A New Model for Schooling -- Perfect for HomeSchool, Private School, or a Post-Pandemic World

There’s so much talk now about what’s next concerning Covid-19. Can we go to the neighborhood pool? How about restaurants? Mass?

Many people are looking ahead to what’s next concerning school in the fall. Perhaps some have fallen in love with homeschooling, or some of us have had enough. Many of us are looking to see what our schools have planned for the next semester. Although it seems too early to predict, many schools are making plans on how to have school in a post-pandemic world.

I’ve seen talk about half days, every other day, outdoor classrooms, and many other possibilities. One suggestion I have for those of you looking to what’s next for school in the fall is the University Model School.

[tweet "Looking at what's next for school in the fall? @Heart_Ridge suggests the University Model School."]

I absolutely love this model. In a nutshell, it’s 2 days of “traditional” school, and 2 days of homeschool. The fifth day is for extra work on projects, or simply your own field trip to the zoo or picnic in the park. And depending on the University Model School you choose, the “traditional” school can be anything from classical education to Charlotte Mason-inspired, or some hybrid combination.

As you can imagine, when my daughter’s university model school closed down, the transition to school at home was smooth and easy. We just had 4 homeschool days with complete lesson plans and some accountability from her teacher. We turned in assignments and did some Zoom calls with her teacher and the rest of her class.

I know that not everyone has this model available to them, but I’m writing this in hopes that the schools that are available might receive some more attention, and that anyone who needed some encouragement to start some kind of school like this would be encouraged.

The university model school we attend is Protestant. And very much so. I love that there is no apology about studying the Scriptures and proclaiming the Good News; however, I do miss those elements of a Catholic education. I’d love to have saint stories, history that doesn’t ignore Catholic events, the liturgical year, and the sacraments. Of course with three days at home and a whole weekend, I make sure that my daughter doesn’t miss this part of her education.

But, gosh, I’d love to see a Catholic University Model School!

The reason for writing this article is because the conversation about what we’ve learned during 2 months of social distancing and what we need to change as we move ahead is happening now.

From my experience with a University Model School, I think that many answers can be found in this example.

Before the pandemic struck I shared in a conversation with Lisa Mladinish, host of the Homeschooling Saints podcast, about my experience in the University Model School.