Coming 2023-2024: The ECS Microschool
Many people who choose to homeschool or enroll their children in a private school do so as a matter of values. The factory schooling method doesn’t work and dehumanizes children. Public schools will encourage your child to “transition” their perceived gender without parental permission. Private schools and homeschools can uphold teachings such as God’s creation of the world, the reality of human sinfulness, and the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in ways that public schools cannot.
Yet, up to this point, there remains one area where Exemption K and Exemption B schools are at a disadvantage in terms of parental freedom, and that is with respect to vaccine mandates and standardized testing requirements. But thanks to the school choice emphasis of the WV Legislature, that is changing.
A bill that took effect last summer gave official recognition to the categories of “microschools and learning pods,” legal options that did not exist in WV before this. Among other things, parents of microschool students have vaccine choice freedom and the ability to choose a portfolio signed off by a state certified teacher in lieu of standardized testing. In essence, a microschool student has similar requirements to homeschooling, but can be enrolled in a school.
At Emmanuel, we believe God gives the responsiblity of raising children to parents (Ephesians 6, Genesis 1-2, and practically everything the Bible says about families). As a school, we stand in loco parentis. We have a philosophy of education, and interview every family before they enroll to make sure we are lined up. But our Exemption K status means we are required to collect vaccination records for enrollment.
That is why we have decided to ADD a microschool program in addition to our historic Exemption K program. Students enrolling at ECS as microschool students will receive the same excellent classical Christian education, and the HOPE Scholarship remains open to microschool students, but these students and families will have greater parental freedom with respect to vaccine choice and standardized testing options.
It is also important to note that despite the term “microschool” there is no size limit. A school could have 1,000 students and be a “microschool.”
Beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year, our microschool option will become official. For those not interested, we will maintain our Exemption K status as well.
If you are commited to parental choice and seeking a classical Christian education for your child, there has never been a better time to enroll at Emmanuel Christian School!
You can call us at 304-624-6125 to schedule a tour and interview today!
