Curriculum

Applications are now being accepted for Hearthstone School's Talent and Special Interest Program. The purpose of the program is to support young people who are actively developing a talent or skill, or studying in-depth a subject of special interest, such as history, science, botany, etc. Students engaged in serious pursuit of a talent, skill, or field of interest may find it difficult to do so while attending most schools. Rehearsals, competitions, training or special events may conflict with the typical school schedule. To help students pursue in-depth studies in their chosen fields, and to support students in developing their talents to the highest levels of achievement, Hearthstone now offers the Talent and Special Interest Program.

Students eligible for the program:

• Students enrolled at Hearthstone who are seriously pursuing a talent or skill. Examples: music students, art students, dance students, gymnastics students.
• Students enrolled at Hearthstone who are seriously pursuing a specific field of interest or study, especially for a future career. Examples: Students studying Gardening/Landscaping, Veterinary Science, History or other academic subjects.

Benefits of the program:

• Academic credit given for classes, training, etc. completed outside of school, for students in grades 9-12.
• Academic support
• Flexibility on due dates for assignments and projects if they coincide with dates of events in the student's specialty field.
• A limited number of excused absences for days the student spends attending events, competitions, etc. in his/her specialty field.
• Community support and recognition
• The student will share his/her work in an annual presentation to Hearthstone students and staff.
• Attendance by Hearthstone community members at the student's performances, competitions, etc. will be encouraged.
• How does the program work?

The student, along with his/her parents, submits a completed application. An interview with the student and his/her parents may also be required. Once a student is accepted into the program, he/she will be assigned a staff supervisor, who will oversee documentation and academic credit, assist with schedule coordination, and help arrange the student's annual presentation. If the student requests excused absences or flexibility on due dates, he/she will need to state on the application the dates of the special events he/she would like to attend, and explain the purpose of attending those events. Qualifying events include performances, competitions, exhibitions, rehearsals or classes in the specialty field. Documentation of attendance will be required if the hours will count toward academic credit. Academic credit will be awarded on an individual basis, depending on the number of hours logged in the student's specialty field.

Requirements:

• Students enrolled in the program must remain in good standing at Hearthstone and must maintain satisfactory progress in their Hearthstone classes.
• Students will be required to make an annual presentation at Hearthstone on their specialty field.
• Documentation must be submitted as described above.

For more information, please contact Hearthstone School at info@hearthstoneschool.org, or call 540-987-9212.