Classical Conversations Classical Conversations communities meet once a week during the school year and cover a large number of subjects (including math, English, history, geography, science, languages, arts, and public speaking). Classical Conversations is a Christian program that follows the classical education model. It covers ages 4-18 (with an option for college credit). Please contact Antonia Swann to learn more about Classical Conversations and local communities in the high country and surrounding areas. Antonia is the Support Representative for Classical Conversations in northwest North Carolina and can be reached via email at aswann@classicalconversations.com.
Blue Ridge Bridge Blue Ridge Bridge offers classes for 7th-10th graders. It meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Boone. Classes include algebra, pre-algebra, geometry, science, Latin, chemistry, language arts, public speaking, psychology, and civics. A student has the option to take individual classes or to take the entire program. Please contact Jennifer Privette at blueridgebridgecoop@gmail.com to request more information and to schedule an interview.
Mountain Movers Mountain Movers is a homeschool group focused on extracurriculars. It meets once a week for 1.5 hours in Newland, NC. It is family-friendly and open to all ages (though right now it is mostly ages 6-12). A meeting usually consists of 30 minutes for kids to play basketball and parents to fellowship, and then there is a scheduled activity for an hour (i.e. PE, karate, drama, dance). They also occasionally do field trips. There is a Facebook group where plans are posted, and families can decide which meetings they want to come to. Mountain Movers is currently meeting through the summer, and there will be an informational meeting in September. Contact Katrina Locklin at urbangracedance@gmail.com for more information.
Gavel Club Gavel Club is similar to a junior version of the Toastmasters club, available to students who are between the ages of 13 and 18. Its goals are to develop, encourage, and sharpen public speaking skills. The structure of each meeting provides opportunities for leadership, responsibility and mature thinking. Historically, there is a 1-2 year waiting list for Gavel Club spots within the homeschool community. To join the waiting list, or for more information, contact Daphne Petrey at daphnespetrey@gmail.com.
Heritage Homeschoolers Heritage Homeschoolers is a private Facebook group for locals to pass around homeschooling information for the Banner Elk, Elk Park, Newland, Linville, Crossnore, and Spruce Pine areas. For more information, contact Monica Erwin at ejerwin@hotmail.com.
Mountain City Homeschool Co-op I have heard there is a homeschool co-op in Mtn City, TN, but I do not have any information on it.
Woodcock-Johnson Academic Testing
From Smoky Mountain Academic Resources and Training:
Woodcock Johnson Testing assesses the “working academic levels of your student in each area tested. (Basic test includes: Reading, Writing, Spelling, and Math). Your tester will also be able to help you see specific strengths and weaknesses of your student. They will also be able to give you suggestions to aid in instruction for growth and intervention for areas of need.”
Service Areas: Ashe, Alleghany, Avergy Watauga, Wilkes, bordering counties in TN and VA.
Sports at Grace Academy There are opportunities for homeschoolers to play on sports teams at Grace Academy. Fall sports will include Boys & Girls Cross Country (Grades 3-9) and Girls Volleyball (Grades 5-9). Winter sports are Boys Basketball (Grades 6-9), Girls Basketball (Grades 6-9), and Co-ed Flag Football (Grades 6-9). Spring sports are Boys & Girls Track (Grades 3-8), Girls Soccer (Grades 6-9), Boys & Girls Tennis (Grades 6-9), and Boys & Girls Golf (Grades 6-9). For more information, please contact Don Wood at dwood@graceacademyboone.com.
Ultimate Frisbee League This is 8 weeks of Ultimate Frisbee for folks 14 and up. Once you sign up, you are assigned to a team. There are six weeks of regular season games and two weeks of championship games. For more information, visit their website.
Highland Dance There is a Scottish Highland Dance group in Boone! Dancers learn through a combination of Zoom and in-person classes, and compete in traditional dance at Highland Games in NC, SC, GA, TN and VA. All ages are welcome. There is currently a young beginners class starting around age five, an advanced beginner class, and an adult beginner class (18+). For more information, contact Robina Walker at robina.walker@gmail.com.
ASHE Coop.
ASHE Coop is in Ashe county located this year at Friendship Baptist Church on Tuesdays with classes a la cart for all ages. Learn more at ashhomeschools.com or email ashecountyhomeschools@gmail.com. By at least one account, emailing or finding them on Facebook is usually more accurate than the website! They are run by a board of parents.
Arts and Craft Hen Party
We invite families with girls of all ages for a handicraft get-together on the last Friday of every month, starting in August. For the first meeting, we'll have a time of show-and-tell, and share about all kinds of arts. Crochet, sewing, knitting, drawing, painting, music, and anything else girls like to do will be welcome!
After the first meeting we can see how it goes and if the rest of the families have ideas for what to do next. The main thing is to get some time to enjoy each others' company, to be honest. It will be very low-key. Even if you don't have a craft, come see what others are doing! The group gathers at a location on Castle Ford Road north of Boone. If interested, check out the facebook page.
Rider’s Choice This is a great opportunity for homeschoolers to get discounted rates for skiing and snowboarding at Beech Mountain. For more information, visit https://www.smarttesting.net/riderschoice.
Trade Up Program
Construction skills and experience through Caldwell Community College. This pre-apprenticeship program is designed for high school juniors and seniors ages 16-18 and recent graduates with an interest and aptitude for a career in construction-related skilled trades (i.e., general contracting, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, heating and air conditioning, masonry, etc.). Contact Bruce Baker at hchba.office@gmail.com. Learn more here.
Music Lessons Several talented homeschool graduates in the area are offering music lessons. Contact them to learn more.
Lorien Cockman Instruments: Piano, fiddle, and other instruments Email: daystareverlasting@gmail.com Phone: (828) 268-8438
Gunnar Salyer Instruments: Fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro, bass, and other instruments Email: gunnarsmusiclessons@gmail.com Call or Text: (409) 500-1056
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This list was compiled by High Country Christian Homeschoolers (HCCHS) for the benefit of homeschoolers in the area. To join us and get on the email list for homeschooling announcements and opportunities, please visit http://hcchs.com/join-us.
If you have questions about homeschooling or an opportunity to add to this list, please send us an email at hcchs.info@gmail.com.
We pray that you have a wonderful year of homeschooling!