There are six umbrellas that are open to all Christian homeschoolers in the area. There may be others that I'm not aware of. I try to keep this list up to date.
Each umbrella charges a yearly fee of about $75 per family. This fee varies from umbrella to umbrella. Some umbrellas charge a little more for grades 9-12 than K-8.
You may wonder what the difference is between the county and an umbrella.
I have many friends who belong to umbrellas and others who report to the county. Much of it depends on who you're reporting to and what kind of interaction you want with you you're reporting to. With an umbrella, you will file a curriculum plan at the beginning of the school year. At the end of the year, you will have a review with a reviewer in which you'll show them your planner, reading list, curriculum, and some work samples. Depending on what kind of curriculum you like to use, those samples may be a photo album of your unit studies or completed workbooks.
I joined an umbrella because I wanted to be able to call or email someone when I had questions. Some of the umbrellas have activities, newsletters, and graduation ceremonies. If you join an umbrella, you'll have more opportunities to connect with other homeschoolers and a place you can reach out to when you have questions like I have.
Umbrellas that require Bible...
Oak Grove BaptistOak Grove has both a homeschool umbrella and a co-op with classes for
grades 1-8 of various subjects. Information can be found on the website.
Fallston Christian Home School (formerly Salem Christian School)The folks that head up this umbrella are
very knowledgeable and have a lot years of experience under their belts. Each of their
reviewers have at least 9 years of experience--several have over 12 years. This is helpful
because they can share helpful advice based on lots of experience.
Heritage Academy
Heritage Academy (also known as Heritage Homeschool Community) is a
Christ-centered group with a mission to disciple our children, help
people learn how to homeschool, encourage moms, and build
relationships all while having fun. Our group provides opportunities
for families to come together to enrich their students’ learning
experience with field trips, workshops, play dates, graduations, and
celebrations. We hope to give opportunities for parents and children
to share their gifts and talents to serve others. We want to transform
education…for the glory of God.
Lighthouse Christian Academy
LCA is located in Port Deposit, Maryland. Their yearly fee is $110 per family. Students can
participate in the activities of the school and will receive a diploma when the graduate from the
private school the umbrella is attached to. It is a ministry of Pleasant View Baptist Church and
is open to all families in the area. They do require that all families attend church regularly.
Conowingo-Rising Sun Christian School is another umbrella in the area. Their enrollment
fee is $75 per year for new families.
Umbrella that requires religion...
Churchville Christian SchoolThis umbrella is a little different than the other two because rather than being reviewed by a reviewer (who must have homeschooled for 5 years or more), you will be reviewedby a peer--and you will do their review in return.
Secular umbrellas...
Over the years, I have known several people who have belonged to these two umbrellas.
Many Paths of Natural Learning
Excelsior Academy
Maryland Homeschool Reviews
If have any information to share with me about these two groups, please email me at
lovetopaint.blogspot@gmail.com
