Homeschool in the Fort Lauderdale-Miami Metro Area, FL

Matlock Academy, West Palm Beach:
Matlock Prep (MP) is a private college preparatory high school that offers a dedicated home-school program to students ages 16+ in the West Palm Beach / Fort Lauderdale-Miami metropolitan area of South Florida. We believe in the advantages of challenging and nurturing students, which we feel prepares the foundation for lifelong learning. Fundamental in our teaching is the development of independent thought. With our home-school program, students attend school three afternoons a week for several hours each time for specific instruction: one on one tutoring.

Dedicated Homeschool Program for Students Ages 16 and Up:

- All the subjects that are taught in the day program are taught in our home schooling program (General High School Curriculum - English, Language, Science, Math, Social Studies, Holocaust).

- Assignments, tests, texts, discussions, teaching abd grades are all in line with the day program.

- A valid high school diploma is given upon the completion of 24 credits.

College Prep Curiculum:
Our home-schooling curriculum does include homework, which places emphasis on calling, faxing, or emailing questions to enable staff to respond on time. This service has been available to students for over twenty years and those that are accepted into the program do very well. The same outstanding and successful college admissions counseling is given by our experienced staff.

- Language:
MP offers an English program which emphasizes literature in both contemporary and classic form. Students study grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and writing. Writing consists of analytical, creative research, poetry, journals, and letters. Often the writing is in response to their reading or theme related activities.

Students are allowed and encouraged to explore their creativity in individual English classes. Some are happy to read and take additional literature courses and independent study. Others are eager writers who excel in this medium. Encouragement is given with special seminars and introduction to various authors and their styles.

- Social Studies:
Our social studies focus on U.S. History, Civics, and World History. Students need to have a firm base regarding their country, including the pros and cons of the society they live in currently, the past history of that society and the potential future for themselves, their families, and their social interaction. Additionally, world geography and history round out a student's knowledge requirement for the High School curriculum.

Seniors must take a full year of economics, which they learn through experiential lessons for relevancy. The Social Studies core represents an excellent opportunity for students to study as well as question the world around them, the global village, and their immediate community.

- Science:
Science strengthens skills people use everyday, solving problems creatively, thinking critically and working co-operatively in teams. Students must take earth/space science, biology, and ecology, marine or environmental science. Beyond the requirements, chemistry and physics may be taken, particularly if they intend on entering a field in which the sciences play a major role. Students are encouraged to become aware of the world in scientific ways through current events, videos, and the Internet. MP is meeting the demands of future employers by preparing students who are well versed in these content areas required by the state.

- Math:
At MP math is recognized as a difficult subject for many students, while others excel at it. Math requires a memorization of massive amounts of information, the organization of data in complex ways and the ability to think abstractly. The curriculum is structured so that students learn at their own pace, thereby assuring real comprehension and success.

The math program emphasizes basic skills as well as critical skills. Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Pre Calculus / Trigonometry can be taken through senior year. New material is explained to each student individually and progress is self paced. Some relevant courses are offered through the latest technology available in the MPA Computer Lab.

- Foreign Language & Electives:
A minimum of two consecutive years of foreign language must be taken for graduation, as well as electives in the arts and physical education. MP offers varied electives such as computer, stress reduction, water sports, 20th century culture, SAT Prep, and study skills. These are among the outstanding programs students can choose from in order to fulfill the elective requirements for the Florida High School diploma.

- Teaching About The Holocaust:
In 1994, the state of Florida required all school districts to teach the history of the Holocaust in a manner that leads to understanding the ramifications of prejudice and encourages tolerance. Florida is one of six states to require Holocaust education. The School District of Palm Beach County, composed of more than 200 schools, now serves as a model for other districts across the country looking to implement similar programs.