My son has immersed himself in Spanish now, he'll walk around the house speaking in Spanish and saying things that I have no idea about what he's saying, but he and his younger brother communicate almost daily in Spanish.
- Favor F. (Mother of a Student)
The thing I noticed the most is that the students are actually learning Spanish and using it outside of the classroom! When they speak Spanish, they're speaking it with the correct accent. They pronounce letters correctly, they pronounce the vowels correctly, more importantly they can string more than one word together.
- Paulina S. (Foreign Language Administrator)
- I just need to know the time commitment for each day... as in homework! Outside of the 50 minute sessions, what is the average homework time expected of the student?
- I see your program is for K-12. Is there an age limit? My daughter is in kindergarten, and is 5 1/2 years old. Would she be able to take your Spanish lessons?
- Can we increase the time to twice a week at a later time?
- Can a day be rescheduled if necessary? (e.g. an unanticipated event causes the student not to be available at her set time)
- Do we pay monthly or all at once?
- If my son completes Middle School levels 1 & 2 (roughly 7th and 8th grade), would he then be in High School Level 2? In other words, are your two middle school programs together equivalent to High School level 1? I'm trying to figure out how to count credits for high school, as well as get a feel for the progression of your program.
- Please explain the frequency of quizzes and tests, and if they are written, oral, or both.
- I know there are no required extra materials; however, is there anything that is recommended (besides a bilingual dictionary)?
- For the younger ages, do you progress through the same curriculum, just at a slower pace? Or is it a totally different curriculum?
- Are there vocab lists to memorize in between lessons for all ages?
- I read somewhere that you have different tracks (traditional, Christ-centered, etc.), but did not see that on your website. Do you still have these different tracks, and if so, could you explain them a bit more?
- Do you have current students (or their parents) that I can contact for reference?
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What is HomeSchoolSpanishAcademy.com?
Homeschool Spanish Academy is a high quality online Spanish language institution committed to the growth of young home schooling Spanish students and to providing best-in-class solutions for any parent.
Students learn Spanish through interactive immersive lessons with with 1-on-1 instruction from native Spanish-speaking professional instructors, via Skype video conferencing. We have focused programs for all ages from teaching young kids to adults. Perfect for home schoolers, or as a tailor made alternative to Rosetta Stone.
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If not satisfied with the program how long does a refund process take?
After an email is sent to info@HomeschoolSpanishAcademy.com expressing issues and reasons for a refund the refund will be handled that same day, pending additional questioning and response time.
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Do you have group classes?
Yes, we currently offer paired classes. Both students need to be on the same computer during their classes and both students cannot be more than 3 grade levels apart. Find more information by selecting your program in “Our Curriculum” page.
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How do you make sure credit is applied for high school credit?
We provide parents with a progress report card that shows every lesson assignment, homework assignment, quiz, and test that the student has completed.
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How are your instructors selected & evaluated?
Our instructors go through a very rigorous selection process, whereby we only select the top 10% of candidates that apply. They are evaluated on their teaching abilities, English proficiency, and master of Spanish grammar. Additionally, our instructors continually receive training to ensure that they are growing professionally as well as personally and so that our students are receiving the best Spanish education possible.
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Can assignments and/or courses be repeated for better grades?
Individual assignments CANNOT be repeated for better grades unless the entire course is repeated. With that said, courses CAN be repeated for better grades.
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How much does it cost?
Our current prices and descriptions of each of our programs can be found by visiting the “Our Curriculum” page
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Will I receive an invoice?
Yes. An invoice will be emailed to you within 24 hours after notification of which package you would like to receive.
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Are there discounts?
Yes, there are periodic discounts. Please email us at info@HomeschoolSpanishAcademy.com to check our special offers.
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How long does each lesson last?
For students in the Early Language Program, classes are 25 minutes long. Students of middle school, high school, or adult age have 50 minute classes.
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Can I try before I buy?
Absolutely! Sign up for your free trial here.
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Can I learn at times that fit my schedule?
Yes - At H.S.A. you can schedule your class using our online calendar.
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Will I need to buy any books or materials?
No, all the materials you need are included in the program price. Your teacher will send you materials and assignments via email.
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Do I need broadband?
We highly, highly recommend broadband to have the best Spanish learning experience. Go to www.speedtest.net to check your a) Ping b) Upload Speed c) Download Speed. We recommend a Ping < 100ms, Download Speed > 1.0MBps, and Upload Speed > 0.5 MBps.
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How do I pay for my lessons?
Once you have notified us as to which package you want, we will send an invoice via
Paypal. From there, you have 2 payment options:
- Paypal
- Credit Card Option
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Can I re-schedule lessons if I need to?
Yes - If for any reason you cannot make a scheduled lesson, please let your teacher know via email. We kindly ask for at least a 24 hour notice. Afterward, please visit our scheduling page where you can reschedule your lesson using the virtual calendar.
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What do I need?
