Alameda County

Name: Anonymous
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
City of Residence: Fremont
County of Residence: Alameda

We at the ******** household are very happy with our COIL experience the last two years. The opportunity for our daughter to be home schooled and go to Ohlone college at the same time has been a great help. Her self confidence has increased. Gino is an excellent advisor and we enjoy seeing him. To the entire staff, thank you for all the work you do on our behalf.

Name: Anonymous
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
City of Residence: Fremont
County of Residence: Alameda

This is my first year home schooling my daughter and I think that both of us have benefited from the program. My daughter's first couple years of public school were great. She had an excellent teacher and learned quite a bit. When she was in the second grade, things started to go downhill. The classrooms were very overcrowded, and the teachers seemed to be working in assembly line format. When she was in the fifth grade, she was having a problem with a student picking on her to the point of elbowing her in the stomach and stealing her snack and lunch food. The last straw was when she was ganged up on by this girl and some of her friends. The school refused to do anything about this, and her teacher was verbally abusive towards her. I pulled her out of public school and put her in private. The first year was fine, and my daughter felt that she could go to school and learn without feeling threatened. The second year, things started once again to go down hill. The administration had changed, and along with that so did the behavior of many of the students and teachers. My daughter was put down because of her religion, and the quality of education had suffered greatly. So once again I tried public school hoping things would be different now that she was junior high age. The year started out good, and progressively got worse. She developed a dystrophy in her hands and was unable to attend regular school any longer, so she was home schooled till the end of the year. That's when we found out about C.O.I.L. We attended the information night, and I was very impressed although I was apprehensive because of our past experiences. The year started out a little rough because neither of us were used to this kind of schooling, but now we're settling into it. I think the C.O.I.L. program benefits my daughter because it's structured towards her individual needs, and because of this she not only learns more, but retains the information, plus she enjoys learning where before it was a daily struggle. My daughter is now a lot more positive towards education. Before C.O.I.L., she didn't want to go to college. Now she's talking about it all the time. She looks forward to her future. She's also come out of her shell. At the beginning of the year, she wouldn't get involved in anything. Now she's going to parties, has made some new friends, and is starting to get interested in other classes that C.O.I.L. has to offer. She's even mentioned joining the student counsel. Thank you.

Name: Anonymous
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
County of Residence: Alameda

We've been with COIL since its inception, and it's been wonderful. COIL has helped us to meet the different learning needs of each of our children. They've given us the resources and support that our family has needed to be able to homeschool. Without them, we probably would never have homeschooled our children.

Name: Ellen Hilbrich
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
County of Residence: Alameda

For our family, COIL has been the ideal blend of freedom to enhance my children's educational experience and support for more standard and structured learning experiences. With the opportunity to work one on one with my children, we have been able to explore curriculum elements more fully as well as enrich their learning more broadly by learning about the process of learning and what approaches suit them best.

At the same time, COIL has provided very valuable opportunities for more structured/traditional learning experiences and social contact. The highlights for our family have been: a complete year of Spanish 1, FAME (Fine Arts Mini Experience), Science Camp, Poetry and Art, visit to Berkeley Bird/Wildlife Preserve, several excellent writing workshops for elementary and Jr. High, a series of science classes coordinated with NASA's Jason Project, Math-based games class, and a Fundamentals of Physics class involving K'Nex. Additionally, the fact that COIL provides a standardized testing experience and access to Fremont Unified curriculum is extremely important in preserving the option to smoothly transition to a traditional classroom setting if a time arises when that
is the best option for a continued level of educational excellence.

Name: Florence Knapps
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
County of Residence: Alameda

My daughter, Sarah Knapps, came to COIL after a very pressured freshman year at a traditional high school. After the first year at COIL, she felt she was doing much better. Her advisory teacher was very patient, but firm, in helping her accomplish the goals set for each period. She assumed responsibility for her own work.

She was able to graduate a semester early and, because of classes taken at a community college, she was able to make the transition to college with a minimum of stress.

Name: Rhonda Sorensen
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
County of Residence: Alameda

I am very pleased with this charter program. My husband was required to travel to Arizona to work for several months. I feel very lucky and blessed that we have been able to travel to Arizona and be with him and continue our educational commitment with COIL. I feel that the teachers have really gotten to know my two children and understand their strengths and weaknesses. They are always willing to listen to our concerns and able to assist in finding new solutions to benefit their learning styles.

Name: Anonymous
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
County of Residence: Alameda

We've been with COIL since its inception, and it's been wonderful. COIL has helped us to meet the different learning needs of each of our children. They've given us the resources and support that our family has needed to be able to home school. Without them, we probably would never have home schooled our children.

Name: Karen Foster
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
County of Residence: Alameda

COIL has been a wonderful life saver for our daughter. She began the school year at a local Junior High and unfortunately, was ill often. The teachers reacted in a mixed way to this and it became more and more difficult to get work from them to keep her current. Finally, we asked for a SST, but the team never responded with recommendations for her. At this point there was an opening at COIL and she was able to transfer. The approach at COIL is different and better for her. The tests given up front to evaluate the style, strengths and weaknesses of the student have helped a lot. Individualizing the subject matter rather than rubber stamping the curriculum has made a difference. Her stress level has dropped and she is feeling so much better, no virus' nor other illnesses recently. She no longer has to ask class mates to "please be quiet," during the time that the teacher is talking and at study times. She no longer has to deal with the kid next to her in computer class downloading questionable materials.

She enjoys the staff, classes and the environment of COIL. In just this month, it has been wonderful to see the changes in her. She has even been able to return to her Drama Class, music lessons and 4-H.

Name: Deb Bontadelli
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
County of Residence: Alameda

I love COIL. Having a mentor teacher and supplies available to me frees me up to teach my son, instead of spending my time looking for new curriculum and materials. My son loves the onsite classes and the field trips and he loves to see his friends at these opportunities as well. I enjoy the opportunity for him to learn from some one else as well. Thank You!

Name: Steve & Karla Scott/James Tregembo
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
County of Residence: Alameda

COIL is the ideal solution for our son. He is able to work at a fast pace in his area of giftedness, while receiving personalized one-on-one instruction in more challenging areas. The staff at COIL is helpful and skilled in a large variety of teaching methods which customize each student's learning plan to meet individual learning needs. In addition, their program balances the homer schooling concept with numerous group classes and activities to ensure that each student retains the opportunity to prosper in social areas as well as academic ones. COIL presents a thoughtfully planned and well-executed program.

