| Q: | How do I become a member of JMJ Hernando? |
| A: | Please visit our Registration page and we will contact you via email upon review . We require that at least one participating child be PreK or older. Membership is accepted year round. Please be sure to read our Vocation Statement located under the “About Us” tab to better understand our mission. |
| Q: | What do JMJ Classes Cost? |
| A: | Our classes run from August to May of each year. We meet 24 times/year and most classes cost between $0-$11 PER CLASS. We also offer some clubs that ask for a small fee to pay for supplies. Tuition can be paid either quarterly, half-year, or for the full-year, whichever the parent chooses. Payment is done before classes occur (for example, you will pay for the fall first quarter on the first day of classes in August). JMJ Hernando does not collect payments for classes. Instead, we rely on the professionalism and good relationships fostered between the teachers and the parents. |
| Q: | What classes does JMJ Hernando offer? |
| A: | We will be offering many different classes for children from Preschool through 12th grade. Once registered, please visit our Classes page for more information on upcoming classes. |
| Q: | Is JMJ Henando a drop-off program? What programs are offered to support mothers & fathers? |
| A: | The focus in JMJ is on community. Therefore, we are not a drop-off program. As our children build community through their classes & clubs, we build community as the primary educators of our children. As classes are held, we offer Rosary, Gospel Reflection, and social opportunities. We gather each First Friday for faith enrichment activities. We offer field trips and social activities throughout the year for all members of our families, parents included. Members are encouraged to add social events to the calendar that uplift each other through the gift of community and faith. We know you’ll enjoy finding friends for your children and yourself as we go on this homeschool journey together! |
| Q: | Is JMJ Hernando a Co-op? |
| A: | Co-op is short for “cooperative,” and essentially means people working together toward a like goal. In the homeschooling sense, co-op means homeschooling families that come together to offer classes or programs, or sometimes just support one another. In that sense, JMJ is a cooperative in that we support each other while classes occur for the children. However, co-op has also been used to assume that parents take turns teaching courses, and therefore all the classes are taught by volunteers. In this sense JMJ Hernando is NOT a co-op, as some of our teachers are paid by the families for their teaching services. There are also volunteer parent-teachers who may charge a small supply fee. |
| Q: | I am interested in homeschooling and have no idea where to start? |
| A: | As homeschooling has grown in popularity, the myriad of resources available can be overwhelming! We recommend that you first start in prayerful discussion with your spouse. There are many good books available on homeschooling and Catholic homeschooling, in particular. Books that some of our members have found helpful include Catholic Homeschooling by Mary Kay Clark and Catholic Education: Homeward Bound by Kimberly Hahn.Perhaps you may already know of a family who is homeschooling? Reach out to them. They will likely be very happy to share what they have learned so far. As with everything in life, homeschooling is very much a journey and not just a destination.The Florida Parent Educator Association (FPEA) is an excellent resource, as is the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA.) For curriculum, there is an endless and, at times, overwhelming supply available to meet the needs of the homeschooling family. Research and learn more about the various methods available: Traditional, Charlotte Mason, Classical, Unit Studies and Eclectic/Relaxed/Unschooling. Our members have used many different approaches, as each family and each child is different. Some popular Catholic curriculum providers include Seton, Catholic Heritage Curricula, Kolbe Academy, and Mother of Divine Grace. Web-based options include Starfall and Time4Learning. Every homeschooling family has had to take a first step. Just like babies, those first steps can be wobbly. But over time, wobbly steps become more sure-footed. And as many of us have learned, all efforts are worthwhile — especially when they are done with our gaze turned to Heaven. We often pray in JMJ to be wrapped in our Blessed Mother’s mantle. We pray that for you, too! |
| Q: | Where does JMJ Hernando meet? |
| A: | Hernando County, FL |
| Q: | I want to be a new member, what next? |
| A: | Contact our Membership Coordinator by filling out the Registration form. Once you have decided to join our group, go to the New Member Link to download your paperwork, and follow the directions. We look forward to meeting you! |
