Eastern Road Christian Academy was founded in 2004 and chose to use Alpha Omega Publications' Switched-On Schoolhouse® because it was a Christian curriculum on the cutting edge of technology. After reading a prominent magazine's article that the wave of the future was online learning, we decided to research it further.

Today, we are in our fifth year, and we still are convinced we made the right decision. All students do not learn in the same way or require the same time to learn a concept. SOS allows the flexibility to diagnostically test students and put them into the curriculum where their abilities direct, rather than by age or traditional grade levels. Individual lesson plans that customize a student's abilities with subject material allow the students to take ownership of their daily work. The computer prepares the lesson plans, but the students decide the order in which to do the lessons. The students love using the computer. They also like playing the games, and they can organize their subjects in the order that best suits their goals for the day. Many of our students finish their work before lunch. The rest of their "structured" day is reading, mentoring other students, or enjoying other computer privileges. Older students are able to go to a job and are not tied down to traditional school hours.

The teachers appreciate that most of the grading is done by the computer, yet there are still many options for teachers to add to the curriculum, such as grade reports or special projects. They can even customize a unit of study for an individual or an entire class. Teachers have more time to spend with the students who really need their help. It is the opportunity to have "no child left behind." The teachers have more flexibility to remediate, customize, and individualize lessons and grading. Plus, they can add to the curriculum to help the student learn the material in a way that works for the student.

The students are not negatively affected by peer pressure because all students have their individual lesson plans. In our environment, the older students are eager to mentor the younger students. We see future teachers develop right before our eyes.

The curriculum interacts with the other subjects, so the students recognize the importance of one subject and how it relates to another subject. The curriculum can be updated via online updates. It uses interactive media, such as videos, online links to other websites, and built-in teaching tutors. The multimedia curriculum allows a variety of learning styles to enhance a multi-sensory approach, which aids individual learning styles. In addition, the school does not have to wait for a new release of a book to keep up with current events.

AOP provides online tech support, a direct communication with administrative personnel that enhances the program. We have appreciated the User Group Meetings, where we can exchange ideas, suggestions, and networking opportunities with other schools and teachers. Many of the ideas we have suggested have been implemented. As users, we see that our input is taken seriously. It's also clear they want a product that produces excellent students!

We see a constant effort by AOP to perpetually improve the curriculum and the diversity of it. We appreciate their efforts to continually strive for better ways to educate students.

Pastor Faron Cole
Eastern Road Christian Academy
Rittman, Ohio