Name: Eliza Leong
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
County of Residence: Alameda

COIL provided my child with the opportunity to learn at his own pace while guiding us with advice concerning how fast we should be teaching to enable his learning.

We took advantage of most of the grade appropriate classes COIL offered, which included numerous writing seminars, FAME and Math Labs.

For my child's weaker areas, his resource teacher was wonderful in tweaking the program to fit him better. We adjusted both Language Arts and Science following the suggestions of his teacher. COIL is is a great program for home schoolers.

Name: Patrice Varga
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
County of Residence: Alameda

Our work with COIL has been an unqualified success. The entire staff has been supportive and friendly. My son and I have a wonderful partnership with his advisor, Lisa Cole, and we really appreciate all of her hard work in arranging field trips, special presentations and Math Lab. We feel like we are part of a thriving community.

Name: Mr. and Mrs. T. Freeman
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
County of Residence: Alameda

We have had the wonderful experience lately of seeing first hand the support that COIL has towards special needs children and those with learning disabilities. Any person with even a limited knowledge should be aware of the many limitations of special needs children and the many extra hours (sweat & tears, as well) that parents of these children experience on a day to day basis. It is so comforting to know that we have at last found a program who is not full of empty promises of help or who lumps all children together and ignores their own individual abilities and uniqueness. The methods for learning disabled children require the support and recognition of the staff to create a individualized program that allows that child to utilize their strengths. To lump them into a program of "the norm" and expect them to accomplish it sets the child up for certain failure. A perfect example of support shown recently was when our child went for her regular meeting to receive her next set of school work. At one point the teacher suggested my child read a novel which was (for her) a considerable size. Inwardly I began to panic knowing that such a book would overwhelm her, that it would take her a very long time frame to read it, and that the information would certainly not be retained. Sensing these feelings the teacher immediately switched over to alternative book and method much more in sync with my daughter's capabilities. In most other school programs, unless specifically one exclusively for special needs children, this type of flexibility and understanding would be unheard of.

We are so grateful to the Coil program for their support and willingness to work with this special class of children. Now we have a hope of a future for our child that will help build her self esteem and give her a chance to work and grow at her own pace and within her own limitations.

Name: Lynne Christensen
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
County of Residence: Alameda

All COIL families have different reasons for home schooling their children. But I believe it can all be summed up by saying that we want the best for our children and for some reason or another, the public school system did not meet our needs.

In our case, I felt trapped in a system that did not respect our family time and values and my sons' need for outside stimulation. Putting them in a private school was out of the question because we simply could not afford it. I began to look into homeschooling as a possible solution. When I discovered that a charter school existed very close to us, I was ecstatic. COIL has truly been an answer to prayer for our family. Both of my sons have excelled in the homeschooling environment and my husband and I are pleased with the results.

I recently had the opportunity to observe how COIL had affected the life of another student. I happen to work as an office clerk in the Fremont school district. One of the students at our school was having great difficulty with his grades and discipline. His family decided to pull him out of the school and place him in COIL. My first reaction was that this student was so undisciplined that there was no way he would succeed at COIL.

Well, a week ago this same student came by our school to say hi. Knowing that he was a COIL student I took the time to talk with him for a while. I was amazed at how this student had changed for the better. He was succeeding in school and felt a self-confidence he had not felt before. It showed in the way he looked and the way he acted. He told me all about the great grades he was getting and how he had been able to skip ahead in a few subjects. I felt so grateful that COIL was there to help this student who was falling through the cracks in the public school system. It was after seeing this student that I had a greater understanding of the need for and purpose of programs such as COIL.

My sons are both graduating from COIL this June. I hope COIL will still be up and running in the decades to come so that it will be there to help all the other students who need an alternative to the public school system.

Name: Sherie Palumbo
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
County of Residence: Alameda

What I like best about COIL is that now there is a way for my daughter to get all that she needs and deserves out of school. No other main stream school in the district could comply with her needs. I am very happy and so is my daughter. Her self-esteem is up by 100%. Big Thank You to COIL and most of all M. Musgrove.

Name: Teri Harms
Group: Parent
School: Circle of Independent Learning (COIL)
County of Residence: Alameda

Since we are all individuals, we have different learning styles & rates of learning. I believe parents know how to help their children best since they've been around them the most. I've been extremely happy with Coil's program.

NAME: William & Rhea Tapie
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: COIL
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Alameda

We love COIL! This is our 4th year as a homeschool family. We have gone through both the public/private sector and weren't happy in either. We have two children attending COIL. Our son is in 6th grade and our daughter is in 3rd. They both enjoy going to this school, attending classes, being part of the activities, making friends and going on fieldtrips. Mrs. Laurel Jones and Mrs. Priscilla Lee are great supervising teachers. They have given both our children a sound foundation to education.

*******************************************************************************
Butte County

Name: Frances Rainey
Group: Parent
School: Camptonville Academy (C.O.R.E.)
City of Residence: Chico
County of Residence: Butte

This is my first year homeschooling my daughter. It has been wonderful. Last April, on the way home from school, I asked my then 2nd grader what she had learned that day. She promptly told me that she had learned she knows everything, and didn't need to go to school.

So, this year she doesn't "go" to school. We have been teaching her at home, and she attends group classes through her school. She is delighted by being able to go her own speed, and learn new things in math, rather than repeat the same concept week after week to make sure everyone gets it. I can customize her curriculum to strengthen her weak areas, and let her run in the areas she excels at. I actually know what she is learning, and what she needs more time to practice. Rebekah is happier, has more time with her family and friends, and still gets new social exposure through classes and field trips at the center. I cannot say how happy I am to have found a system where my daughter is encouraged to go the extra mile, do her work exceptionally, and not settle with "good enough" work.

Next year, we will be learning at home again. It is a wonderful method of education for eager learners, and every child is an eager learner, once they discover what they can learn.

