"Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18a).

What plans have you made for your children this summer? During our first years of being a distance learning family, I made the mistake of failing to plan activities. Tired of following schedules throughout the school year, I wanted to take each day just as it came. Although this idealistic idea of allowing my children to play and explore on their own worked initially, I soon found them bored and looking for things to do. Coming to me for suggestions, they needed a purpose and a plan for each day, even in the summer. Frittering away the summer was simply not going to do, and I needed to stay in tune with God's plan for their lives....

This time of year, it's easy to reminisce about the good memories of summertime! We're all enjoying time off from school (if  not doing summer school) and spending time in the warm weather. We're busy with picnics, swimming, camping, and baseball, and of course, we're looking forward to the fireworks on the 4th of July.

While the celebration of our nation's independence is what we usually think of on this day, many other interesting and important events have occurred on the 4th of July. For example, did you know about these other significant events that happened on July 4th?...

Perseverance is the word that best describes Carolyn Derden. Giving up is not an option for her, and this has been evident in all areas of her life. Even as a senior this year, she has not taken it easy but continues to work hard to finish up her academic career. Her teachers and staff here at AOA have noticed this trait in her, and this is one of the many reasons they chose Carolyn as the June student of the month....

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Alexander Alvonellos, a recent graduate of Alpha Omega Academy, is a hero. On May 20, Alexander was awarded the Georgia 2010 Youth Hero of the Year (Christopher Johnson Youth Character Award) because of his attempt to save a boy drowning in a retention pond. The incident occurred when Alexander was sixteen. Alexander heard the cry for help from the little boy's sister. After instructing the girl to call 911, he jumped in and attempted to find the boy. Unfortunately, the boy was not able to be saved. ...

Congratulations to all our Alpha Omega Academy graduates from the Dallas, Texas area! On May 7, 2010, fourteen AOA students graduated and enjoyed celebrating this accomplishment with friends and family. 
 
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Whether Christian school students should study non-Christian literature is a controversial topic at times in conservative Christian circles. Parents and educators are understandably concerned that young minds might be corrupted by exposure to literature written from an ungodly perspective. Scriptures regarding personal holiness should cause us to consider this question seriously. "Pure religion," according to James 1: 27, includes keeping oneself "unspotted from the world." God commands us, "Be ye holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). Some Christians have concluded that Christian schools should not allow students to study any literature written by non-Christians....

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Thinking about gardening this summer? Just think of how many lessons your student can learn from this activity! From biology to Bible, gardening provided our family more opportunities to learn truths than any other. Such was the case the year my son prepared to win the grand champion purple ribbon at the county fair with his homegrown vegetables....

Distance learning through Alpha Omega Academy® is a convenient, enriching learning experience! We're always looking for ways to help AOA families connect, share, and grow. To create this sense of community, we looked for a place where parents and students alike could come together, and we discovered the answer was right in front of us. An official AOA Facebook page is the perfect place for you to get news about AOA, be encouraged as a distance learning family, and talk with other families just like yours!...

A thirst for knowledge, a sense of maturity, and her faith in Christ are all phrases which describe Theadora Ross's personality. Selected as our AOA May Student of the Month, She has been enrolled in our academy for three years and has enjoyed the experience of being able to partake in distance learning. Her family chose AOA due to the negative influences in the public schools and the fact that they wanted a Christian school with a good reputation. ...