2-day home-school program in Vandergrift doubles enrollment after 1st year
A hybrid home-school program has doubled its fledgling enrollment since opening last year in Vandergrift.
Willow Tree Academy opened last September at The Center on Franklin Ave. Classes are held in two sessions, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
All students enrolled are required to be in a home-schooling program where their parent or guardian is in charge of their education.
The program was developed by Alle-Kiski Valley home-school parents and educators.
The program allows for a place for home-school students to learn and have social opportunities with their peers.
“Our program keeps parents in control while providing students with developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning experiences and instruction,” Willow Tree Director Jamie Lloyd said.
The academy operates separately from The Center, occupying several rooms upstairs in a former church at 262 Franklin Ave.
New this year at Willow Tree Academy is the addition of kindergarten, third and fourth grades.
Willow Tree Academy enrolled 20 students in kindergarten through fourth grade after welcoming 10 students last year.
“We would like to have up to 12 students in each grade,” kindergarten teacher Chloe Kruse said.
Teacher Jamie Lloyd of Gilpin teaches first and second grades. Lloyd is state certified in early and elementary childhood education.
All three Willow Tree teachers home-school their children. Two are state certified.
Two programs are offered. A base hybrid program costs $225 per month and covers all subjects except math. A math enrichment program is offered for $75 per month.
“I’m proud of what we did last year. It was just a great opportunity to have something for our own children and other home school students in the community,” Lloyd said.
Teacher Nicole Capone of Allegheny Township said the academy allows home-schooled students to make new friends.
“My main goals with the hybrid is to make sure the students can collaborate with other students. and I also want them to have the opportunity to enrich their studies in a traditional classroom setting — a little bit of that — even though they are home-schooled,” said Capone, who also is state certified.
Student Isabella Lloyd, 9, enrolled for a second year at Willow Tree.
“I like the scavenger hunts and going to art, like when we made animals out of egg cartons,” Isabella said. “I liked making a pretend pizza to learn about fractions. And I love reading stories. I really like everything about my school.”
Nicole Capone of Allegheny Township teaches third and fourth grades. Capone’s youngest daughter is enrolled at Willow Tree.
“A lot of home-school parents do worry about the socialization factor, and it’s a big support because they can meet other children here,” Capone said.
Capone strives to provide an interesting mix of activities in her classroom.
She recently brought several of her chickens to class for a show-and-tell meet-and-greet with her students.
“The chickens were passed around and everyone held them. We try and be creative,” Capone said. “The first year of home-schooling, I felt pretty isolated. But now, it’s a big community of people.”
Joyce Hanz is a TribLive reporter covering the Alle-Kiski Valley. A native of Charleston, S.C., she graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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