Name: Mary Rodgers
Group: Parent
School: Camptonville Academy
City of Residence: Chico
County of Residence: Butte

I appreciate the work of our teacher in furthering the education of my children. I have three children enrolled in Camptonville Academy (CORE). Their teacher is wonderful. She helps us to ensure that their education is complete and varied.

I also love that my children are at home while receiving an education. I don't have to worry if a disgruntled student is going to bring a gun to school and shoot them. They don't have to hear swearing or have the influence of gangs on their young lives. They don't hear, "You can't do that" when they make personal goals.

They are receiving their education in a place where they are safe and secure. They know that their teacher cares about them and wants them to succeed, not only in school, but ultimately in their lives when they have grown up.

Name: Denise Crawford
Group: Parent
School: Camptonville Academy
City of Residence: Chico
County of Residence: Butte

My two children have benefited from using this program for the past two years. They have accomplished a more intensive level of learning due to the unlimited amounts of time we have to spend on each subject. They are able to spend their time on areas they need more practice with and not move on until they have mastered it completely. This seems to help them advance far more quickly in each subject then they were able to in a conventional classroom. We also have the time for open discussion into other areas when presented with new ideas that add to their education. They have more friends through this program who have similar interests. This alternative has succeeded our highest expectations. We are extremely appreciative of this opportunity.


NAME: Barbara Mitchell
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: CORE, Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

I am the grandmother of a 15 year old boy who has been living with me since birth. Ryan, my grandson has attend Camptonville Academy beginning in the 8th grade. He has had many fine teachers and opportunities not available in the regular public school. He is able to work at his own pace. When a problem occurs there are the resources to address and correct it. I am very pleased with this program and the wonderful, excellent staff.


NAME: Kym Casperson
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy charter school
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

I just came back from the Sutter's Fort trip with my 10 year old. I wanted to let you know what a success I felt it was. I believe it was the best event I've attended in my 3 years with Camptonville. The families that participated were great. The parents worked very hard, and the kids were well behaved and had an open mind toward the many learning opportunities. The teachers involved also really did their homework and put in alot of time and energy. Big kudos in particular to Lois. Karen also did a super job on the General Store supplies and basket making. My very serious 10 year old was not excited about the trip, and really didn't want to go. She had a ball, and they even had her square dancing (which if you knew her, you be shocked)by the end of the evening. I highly recommend this event become an annual one.

My daughter Britny is what I would refer to as "twice-exceptional". She has been evaluated by psychologists to be in the 145-155 IQ range, but also struggles with severe ADHD. She attended traditional school for 2 years and was quickly labeled "mean" and "the bad kid". In the past 3 years with Camptonville, she has soared not only academically, but socially and her behavior has improved as well. I believe the reason for her success lies with the individualized attention, curriculum, and classes that have been personally designed for her needs by her state credentialed teacher at Camptonville.

NAME: Jennifer Bradley
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy charter school
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

As a parent who has been homeschooling for nine years, I want to express my appreciation and confidence in Camptonville Academy and their teachers. The support and resources that have been available to my daughter, Carissa, in her 8th grade curriculum have been tremendous. I feel that she has truly gotten individual attention and her curriculum reflects that. I have enjoyed having access to a great variety of resources. I especially appreciate the freedom Camptonville gives me to tailor Carissa's curriculum to bolster her weak areas and to enhance her strengths. I would highly recommend Camptonville to anyone who is looking for an alternative to traditional school. The teachers provide a lot of support and guidance which is invaluable to those of us in the trenches!

NAME: Debbie Devine
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: CORE @ Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Magaila
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

I realize there are folks who are doing their best to close down programs like Camptonville Academy offers, and this is why I am writing instead of enjoying time with my family right now.

I believe these folks mean well, and they wish to funnel much needed money to traditional public schools. There was a time I would have been on their side of this argument; however, I am not.

As a former early childhood educator, I have five years of classroom experience that tells me the best place for many (not all) children these days is in a positive home learning environment.

Camptonville offers our family a reasonable/sane education alternative in a rural area that otherwise lacks such opportunity. I am so grateful for the support and resources of this program and the assistance of it's facilitators.

You may ask what I mean by reasonable/sane education. We live in the poorest community of California, Butte County. I have observed my local classroom choices, and talked to local teachers. I say a reasonable education is one that you can obtain for your child that meets the following standards:

1. A schooling environment free from bullying.

2. A teacher who does not have to deal with overwhelming behavior problems.

3. Enough personal attention so that all children can learn well.

These reasons along with freedom to adapt learning materials to my child's needs are why I choose homeschooling, with or without Camptonville. I could go on for pages. I could tell you stories of doctors predicting my (now precocious six year old)
daughter was at birth destined to be a brain damaged "vegetable". I could tell you she is so bright because of my training as a teacher. However, I believe the truth is her wellness is due to the loving attention of myself and my husband. I believe there is no better advocate for any child's well being than a caring, involved parent on their side.

As a caring parent, I have succeeded having Camptonville on my side. Camptonville Academy gives parents dedicated enough to homeschool their children, the tools and training to do their job well. To remove this support will not stop families from homeschooling these kids- it will only cut off the support to monitor the success of these homeschooled children. I would recommend that the folks who would close down these types of programs focus their energy to redistribute money from other less important political areas to the whole category of education. Educators of all kinds need to be on one side only-the side of every child, whether that child is in a public traditional classroom, or lucky enough to be in a program like Camptonville offers.

NAME: Merri Mattly
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

When my son was 4 he informed me that he wanted to be home schooled. We tried a K4 program and I then realized that he was advanced for his age and tried to challenge him with some kindergarten work computer games which he easily completed. I knew I did not want to send him to traditional school because he would not be appropriately challenged in kindergarten and I knew he wasn't able to handle the setting of a first grade classroom.

This year has gone exceptionally well. I have been able to teach him the first grade material in a kindergarten format. He loves being homeschooled and having his mom as his teacher. We are able to cover so much material in such a short period of time because I'm not having to deal with another 20 students, meeting their level of abilities or dealing with multiple personalities.

I have learned exactly how my child learns the best, and I am able to meet his individual needs which enable him to enjoy the learning process, not to mention what he has taught me. Our family has been enriched by this experience and our 5 year old is so happy and loves his school time.

