Houston, TX 77096 THE BRANCH SCHOOL XPLOR PRESCHOOL & The Branch School is a private school inspiring PK3-eighth grade students to love, learn, and lead. SCHOOL-AGE Our STEAM-infused, project-based curriculum Xplor’s preschool curriculum prepares children taps students’ creative energy for deep and lasting for elementary school by developing important learning. academic, social and emotional skills. Our robust school-age programs include B&A care and camps. www.thebranchschool.org 713.465.0288 XplorPreschool.com 1424 Sherwood Forest 877-959-3743 Houston, TX 77043 YORKSHIRE ACADEMY THE KIPLING SCHOOL Yorkshire’s primary goal is to create an environment in which children can develop to their fullest Our childhood programs focus on cognitive, potential at their own individual rate. Students range emotional and social growth, while our kindergarten in age from 18 mos-Grade 5. Yorkshire invites you through 8th grade curriculum will challenge your to visit to see for yourself why its tagline, “A Little child to build self-confidence, good citizenship and School Making a Big Impact” rings so true. friendship. www.YorkshireAcademy.com www.thekiplingschool.com 281.531.6088 713.880.3318 14120 Memorial Drive 600 Shepherd Drive Houston, TX 77079 Houston, Texas 77007 SPECIAL ADVERTISING | EDUCATION DIRECTORY

INFANT ROOM OPENING JANUARY 2020 Infant availablity ages 6 weeks - 3 months as of January 1, 2020. LEARN MORE OR APPLY: GOSTMARK.ORG/ADMISSIONS 1515 Hillendahl • Houston • 77055

NOW ENROLLING PRE-SCHOOL - 8TH GRADE

In August Rainard will offer classes in-person and online. Our On-line Classroom: In-Person Classroom: • One on one virtual time daily • Classrooms will be live with their teachers streamed through Google • Virtual platform is easy to Meet/ Google Classroom use, even for our youngest • All classes will be recorded learners • Able to Triage all students • Core disciplines taught daily before they enter the campus • At home science projects • More details to come before and labs school starts August 25th • Weekly interaction with the Head of School

E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] FOR MORE Online: www.rainard.org • Phone: 713.647.7246 INFORMATION Address: 11059 Timberline Rd, Houston, TX 77043 Photo: Katie Wnukoski Katie Photo:

Now Enrolling for 3 and 4 year-old Preschool also infant to 2 year-old care available reasons to join SUMMER 5the USDL family CAMPS 1. Accredited Christian education that nurtures your child’s faith AT THE LONE STAR FLIGHT MUSEUM 2. Hands-on exercises in relationship-building, JULY 13 -AUG 12 problem-solving, innovation and leadership 3. Family engagement in the learning process 4. Curriculum that promotes Upbring’s five markers of every child’s well-being: safety, health, education, vocation and life skills 5. Highly secure campus

Upbring.org/usdldh WEEK-LONG CAMPS FOR KIDS AGES 8 TO 14 PILOT MAKER, CRAFTY AIRCRAFT FLIGHT ENGINEERING & MORE! 1316 Washington | Houston, TX 77002 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM - Year-round care available 346.293.6261 (text ok)

[email protected] Log on to LoneStarFlight.org/camps or call 346-708-2517 for more info. Located at Ellington Airport FEATURE | FAMILY EDUCATION RECESSION PROOF CAREERS written by Kimberly Davis Guerra

rowing up, I was the first in my Back when the baby boomers were • Floor installers family to attend college. Not heading to the workforce, the norm was • Painters not to go to college, but to trade school. everyone got in and if you wanted • Auto Mechanics to be successful, you had to get Through on the job training or trade • Firefighter a degree before heading out into schools, the boomer generation began to Gthe workforce. build their futures through skilled trades. It • Police Officer is an area that we should definitely take a Fast forward twenty+ years and that • Realtor is definitely no longer the case. So many look at for our kids. • Hair Stylist/Nail Technician kids have degrees, that many times, it doesn’t give you a leg up in the real Here are just a few recession proof jobs world. Not only are you not guaranteed that will offer a solid future: Depending on the path taken, each of a good paying job, you may find yourself these trade careers offers stability & growth racked up with so much student loan debt • Commercial Driver opportunities. Average salaries range that you will retire before you pay it off! • Carpenter anywhere from $45,000 - $100,000+. Combine that with the recent pandemic • HVAC technician and parents may be rethinking the There are numerous trade and specialty • Electrician direction for their kids post high school schools in Houston, depending on the path education. • Plumber chosen. Check out our list below to start exploring your options.

— LOCAL TRADE SCHOOL OPTIONS — There is an abundance of trade school options in the Houston area offering short-term certificate programs in the areas of medical, carpentry, computers, to welding, aircraft maintenance and beauty, among many others.

CULINARY INSTITUTE LENOTRE MIAT College of Technology School of Automotive Machinists & Is accredited by the Accrediting Commission offers technical career programs in the areas Technology of the American Culinary Federation Education of aviation, energy technology, wind power The School of Automotive Machinists & Foundation and the Accreditation Commission technician and HVACR technician. Technology (SAM Tech) is a provider of of Career Schools and Colleges. www.miat.edu machining and technical education training culinaryinstitute.edu for students seeking careers in the high- Paul Mitchell The School (Houston) performance racing industry. Fortis Institute Paul Mitchell’s cosmetology program offers samtech.edu Fortis Institute offers a wide range of in- courses at various levels for students interested in person and online trade programs that a career in the beauty industry related to hair care, Texas Health School includes nursing, medical technology, dental, makeup, nail care and more. Texas Health School’s goal is to provide Business/professional, information technology, paulmitchell.edu/houston/programs/cosmetology specialized training programs to meet the Commercial driving and Beauty/wellness. increasing demand for skilled health care and www.fortis.edu. Professional Career Training Institute professional office workers. Professional Career Training Institute offers www.ths.edu Houston School of Carpentry skilled worker training programs in the areas of Houston School of Carpentry is a TWC Career computer programming/data science, desktop Tulsa Welding School Schools and Colleges-approved vocational and mobile development, Cisco networking and You will get hands-on welding training, but this training school. administration, building maintenance/HVAC, is only possible for those candidates who meet www.housoc.org. electrical technician, software development/ the eligibility requirements. web programming and vocational English as a second language. www.weldingschool.com MediaTech Institute pcti.edu Associate degree & diploma programs in audio recording, digital film & video production, acting for media, master makeup artistry, animation, mobile app and web development. mediatech.edu