HSLDA

Dear Friends,

Fall is planting season, a mild season that allows trees and shrubs time to take root before winter frosts arrive. Likewise, this is the season for you to plant God's Word and wisdom in the hearts and minds of your children "so they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." (Isaiah 61:3b NASB) Be encouraged as you set this year's school routine knowing that each day is a new opportunity to trust in the faithfulness of a God who loves you and who loves your children. Keeping your eyes on eternity always blurs the present challenges.

This month's newsletter is the last installment of a three-part series on The Road to College Admissions. The previous two newsletters covered the spiritual  preparation for college, the college search process, the application process, and campus visits. Today we'll take a look at alternatives to the traditional college route.

Sending your child off to college and having him live away from home may...

Dear Friends,

It's September and the smell of fall is in the air. The chrysanthemums are beginning to bloom and the leaves will soon be turning beautiful colors. As new books are being examined and pencils are being sharpened, take a few minutes to review your reasons for homeschooling, and renew your vision by prayerfully seeking the Lord's help right from the start. We'll ask the Lord, along with you, to make this your best year of homeschooling yet!

This newsletter is the second installment of a three-part series on The Road to College Admissions. Last month, we discussed the spiritual preparation for making a college decision and also how to research colleges in order to make good college choices with your child. This month we'll cover the specifics of applying to colleges,
and also take a look at the important elements of a college visit.

THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PACKET

The college application packet may include along with the application form a separate financial aid...

Dear Friends,

Summer is winding down, with a new school year fast approaching. For many families with high school students, another year means coming one step closer to the often confusing college admissions process.

This email is one in a three-part series to be presented in August, September, and October--all focusing on college admissions. And it's not just for parents of seniors. Even if your child is just entering high school, it's a good idea for you to become familiar with this information before you start making college choices.

In this first newsletter, we will address the topics of spiritual preparation and the college search. In September, we will cover the application process and the campus visits. We'll wrap up the series in October with a discussion about alternatives to the traditional college route that make it possible to accumulate many college credits (and sometimes all of them!) from the comforts of home.

Finding your way through the college admissions maze can seem daunting, but by...

Dear Friends,

College--just the word conjures up many different images and questions in parents' minds. Where in the world do you begin the search for a college that is the right fit for your son or daughter? How do you sift through the myriad of information mysteriously filling up your mailbox from various schools? These are certainly legitimate questions, so we've provided some practical tips and advice to help you get started on this adventure.

Begin Early

If college is on your horizon, then use the years before high school to begin discussing with your child why he wants to attend college and what are his future goals. Even though your 13-year-old may not know what career he wants to pursue, use his intentions to go to college to motivate him to see that his studies do, indeed, have an end goal. Encourage him to save monetary gifts or earnings he receives for these future plans. College may seem far in the future, but it will be here
before you know it!

The 10th...

Dear Friends,

This month we have the privilege of bringing you a word from Sandra Corbitt, dean of students at Patrick Henry College, Purcellville, Virginia. We believe you will appreciate her wisdom and heart for helping homeschool students make the transition from home to college life (wherever that may be). You may already be putting into practice many of her suggestions, so we hope this will give you assurance that you are heading in the right direction. On the other hand, Dean Corbitt’s recommendations may be the gentle nudge you need as you seek to improve your teen’s skills in areas where they can grow. In any event, our desire is to inspire you to see the young adults your teens will soon become. And, we are here to help you along the way!

The Dean Recommends

This past fall, as dean of students at Patrick Henry College, I welcomed my sixth class of new students to campus. I have seen many homeschoolers come to the college, some prepared to be here and others needing...