I wished I had this opportunity with my oldest child. He would have benefited greatly from this experience and would not have had the learning difficulties that come with falling through the cracks in a large classroom at a large school.
I'm very thrilled with the great support and creative ideas my facilitator gives us. What a blessing to be able to cater the learning process to what works best for your child and then watch them bloom.


NAME: Shirley Israelsky
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Oroville
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

Personalized Learning is our choice for our children's education for a number of reasons, two of which are because of the flexibility and the close instruction we have with their learning. The flexibility of our children's school schedule is much more efficient now as compared to when we had our eldest in the (traditional) public school system.

Our then Kindergartner would go to school at the time her Papa (Professional Truck Driver) got home. Now our schedule is set so that the children get to see and spend some quality learning time with both of us, even with my Husband's unset schedules. We spend our mornings with lessons and bookwork, and the afternoons are saved for free reading, Art and Physical Education if they are not enrolled in Gymnastics, Karate, or Horseback Riding.

Personalized Learning through Camptonville Academy allows our children to receive a well-rounded education and one that follows State Standards for their particular grade, and also has a credentialed teacher taking an active role in our children's education. Being directly involved in deciding exactly which assignments they will study for each particular month during the school year really makes me comfortable in knowing they are learning what they should for their ages.

Our daughter also attends a U.S. History class (weekly) and both attend a Science class (monthly) for a change from their at-home curriculum studies and to learn alongside other children. Occasionally it works very well, while the eldest child is in class, to have the younger child learn on the computer or do his learning in the Resource Center Library.

Teaching through Personalized Learning, to us, is an easier method than meeting a school's rigid schedule, and we make use of every spare learning moment we possibly can for whatever circumstance each day or hour brings to our lives. Recently, our youngest child (Kindergarten) learned to read and that makes us proud that our efforts in teaching are worthwhile and rewarded through the Personalized Learning approach.



NAME: Terri McFarland
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

Our experience with C.O.R.E. has been very positive. The quality and attentiveness of the teachers and staff is such an important part of the success of this school. I truly feel that any concerns or questions I may have are consistently and thoroughly addressed in a very timely manner.

The curriculum choices available are excellent! My 9 year old son Seth has had many wonderful opportunities to participate in classes and activities that have made learning exciting and fun. I am amazed the way this program can be customized for any learning style. It's great to have individualized options available for our children that can address specific areas of need.

I hope more children in our community can experience the benefits of a personalized learning approach.

NAME: The (Lugauer) Easley Family
GROUP: Parents
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Paradise
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

" Homeschooling" (Personalized Learning) became the only solution to a bad situation. My boys graduated 6th grade with a D- average and were social outcasts. Since we started them with Camptonville Academy they brought their grades up to an A, and have excelled especially in regards to their social activities, including involvement with a wrestling program.

NAME: The Bleeke and Kenoyer Family
GROUP: Parents
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Paradise
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

Since we have started with Camptonville Academy we have been so happy with the individualized program that the school provides. We have some special needs for our family and it is comforting to have our family's needs met in a personal way. We think this is an awesome program!

NAME: The Dowell Family
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Paradise
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

My children are better behaved than they ever were when they attended school in a classroom. I believe this improvement is as a result of them feeling more comfortable and secure in their everyday surroundings and situations. My older children have developed a lot socially, and have learned to interact appropriately in social situations with various people in many age groups. My kids learn more in less time. We are a happier family since we spend most of our time together now.

NAME: Rachel Bench
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

Camptonville has been a wonderful experience for my daughter and our family. Our daughter has received more academic/extra curricular activities than if we homeschooled on our own or if she went to (traditional) public school. She has been able to take horseback riding lessons, gymnastic classes, attend science and history assemblies, and currently she is in the drama "Lion King". Camptonville is awesome!!

NAME: The Buyert Family
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

The Personalized Learning program at Camptonville Academy provides us with many advantages, including:
Paying for the curriculum we need
Providing fun learning experiences such as plays, hands-on science and history assemblies, and field trips
Exciting and experimental classes that provide my children with an abundance of friends
I enjoy the one-on-one time we receive through the teachers. It is a great way to stay accountable to the education of my children.

NAME: The Molini Family
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

A Personalized Learning program has allowed my son to have enriching classes at the center with great individual tutoring in problem areas. We have been able to order supplies (through our teacher) which allow him to enhance his areas of interest. The teacher is a wonderful coach who brings out the best in my son.

NAME: The Blanchar/Layfield Family
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

I love working with my child through Camptonville charter program. It gives me the opportunity to see Morgan learn and grow. I feel so lucky that I can cater to her likes and interests through her schooling. I also love the activities that Camptonville has given us the chance to be a part of. Morgan has been able to be in her own mini production which was a highlight for her. With having this experience I feel it would be really hard for me to go back to regular traditional school.

NAME: The Glassel Family
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

I am the mother of two homeschool children. My son was 3 years behind in (traditional) public school and has been held back. His last public school report card was straight F's and 1 D. Jimmy has experienced great success at Camptonville Academy. His self-esteem and grades have flown through the roof! In 6 months, Jimmy has done more school work than in the last 3 years altogether! Jimmy has finally found success in school.

My daughter was having difficulties in (traditional) public school with other children picking on her and throwing dirt clods at her on the walk home. Today it is not a worry since she is being homeschooled. Her grades have also improved since being at home. Katie has also begun piano and is enjoying it.

Thank you to their homeschool teacher Patti Russell who spends extra time with my kids and help to keep us all accountable to our responsibilities!

NAME: Terry Freeman
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Oroville
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

I know this is a great program. It teaches the kids without interruption from "peer pressure" and kids are more involved in their studies and not the pressure of others. The teachers especially seem to have more time for "one-on-one" relationships and more contact. Patti Russell (our teacher) is the best!!

NAME: The Manuel Family
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Durham
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

Victoria is doing very well in her home study program. She enjoys her course study and attending meetings at the Chico center and visiting the center library. We are able to vary her studies to suit her interests and needs. We are very pleased with the center and its teachers.

NAME: The Kirkpatrick Family
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Oroville
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

The CORE program has given Wendy the chance to go to Butte College for her high school class. It has given her credit for working. She has been able to focus on her studies without dealing with peer pressures of the regular school. Her grades are greatly improved.

