Our Philosophy

Our philosophy of education rests on the presupposition that our world belongs to God. Learning should take place in as natural a context as possible, preparing the child to enter the adult world. We see the community as a classroom and seek to draw from its resources. We believe that each child should be given a high standard to achieve, along with the encouragement to do so.

Purpose

Goals and Objectives

I. Provide educational opportunities in the following:
    A. Introduction to different fields of interest
    B. Community resources

II. Provide quality instructors who:
    A. Share in Palaestra's philosophy of education
    B. Have a fondness and respect for children
    C. Are proficient in their field
    D. Are gifted at transferring knowledge to others
    E. Are enthusiastic in their presentation
    F. Have a strong moral character and will not contradict or subvert a Biblical Worldview
    G. Will make application, interview, provide references, submit syllabus and sign a contract.

III. Provide an organizational structure of leadership that will preserve Palaestra's philosophy and purpose:
    A. Administrated by a board of directors
    B. Assisted with qualified support staff
    C. Enlisting parent volunteers whenever possible

It is under the leadership of the Holy Spirit of God that we seek to organize, develop and accomplish these goals and objectives. Palaestra is anchored in prayer.

History

We look for teachers who are skilled in their particular field. Most are working professionals who are motivated to teach at Palaestra for love of teaching and other philosophical reasons. Instructors are hired as independent contractors and are financially compensated for their time. In order to make this program affordable to families who are shouldering the entire financial burden of their children’s education (no government funds here!) we must keep our costs low. Instructors whose children are enrolled in classes receive priority registration and a discount on the cost.

We conduct two semesters per year:
Fall Session: September-December. We do not hold class the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Winter Session: January-May. We break on Good Friday and the following week.

Classes are divided into the following age groupings:
   Pre-School (ages 3 1/2 - 4)
   K - 2nd grade (ages 5, 6 & 7)
   3rd - 5th grades (ages 8, 9 & 10)
   6th - 8th grades (ages 11, 12 & 13)
   9th - 12th grades (ages 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18)

Many classes cross over age groups. The parents‘ discretion is accepted if the child’s age is at the border of the age grouping. However, the teacher’s input is equally respected. Palaestra reserves the right to place the student appropriately.

Parents are requested to remain on premises during class hours with children under 16 or assign another adult as supervisor. A different educational or home helps vendor is present at least twice each semester. There are class field trips, in house presentations, holiday parties, used book sale, Home Business Day, and a pleasant place where parents can visit with one another. Breakfast and lunch items are available for purchase.

Having begun with about fifty families, Palaestra now sustains an enrollment average of 125 families. We have gained a favorable reputation within the home educating community and the general community as well.