You will need:
- An internet connection
- Skype* installed on your computer
- Skype compatible computer headset with microphone
- Webcam (recommended)
*Skype is a free download, the world leader in internet telephony, and allows you to talk
and learn online
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Do I need a web cam?
Web cams are optional for students, but are highly, highly recommended for a more interactive experience. Our teachers use them during class allowing the student to see everything the teacher is doing.
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Where can I get a headset and webcam?
You can buy decent headsets and web cameras at any Radio Shack, Best Buy, other electronic store, or online. Just google "headset" or "webcam" and multiple links should appear.
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How soon can I begin studying?
As soon as you email us at info@HomeschoolSpanishAcademy.com and notify us about which package you want, you can schedule your first lesson.
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How much do I need to know about computers?
Not much. Basic computer knowledge (Internet browser, word processor, email) is advised however.
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How much homework per week is given?
Adults, high school students, and middle school students should expect to have 1 hour of homework per week. Your homework will depend directly on student class intensity and learning level. Students in the Early Language Program can expect a minimum of 30 minutes of homework per week. Homework for all students varies by teacher, but can range from memorizing songs to traditional written assignments.
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Can I preview the syllabus?
Yes please contact us at info@HomeschoolSpanishAcademy.com and write "Preview
Syllabus" in the subject line.
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I am having communication problems during the class...
We are confident in our system’s ability to deliver 99% up time. If the connection drops on our end, we will credit you with that class for free. Because we cannot control the connections of our clients however, H.S.A. cannot be responsible for dropped connections on the student’s end. If there are issues, please feel free to call our tech support at 713-280-HOLA(4652) for further assistance.
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Privacy
We take the privacy of our students and families extremely seriously. We will protect your private information to the best of our ability.
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When are classes scheduled?
Classes are scheduled at the convenience of the student. You must log in to get to your calendar to arrange your classes with your teachers. If you wish to keep the same day and time weekly, please notify your instructor and she will allocate that time for you. Classes are first come first serve.
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Are the classes always one on one?
Classes are always one-on-one unless otherwise specified. We do offer 2 on 1 classes, which can be seen at the “Our Curriculum” page.
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Is there a syllabus that is followed?
Yes, we have developed our own syllabus based on U.S. public school standards and the experience of our teaching staff. To view an example of our Syllabus, please send an email to info@HomeschoolSpanishAcademy.com and write "Preview Syllabus" in the subject line.
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Are the instructors proficient in Spanish grammar and teaching it?
Yes all of our instructors are proficient in Spanish grammar and teaching it. Each of our teachers has an average of 12 years of experience teaching Spanish as a second language. Additionally, all of our teachers are conversationally fluent in English. Therefore, any questions that arise or need to be expressed in English can easily be done.
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How is the child placed in a class?
On your student’s first official day of class (after payment has been received), your instructor will evaluate your student thoroughly to include reading, writing, listening, speaking, and comprehension. From there, a recommendation will be made as to what exact lesson your student will start at to be most challenged and successful.
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Can the sessions be targeted just at speaking/comprehension, rather than whatever standard program you offer?
Yes, the beauty of H.S.A. is that we can literally custom tailor a program to the individual
student.
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I tried to have my child sign up for a trial lesson, but it said to confirm they were over 16yo. Should I sign up under my name instead?
Please sign them up with their name. If you feel more comfortable, as the parent, signing your student up with your name, feel free to do that as well.
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We lost our Spanish teacher last year and this year we have lost ground. I do not speak the language so it is very difficult for her to do a workbook independently. Can you help us?
Yes, H.S.A. can definitely help individuals looking to make up credit, learn the language faster, or just increase their conversational speaking abilities.
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Does a student have the same teacher for each session?
Normally yes, the student will have the same teacher for each session. More precisely, students are assigned to a team of up to four teachers. The reason for this is to prevent multiple schedule changes and accommodate the needs of the student. Our teachers are parents too, with kids and families. They too have appointments and parent teacher meetings for their kids as well. Working as a team ensures that a professional instructor will always be available to teach your student.
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Are there any printed materials/textbooks to go along with the program?
There are NO EXTRA MATERIALS TO BUY! All of the course material will be provided electronically via email or our website in a PDF format. Parents and students are free to print any documents they feel are necessary for the class.
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Are there tests or quizzes?
Yes, periodic tests and quizzes are incorporated into every package offering. We keep these grades and factor them into an overall average.
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How individualized is the teaching? For instance, can the student go faster or slower according to their needs?
Because classes are one-on-one, students are free to go as fast or as slow as they want. In which case it we cannot guarantee that a student will finish just one of our semesters. Some students do not finished one of our semesters in the allotted time because they wanted to take it slower. Some have almost completed two semesters in one semester because they move really fast or take multiple classes per week. In short, it all depends on the student.
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When would the classes be?
Monday through Fridays from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Central Standard Time. Lesson times outside of those parameters are still available for special circumstances and accompanied by an extra charge.
