I have always been curious about Calvert Homeschool as an all-encompassing online homeschool. When they offered their Calvert Homeschool Online program with access to all the courses, I thought this would be a good opportunity to check them out!
What is Calvert Homeschool?
Calvert Homeschool is an online mobile program that requires an internet connection for streaming your courses. You can use a computer, laptop, or smart device to access classes. They offer two separate programs – Kindergarten to 2nd grade and grades 3-12.
Lessons are set up by the parent in the parent board and easily accessed in the student account by the student. The parent chooses the courses and the student only sees what’s assigned.
Each lesson is short, with videos and pictures, and is easy to navigate. The parent can also choose what percentages equal the grade, how the student must answer questions, and even if the student needs to repeat lessons if they do not receive the grade the parent determined.
The students have access to 45 courses in math, language arts, science, history, geography, and some extras. Everything is in one place and can be assigned as determined by the parents. The coursework can be changed at any time as well. Self-grading, the parent has much involvement as he or she wishes.
Additionally, the student is not confined to one grade. If you have a student that is in 4th-grade math, 6th-grade science, and 5th-grade language arts — no problem. The program allows this and works with you. No concerns about being in the “right grade” but learning at the pace that the student needs.
Because it’s all streamed online, though you do require an internet connection, you can take the program with you. Updates to the course are automatic without interruptions, and no need for books so it’s a green course. Grading is automatic and Calvert keeps your child’s records secured for 7 years. Calvert Homeschool Online works of PC or MAC.
There are placements tests available to help you determine where to start for your student. Calvert offers single student plans and family plans for up to 3 students. And plans are available for monthly or yearly payments.
You can even purchase a single subject, which I think is great because you might just have a need for history or math or science for your student and this would be a good and economical place for to get one class that you need to add to your homeschool schedule.
There are many videos available that accompany Calvert Homeschool Online on YouTube, you can view the Calvert Homeschool Series here.
What We Thought
The setup for Calvert Homeschool was fairly easy to use and we were able to get started right away. When I had a question, customer service responded quickly — in the beginning.
We got started on some supplemental courses. My son liked there were videos included and that the lessons were fairly short. He found it intuitive to know what was expected of him to accomplish and he liked to see his progress. He knew what to click on and where to go next.
The lessons progress through easily and keep your student’s progress. I could see his scores in the parent dashboard and was able to see what he was (and wasn’t) doing) when in Calvert Homeschool.
The lessons were good and I felt that he was learning something in the science and spelling that he was primarily using. I think it’s great that you can use it for a supplement as well. The spelling was very good. I liked how there was audio to pronounce the words and practice using the words.
However, we did receive calls stating that our trial period was ending, even though it was supposed to be extended in order to do the review. I didn’t catch the phone calls that came in. However, I tried to contact Calvert online through the website form, via email as instructed from their website, and via phone, to the return number I was provided, and never was able to get any response. After 5 attempts I ceased trying to contact them to let them know that I needed assistance. My trial period ended and I no longer have access to the program in order to complete the review. Therefore, I would say that the program is good but the customer service needs some assistance.
The course offering is basic — Science, Language Arts, History, Geography, and Math primarily. I would love to see more electives offered through Calvert Homeschool, especially for middle school and high school like Psychology and Foreign Languages and Government/Civics, and Economics and things like that. But otherwise, it is a good base for your homeschool and possibly a good choice for your homeschool if you are looking for a complete, online option.
Be sure to check out Calvert Homeschool Online on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CalvertHomeschool
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CalvertEdu
Instagram: www.instagram.com/calverthomeschool
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/CalvertHomeschool/
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