NAME: The Brown Family
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy C.O.R.E.
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

Personalized Learning for my son Taylor has greatly improved his learning experience. He is less distracted with having one-on-one teaching and enjoys pacing himself.

NAME: Julie Brusseau
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Gridley
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte Co.

I am the Mother of four children. We have been using personalized learning for 3 years now. We started out first with our two oldest children, grades 7 and 8, and this year we decided to use personalized learning for all of our children.
I was very apprehensive about it before we started, questioning whether I had the ability to teach my children at home and receive positive results. Thanks to Camptonville Academy, their staff, teachers, and policies, this year has been a very positive experience.
I believe is important for the parents to have some control over the students education, including choosing the student's curriculum. Resource Centers have been such a help, with the wide variety of material available.
Personalized Learning has allowed each of my children to learn at the speed that suits them best. I am pleased to say they have learned at a rapid rate, and have progressed very quickly. They should all do well on the State testing coming up soon.
We have enjoyed being able to have available discretionary education funds that our teacher can use on our behalf for enhancing our children's education. We have used them for computer classes, educational field trips, art material and art classes, books and reference material, music instruction and much more.
I am thankful for the opportunity to teach my children at home, where they can build a strong foundation for going out in society and being strong and productive citizens.
I will do anything in my power to help this Charter School program continue. It has been very productive for our family and should be considered by more families.

NAME: Lori Hansen
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte Co.

The opportunity to have an individualized learning program has been a wonderful experience for my son and our family. He has been allowed the freedom to learn at his own pace and in his own style. We can focus in on his interests so that his learning is fun and exciting instead of monotonous. We are also afforded the time to do many extras like foreign language, geography, and more science: areas that he would not be able to get in a standard program. My son is truly getting a more enriching education due to his personalized learning program.



NAME: Cynthia Hagen
GROUP: Parent (Student: Nick Hagen; Teacher: Linda Scherba)
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

Personalized learning is allowing my son to learn and succeed in ways he has never done in a classroom setting.

My son has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism. He is very bright, yet because of his neurological issues a full-day, regular classroom is too stimulating and demanding for him. The result is an inability to stay attentive and to keep up socially, which is obvious to others and embarrassing to him. Special education classrooms with their smaller class size and modification have not worked either, because many children read at a much lower grade level, or even worse, their attitudes and behaviors exacerbate my son's natural anxieties and make concentrating even more difficult.

My son and I have suffered through many well-meaning but inappropriate placements in the public school and classroom setting, experiencing first-hand the abysmal success rate of California Special Education, with its very low rate of high school graduates. My son needs every chance he can get to succeed in order to be an self-sufficient and independent adult. Fortunately, with a student who has Asperger's, each little success, whether academic or social, goes a very long way. And in personalized learning, we are experiencing successes beyond my wildest dreams.

TEACHING TO STUDENTS' STRENGTHS
Children without learning disabilities may be able to perform the rote, repetitive learning required of them in a classroom, and may have the conceptual flexibility to find interest in unfamiliar subjects. This is more difficult for a child with a disability. It is extremely important to be able to provide subject material that excites a child who must struggle to focus thought, to read, or to handle a pencil. Our consulting teacher suggested my son study Japanese when he became interested in Japan and his ability with the language has become a source of pride and self-confidence. That confidence in his ability to learn then led to a burst of growth in math, a more challenging subject.

THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF CHALLENGE
For a child with a disability, discouragement and overwhelm can be all too familiar, along with the looming anxiety about being able to cope with life as an adult. Yet just as with other children, challenges met build confidence and self-esteem. This is true academically and also, importantly, in physical education. Two classes a week of martial arts were all the classroom education my son got at first. But seeing himself move up the ranks at his karate school gave him the confidence to take hockey lessons, and then to try out for and play in the junior hockey league. Evening practices and games would not have been possible for him to manage if he had spent all day in a classroom.

SOCIAL INTERACTION THAT WORKS
Social interactions can also be carefully chosen for success. One or two classes per week have been all he has needed, to start with, and more added as desired. Any more would be overwhelming, like throwing a nonswimmer into the deep end of the pool. My son has social confidence because he is not being forced to handle too much social interaction. He can learn each new social skill at a comfortable pace. By contrast, I have known several teens with Asperger's Syndrome who have continued in a public school setting. They may have been able to keep up academically, but the constant social challenge was too much for them, so they withdrew either literally or into coping behaviors that stigmatized them, and live a life of social isolation.

COMFORT LEADS TO EXPLORATION
When overwhelmed or discouraged, special ed students can retreat to their own world, or become resistant, even combative. With a school program that works for him, my son has a basic feeling of comfort which has made ventures into unfamiliar territory possible, even enjoyable. He grapples with new information and interacts with other people more fully than he did when constantly dealing with too much stimulation and challenge.

With personalized learning, my son is growing at his pace, and that pace is far from slow because it now has a foundation built on respect for his abilities as well as his limitations. I have more hope for his independent future than I ever did in all those years of working so strenuously with special ed teachers, aides, psychologists and school principals to figure out how to help him within a classroom-based, public school setting. As his homeschool teacher, my time is spent more efficiently, and more pleasantly, than it was during years of advocacy, conferences, IEP meetings, and trying to figure out how to get a boy for whom a regular classroom was excruciating to feel comfortable, learn, and succeed.

The classroom system is not appropriate for learners such as my son. It is critical to bear this in mind, given the exploding numbers of students with Asperger's Syndrome and autism that our state is currently meeting. Personalized learning works, works more efficiently and with joy! And what more could a parent or teacher want than for their student to experience the joy of learning?

NAME: Candy Roberts
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Paradise
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

I have three daughters that have benefited from personalized learning. The time that I could spend with each one on areas of interest, and areas that they may have had difficulty in was beneficial. The children and I have enjoyed times together that we would not have had time for if they were in a classroom all day. The help and encouragement from the teacher make the experience all that much easier. I recommend this program to all mothers I meet that are interested in looking at other choices besides the traditional school system. I think it is wonderful.