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I am interested in either middle school or high school. Are these group lessons with multiple students?
Middle school or high school students have the option to take one-on-one lessons or two-on-one lessons. So long as the two students are using the same computer and are within three grade levels of each other.
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We have a 10th grader who has completed Level 4 of Rosetta Stone. How do you determine what level that your student should take?
On your student’s first official day of class (after payment has been received), your instructor will evaluate your student thoroughly to include reading, writing, listening, speaking, and comprehension. From there, a recommendation will be made as to what exact lesson your student will start at to be most challenged and successful.
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I am interested in taking Spanish classes. I think I am at an intermediate level. I'm an adult (32 years old). Can I still take classes?
Yes, we have a curriculum specifically for adults. Please see the “Our Curriculum” page.
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How can we setup a free trial class?
Please create an account here to schedule a free trial.
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I just need to know the time commitment for each day... as in homework! Outside of the 50 minute sessions, what is the average homework time expected of the student?
Adults, high school students, and middle school students should expect to have 1 hour of homework per week. Your homework will depend directly on student class intensity and learning level. Students in the Early Language Program can expect a minimum of 30 minutes of homework per week. Homework for all students varies by teacher, but can range from memorizing songs to traditional written assignments.
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I see your program is for K-12. Is there an age limit? My daughter is in kindergarten, and is 5 1/2 years old. Would she be able to take your Spanish lessons?
Yes, we do teach children as young as 5 years old. We do however, reserve the right to suggest whether or not a child needs to wait a couple of years. We also require that someone supervise young children to help them navigate the computer when necessary.
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Can we increase the time to twice a week at a later time?
Yes, you may increase the time to twice a week at a later time. If you purchase a full semester with 1 class per week, you actually have paid for 15 classes (15 weeks = 1 semester @ 1 class per week = 15 classes). If you start using 2 classes per week, you are free to do so, just know that you will have to pay for more classes when the 15 run out. Please also know that if you were to purchase a full semester with 2 classes per week, you would be purchasing 30 classes (15 weeks = 1 semester @ 2 classes per week = 30 classes). If you didn't use all of your class credits, you can carry them over into the summer/next semester. For example, if you had 5 classes left over at the end of this semester in May, you could use them during the summer or at the beginning of the next semester (August) for extra classes during the semester.
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Can a day be rescheduled if necessary (e.g. an unanticipated event causes the student not to be available at her set time)?
Yes classes can be rescheduled if necessary. We required 24 hours advanced notice however, because teachers plan their days around student's requests.
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Do we pay monthly or all at once?
Almost always we require payment up front. However, we have been flexible in cases
where clients have had special circumstances, such as buying multiple packages at once.
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If my son completes Middle School levels 1 & 2 (roughly 7th and 8th grade), would he then be in High School Level 2? In other words, are your two middle school programs together equivalent to High School level 1? I'm trying to figure out how to count credits for high school, as well as get a feel for the progression of your program.
If your student finishes our Middle School levels 1A,1B, 2A &2B, your child would start in 3A for High School. If however, if students take extended summer breaks and forget important concepts over the summer, then the first few sessions will be review to get caught up.
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Please explain the frequency of quizzes and tests, and if they are written, oral, or both.
Quizzes are given after every 2-3 lessons are completed. Exams are given after every 4-5 lessons are completed. All quizzes and tests are shown via screen sharing (as shown in free trial) and are given oral exams. Our instructors record the answers and place a physical record of the exams in the students' folders. Grades are calculated and entered into our database. In advanced high school levels, they are also expected to write short answers and/or essays as a take home portion of the quiz or exam.
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I know there are no required extra materials; however, is there anything that is recommended (besides a bilingual dictionary)?
There are no required extra materials. Headphones are highly encouraged however.
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For the younger ages, do you progress through the same curriculum, just at a slower pace? Or is it a totally different curriculum?
No, the curriculum is not the same. The order and methodology in which things are taught are different. Since most younger students do not know much grammar, we focus more on vocabulary, pronunciation, phrase building, and things they can already relate to in English. There is a lot more call and response and basic questioning such as, call: "¿Qué color es su pelo (What color is your hair?)?" reponse: "Mi pelo es rubio (My hair is blonde)."
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Are there vocab lists to memorize in between lessons for all ages?
Yes, vocabulary is included in each lesson, but word application is more strongly emphasized for all ages, rather than straight list memorization.
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I read somewhere that you have different tracks (traditional, Christ-centered, etc.), but did not see that on your website. Do you still have these different tracks, and if so, could you explain them a bit more?
Unfortunately, we no longer offer these tracks. When we first started, we did offer them, but did not receive enough interest to continue them.
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Do you have current students (or their parents) that I can contact for reference?
Unfortunately, due to our confidentiality policy, we are not allowed to give out personal information on any of our clients. I can, however, direct you to the forum that a lot of our parents use and you can reach out to them directly. Follow this link to welltrainedmind.com
