Enki Virtual Community School
one of a kind opportunity

For the over six years, we have been offering real-time, peer-community learning, online—and it works!
Come see the classes in action!

Eligible for Department of Education Homeschool Credit *

Today’s children are growing up in a different world, one with both challenges and blessings. One of the biggest blessings is that we have an opportunity to make real connections online. When we began this program, we, like many of you, questioned whether or not this could be done – it can! Every class we see the students interacting compassionately, honestly, and playfully. They challenge each other, learn from each other, support each other, and develop real friendships, some lasting years beyond the class.

In the Enki Comprehensive Virtual Program, all students participate in live-online Humanities classes throughout the year. There is then a choice of doing the Enhanced Study classes (Math-Science, and Grammar) units in the Virtual School setting, or as homeschooling programs, with the parents teaching these at home. While we encourage participation in the live-online Enhanced Study classes, we offer this homeschooling choice for those families who prefer more flexibility or more parent participation. For those choosing the at-home option, we will provide written guidance and five online, group guidance calls for parents.

Our Shared Ground: Humanities Classes

Days/Times: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, 8am–10:30am PACIFIC TIME

At the heart of all work in Enki is the deep experience of our shared humanity; for the preteen and early adolescent, this experience is supported by positive work with peers.  Therefore, in our live-online classes, we begin each week by checking in with one another. From there, we move between full group discussions exploring the topic at hand, and small, peer group work focused on positive communication – and quite a bit of “peer play!”   Between the two work structures, skill in creative writing, communication, and problem solving are developed. Cultural music and art projects are part of every day.

The first 7-8 weeks of each Humanities unit is spent establishing the cultural and historical setting. During this time we work primarily with an Enki Book, reading and discussing, writing and doing art work. While this period has a great deal of peer interaction, it is primarily a whole group focus. Then, during the longer Fall and Spring units, for the last five weeks, we shift our focus to the development of peer group projects. This includes peer brainstorming and planning, independent work, and small group work; of most importance, the work now centers around the students’ creativity and independent follow through!  See their remarkable sample projects here.

Homework. Along with the live online classes, each week includes reading (or listening) homework and some writing, project work, and completion of art work. In addition to the reading assignments, we expect the students will spend two to three hours a week on Humanities homework, during the project section it may be a little more.

Weekly Homework: approximately 3 hours

Enhanced Study Classes (Math/Science, and Grammar – optional add-on)

Days/Times:

Grade 6 Monday and Thursday, 11:30am–1pm PACIFIC TIME

Grade 7 Tuesday and Friday, 11:30am–1pm PACIFIC TIME

Each of the Enhanced Study classes, builds on the work done in the Humanities class, as detailed in the specific class descriptions. In these, we continue to work in both large and small groups, but the focus is on experimentation, exploration, reasoning, and skill building.

Looking through the lens of the culture in focus in the humanities classes, in both the fall and spring terms, we take up the study of math and science. For example, the science of physics, mechanics in particular, is studied in the context of the ancient Middle East where the use of the wheel, the lever, and so many other earth shaking discoveries were first recorded; ratio and proportion, as well as astronomy, are taken up in relation to Fibonacci and the European Renaissance, and so on.

All Math classes have prerequisites so that the group can take up the new learning. Please check the grade specific information and email the office to set up a phone discussion if you have any questions about your child’s readiness for these classes, or would like guidance on getting additional support to ready the child for this work.  

In the winter term, we continue with practicing known math skills, but our main focus is we focus on helping the students clarify grammatical rules, and, most importantly, begin to take responsibility to apply these rules. 

These classes can be taken one of two ways: In the live-online format similar to the Humanities, OR you can do these as a family, with materials, teaching guides, and guidance for parents, provided by Enki.

Weekly Homework: under 1 hour (math practice 15 min. 3x week, and some science experimentation)

How it Works: Materials and Technology

Classes are attended via Zoom. It works very well and is free to the students, and they can meet socially on Zoom outside of class time. You do need to have three things: good internet access; a computer with a camera; and a space where the child will not be interrupted.

The primary reading material is original work developed by Enki Education. This is only available through Redshelf, a digital textbook program, which has useful features, including: text read aloud (audio version), offline viewing and listening, bookmarking, and more. Watch this video to see how we use Redshelf with our Enki Program. Some additional reading materials will be needed that can be found at your local library or purchased from your local bookstore.