NAME: Karen Chandler
GROUP: parent and teacher
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte County

As both a parent and teacher within the Camptonville Academy, I can attest to the incredible opportunity and environment available to us through the personalized learning model. On a personal level, my child has been able to take advantage of small group instruction in history, writing, art, and science, while maintaining the time to extend her study through literature, videos, work books, and activities. My 4th grader is a child needing multiple exposures to new concepts before remembering them and she has been able to do that here. She has also been able to excel in math, while failing miserably at spelling, and all without the destruction of her self-esteem when being compared to classmates. Of course, we work diligently on spelling. I don't want her to stay in the 4th percentile. But that is balanced beautifully with all the other things she does so well. Like all students, she is a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses.

I believe that all educational environments have something to offer our students. Site based programs offer lots of practice waiting, taking turns, and cooperating with peers. These are all important skills, but do not require 6 hours daily, 5 days weekly, for 13 years to learn. My daughter has learned them and practices them in the few classes she attends. By combining site based and independent study environments into a personalized learning program, my daughter, and the other students enjoy the best of both worlds. And on top of it all, I get to be the one to teach her values and morals, not a classmate.

Thank you so much for the opportunities to work for and educate my daughter in such a wonderful program.

NAME: Linda Kalanquin
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: C.O.R.E., Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Paradise
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte County

Six years ago, in elementary school, our son was having difficulty reading. Being bright, well-behaved and skilled at compensating he didn’t seem to be receiving the help he needed. Very soon after beginning homeschooling, he caught up and is now an outstanding reader. A personalized learning approach was just what he needed.

We began homeschooling to help our son catch up, but have continued because it fits our needs so well. Each of our three children has unique gifts, challenges and learning styles. With the help of our credentialed Educational Facilitator, and the resources at C.O.R.E. our children are receiving a rich and diversified education.

NAME: Laura Manuel
GROUP: parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte County

To Whom It May Concern;

I am writing this in support of the learning program at the C.O.R.E. in Chico, California. My first grade daughter is involved in this program and it has been a delight to see her tremendous learning progress as her studies are geared to her interests and she is free to learn without distraction in her small classroom. She is enthusiastic and delighted with her teacher and loves the Chico Learning Center's Library and classrooms. This form of learning and study has been a 'window to the world' for her. We both look forward to the new school year as this one has been wonderful! Sincerely, Laura Manuel

NAME: NJP
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy (C.O.R.E.)
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Paradise
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte Co.

My son has attended Camptonville Academy for 4 years. It has been a lifesaver for a young man who, because of learning disabilities, was spending all of his energies just trying to give the appearance that he was like everyone else, when he was in the classroom setting. He was unable to process information at the same speed as other kids so he would pretend he was taking notes or copying from the board but was actually writing nothing, just jibberish. He was so embarrassed to have a resource teacher come in and help him or to be excused to attend a resource class that he refused to go. He began having behavior problems and saying he didn't care.

After switching to a personalized study program he is a different child. He is relaxed and confident. He is able to study math at his grade level and work with a group of students to hone skills and at the same time take science at a less demanding level where he gets the basics to pass the course without being overwhelmed.

With him studying in our home, I am able to create a quiet atmosphere with frequent breaks. If one day isn't going well, we call it quits and do the work on another day. He is not embarrassed to ask questions and if I am unable to help him we work directly
with a teacher who can. It is the best possible environment for a kid who otherwise might be the one sitting in the principle's office because the day to day stress of a campus environment is just too much.

The staff of Camptonville is also wonderful. Charter schools are just finding their ground and our administration and teachers are quite open to ideas and input from parents. Our parents are encouraged to attend board meetings and council meetings and when we have questions, they listen. Suggestions we have made have been implemented by the next academic year. Personalized learning is our future. Fitting the education to the child instead of forcing the child to fit in to the mold is a need that more schools need to take into account. Camptonville and my student are BOTH successful.

NAME: Amy Smith
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Paradise
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

I like Personalized learning because you can pick out your own text books and you are able to work at your own pace. It's nice to have personal conversations with the teacher so often. I appreciate the staff at Camptonville, caring so much and spending so much one on one time with my daughter. I plan to continue with Camptonville.

NAME: Tom Perdue
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

I have been not merely pleased with the response of our son but amazed! Ryan has gone from being disinterested and resistant to school to being engaged and excited. All this in less than two months of being a part of the Camptonville charter school program. Our experience is a very positive one; from my first visit at the site with their librarian, to the interview with our program teacher, to all that has followed. This is a positive, life-changing experience for our son and for our family.

(And following the end of the school year) I wrote the initial assessment above early on in our experience. Perhaps a reasonable explanation for it was due to the "honeymoon" phase. Nevertheless, my views have only become more exact. Ryan did get excited about learning again and has continued to do so. We only regret that summer came rather too soon. Still, we are confident his performance will continue to mirror his talents. Ms. Debra Moon has been very helpful;, insightful, and supportive. We are very grateful for her.

NAME: Larry and Judy Van Landayt
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Paradise
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

My husband and I feel that Gina is much happier this year. She has time to develop some of her talents, because her schedule is more flexible than it would be at private or public schools--both of which she has attended. She has been able to do more with us in the evenings because she gets more done during the day leaving more free time at night for family as well as opportunities to do artwork, dance, practice her flute, read, sew, or whatever.

Name: Susan Spann
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Chico
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Butte

Camptonville Academy in Chico is a fantastic school.  My son is blossoming and doing so great. The regular school enviroment was not good for him but this is great. He learns the way he needs to learn.  Keep open the school please.

*******************************************************************************
Nevada County


NAME: Tammy Miller
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Grass Valley
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Nevada county

We have a 7 year old son and 5 year old daughter. We never thought ourselves the home school parents, but 2 years into it we are so sure home is where God intended our kids to be. We are able to address each issue as it comes and we have noticed a sweet difference in our kids and how they view the right/wrong in their world. Luke and Kate are very social, strong, smart and the best part is they are with us. They are little empty pitchers and we choose what fills them-most of the time! We do community service, spent a lot of time with our grandparents and have extra time to learn household responsibilities and how our daddy's business works. We believe God created the institution of family to love, nurture and teach each other, not a place to send them away to fend for themselves and at such young ages. Good luck and God bless! Warmly The Miller Family

*******************************************************************************
Orange County


NAME: Waldi
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Orange County

Time, time, time.....it is so fleeting and yet we have time to enjoy each other's company and learn and grow together. Our children have time to be kids and attend extra curricular activities. They have time to grow as individuals and not be pressured by peers. They have time to enjoy the subjects that please them. They have time to further research and pursue their passion. How do I know it has made a difference academically? Well if you consider the SAT's as a reliable yardstick of proficiency then you'll appreciate an above average score. Both children, i.e. 4th and 5th Graders have consistently scored 3 or 4 Grades above average.

I hope Personalized Learning continues so that Education turns to Learning. The teacher is ready when the student has a willingness to learn.....and is not bogged down by 'social i.e. peer group' distractions and SAT performance training.

Thank you for your efforts and time dedicated to Personalized Learning.

NAME: Laurel Jew
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Eagle's Peak Charter
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Fullerton
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Orange

Personalized learning has given us the freedom to pursue educational goals specific to each child, which in turn has increased each child's interest in learning and enthusiasm. For example, my oldest daughter has been "tuned in" to art since preschool, and we have been able to use drawing and emphasize the visual arts in history and science as well as providing focused training in other art media. On the other hand, my son is much more interested in how things work and how fast they go...and we've been able to build on his technology interests to make history and the arts as interesting to him as science.

Meanwhile we are able to provide a much more intense and effective focus on skills-based subjects (such as reading, grammar, and math) using the tutorial method. My son, in particular, would be very distracted in a traditional classroom environment, but when working individually he is able to ask questions and make applications well beyond the immediate subject. Instead of being a distraction to others, he has become a joyful challenge to work with...because he is free to let his mind work, out loud and in motion if need be. Because we read aloud to cover many subjects, my children's vocabulary and comprehension are not limited to what they can "sound out" for themselves. They can ask a question any time and have help to research the answer in as much depth as they desire. Neither are their social skills limited to those behaviors valued by their peers, necessary for survival on the playground, or important for classroom-based crowd control. Our family-centered learning adventure includes the example of Mom and Dad interacting, reading, learning, and enjoying continuing education, an example we want our children to continue to imitate with pleasure their whole lives long. It also includes time to think, time to ponder, time to digest ideas, but not a lot of time for busywork. These are not things we think they could ever gain in a classroom - where the central model is the teacher doing his/her best to address the middle of the bell curve - but it's one that will equip them well for a changing workplace and a life full of zestful variety at the peak of their own individual potential.

NAME: Mike and Jana Miller
GROUP: Parents
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Rancho Santa Margarita
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Orange

Words cannot express the impact that choosing to home school our two children through Eagle's Peak charter has done for our two children as well as our family. Our children have benefited academically, socially and emotionally. This is our first year home schooling. My oldest son,(5th grade), is an identified GATE student. He loved public school and did well socially but he was losing his love for learning and because of the heavy course load in 4th grade, he was unable to participate in sports or spend much time with friends. Now that he is learning at home, he takes trumpet, plays football and is able to work at a faster pace in the subjects that interest him most while keeping up with his core studies. He also spends more time with friends just being a kid and playing. He is so much more well rounded and happy.

Our youngest son was the one who last year begged (2nd grade) to be home schooled. I finally decided to try it and he blossomed. He never had any problems in traditional school aside from the fact that he was frustrated having to wait while the other kids finished their work. Now he is able to work at his fast pace and often starts his school work in the morning by 6am. He has not lost that zest for learning and constantly investigating new fields of study. He currently wants to rebuild a car engine and is reading everything he can get his hands on. He is able to play every afternoon instead of doing homework and now he also participates in sport.

Overall, our family runs smoother, has lots of time together and when my husband works odd shifts he is still able to interact with our boys. Many people we run into say "I could never do that" but really if you've ever done homework with a tired uncooperative child after school, you've done much more than I do every day. Eagle's Peak Charter School has made this all possible for our family and we are grateful for the alternative to traditional public school.

NAME: Kristina Olson
GROUP: Parent/Teacher
SCHOOL: Eagle's Peak
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Rancho Santa Margarita
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Orange

Eagle's Peak has been such a wonderful experience for our family. Our Education Specialist La Donna Verloop has been wonderful to work with. She has such a positive influence on our ability to home school. She is a wealth of information regarding teaching styles and curriculum. We are grateful to have her and Eagle's Peak. Thank You!

NAME: Terry Martin
GROUP: Parent/teacher
SCHOOL: Eagles Peak School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Trabuco Canyon
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Orange County

To Whom it may concern,

We are just finishing up our first year with Eagles Peak School. I have been providing personalized learning for our son, Tim, who is now completing fourth grade. Prior to beginning his personalized program, otherwise known as home schooling, Tim had attended a private Waldorf school where he was not well served academically or emotionally to say the least. He emerged from the school near the beginning of third grade with no self esteem left and very little academic skill. He is a very bright and articulate child with a strong kinesthetic learning style which is not currently well served in traditional education.

Through Eagles Peak, specifically through La Donna Verloop, our ES, I am able to provide Tim with a chance to rebuild his confidence and self esteem while learning and excelling in academics in a safe and supportive environment. To date he has accomplished much of what he was supposed to have learned in first, second and third grade at his former school, and is now progressing steadily towards fifth grade. In one and a half years of personalized learning Tim has learned 1st-4th grade academics. This form of education is the best for Tim and one I can provide both with my own credentials and with the tremendous help I receive form our Educational Specialist. I wouldn't have it any other way for Tim's sake.

NAME: Karen Fleischli
GROUP: Parent/ Teacher
SCHOOL: Julian Charter School
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Orange County

Personalized learning through Julian Charter School not only has been instrumental in the education of my two children but also in the development of myself professionally. As a parent I am able to participate in choosing curriculum that addresses state standards as well as meets my child's academic needs and interests. My children thrive in a one on one student/teacher setting where they are able to progress as quickly or slowly as they need without labels being placed upon them.

Personalized learning allows me as a teacher to really know my students and to individualize to their needs accordingly. In the public classroom with 30 plus students I could rarely do this and felt much frustration. It is a joy to work with so many dedicated and talented professionals whose goal is to provide an environment where children can thrive. My sons enjoy the opportunity to learn according to their interests, something they probably would not be able to do in any other school. Kudos to personalized learning.

NAME: Lorie Taylor
GROUP: Teacher and Parent
SCHOOL: Julian Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Lake Forest
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Orange County

This year has been so great! I am a facilitator for Julian Charter School (which I love!!) but also a first year homeschooling mom to my kindergarten son. As I got to know some of the parents that I actually facilitate, we began to form a wonderful co-op between us that has led us to share holiday parties and field trips together. The children have formed great friendships and the moms have gained much support with one another. Between the four families, we have four kindergarteners. This last week, we had a small graduation picnic for them: grad hats, diplomas, words of honor, the works! It was very special.

Now, we are looking forward to next year and are adding 2-3 more families into our group. This summer, we are meeting to plan our next year. Everyone is so motivated to share their ideas for curriculum, field trips and special activities that we can do together. I am looking forward once again to the sense of community and support that we have with one another. It is incredible to watch each child grow academically, socially, & emotionally. I feel very blessed to be so much a part of the lives of my students and my own children!

*******************************************************************************
Placer County

NAME: Sharon Mandon
GROUP: Parent and Teacher
SCHOOL: Camptonville Academy charter school
FROM: Auburn, CA

My daughter was a creative, bright, very confident girl. She had been homeschooled in our program (one to one) until mid first grade. She then entered school, due to my health. From then until the beginning of third grade, she really struggled with her work. She is dyslexic and could not read up to the standards being expected in very low grades. Soon she became stressed about school. She started to feel like she was stupid. By third grade she not only was struggling academically, but socially as well. Other kids where labeling her. They were calling her names. She started being very explosive and moody at home. She started telling big lies to make herself look important. It was very hard to watch this happen to her.
We decided to bring her home for just fourth grade. She joined Camptonville Academy. It has been a transformation. I want to share with you some of the ways she has benefited from our program.
First, she does have some learning problems, but she is very gifted in other areas. Being at home she is able to explore and excel in art, music, creative writing, poetry, and lots of other things. This is such a great boost for her self esteem and gives her greater confidence to tackle the subjects that are hard for her. She has taken classes in these areas at the center in Auburn and has really enjoyed the fun, positive interaction with peers there.
Second, because Katie has some reading issues, I am able to deal with them in a proactive, specialized way at home. Our program has provided her with a special reading and spelling program called Barton which I feel is very helpful. Katie has time at home to curl up with a good book and actually love to read. She has someone with her who helps her in areas she is weak in without any fear of teasing. I read with my child. I know her and can really gauge improvement and areas that need more work. And, I can tell you, she has made great improvement this year.
Katie went recently on a living history field trip to Sutter's Fort. About 40 kids from Camptonville where there. It was such a great experience all around. I was struck, as a parent and teacher, by the students. We did a lot of hands on stuff. Not one kid gave us a hard time. No one gave up or refused to try. The big joy for me was at the end of the night when we had a band and a square dance. The kids got up and danced without any coaxing, acting silly or being embarrassed. That shocked me. I felt it showed such a security and confidence in themselves. Peer pressure was so much less of an issue for these kids. In our time that is priceless.
Numerous people have commented on the change in Katie since being in Camptonville. She is blooming, socially, emotionally and academically. The support she gets from the classes, curriculum and field trips is such a gift to her and our family. My husband recently said, "I don't want to put Katie back in school next year. She is doing so great that it would be foolish."
Thanks Camptonville!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NAME: Donna Ann Dunlap
GROUP: Administrator, parent
SCHOOL: C.O.R.E. @ the Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Meadow Vista
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Placer County

I have worked for Camptonville Academy for the past five years. During that time, I have seen many success stories, but none more critical to me than my own daughter's experience. My daughter, Samantha, was a talented person, who simply was not blossoming in a traditional site-based high school in the way I felt she should be. After having attended private school for most of her life, her experience in public high school was just not quite going click. She did fine while at school, but wasn't interested in participating in the typical weekend social activities, partying, etc, that most of her friends were engaged in. So she enrolled in our school and was able to finish high school in three years, instead of four. During her final year, she also began attending Sierra Community College. She graduated from high school just after her 17th birthday, then continued at Sierra College to finish her AA degree just before her 19th birthday. Since she had a 3.5 grade point average, transferring to UC Davis was actually quite easy. She is currently finishing her BA degree which she will finish before her 21st birthday! Camptonville Academy provided my daughter a chance to proceed at a pace that suited her best rather than being held back by a traditional site-based approach. My thanks to the Legislators of California for allowing this unique approach to education to exist.

NAME: Margy Diggs
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: C.O.R.E. @ the Camptonville Academy
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Auburn
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Placer County

Individual "Personalized" learning has allowed my children to excel in their strengths and take more time in their weak areas and not feel "slow" or lose confidence. It allows them to go faster or slower in line with their abilities.

*******************************************************************************
Riverside County

NAME: Sandra Kling
GROUP: Parent
SCHOOL: Dehesa Charter School
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside County

I have been implementing the “Personalized Learning” concept in my work since I became an educator over five years ago. This is the only way to work with students! In my view, it does not make sense to force the same curriculum and assessment on every student when they all have different learning styles, academic/developmental levels, and most importantly, unique interests. It is wonderful to see students thrive when they can learn in the manner that best suits him/her and at a level that they can understand. I am a huge supporter of this concept and hope that the State will recognize the benefits of this concept in education our nation's future! My motto has always been “Educating Kids One at a Time.”

NAME: Terri Novacek
GROUP: Parent, teacher
SCHOOL: Dehesa Charter School
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Canyon Lake
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Riverside

Before my son was five, he scored above the level that suggested he was academically ready for Kindergarten. However, I was advised to hold him back another year "because he was a boy." Having taught in the classroom for ten years, I did have a first-hand understanding of that logic. However, now that it was my own child, I felt it a shame to hold him back. Although he is a well-behaved boy, I knew if I sent him, he would be considered a behavior problem because he would have difficulty sitting still. If I held him back, he would be considered a behavior problem because he would be bored. I decided to provide personalized learning for a year and re-evaluate the situation the following summer. It's been three years now. He is a happy, active second grader, who is still eager to learn. I know if I would have put him in the traditional school setting, he would be unhappy and struggling.

As a teacher, I see numerous students come through that thought they hated learning, because they hated school. Now that they are in a position to take responsibility for their own learning, they are