Our History
The thought of home schooling Sean came to my mother and I when the teacher at his private school wanted us to test him. His teacher felt that he had a learning problem and testing could help her define this learning problem. We advised her that Sean would not be placed on any medication. I have friends that have children that need help in this way, and when it is truly required medication does help. Being very involved with Sean’s schoolwork, I could tell that he was bored and just a little hyper. Sean did not have a discipline issue. It was just that he hated doing all the repetitive work and his test scores showed he was not having any problems understanding what was being taught.
After several teacher conferences that resulted in more frustrations then help, my Mother and I began the very daunting task of searching how to home school a 6 yr old. First we researched umbrella schools. We found Tampa Educational Academy of Christian Heritage (Teach), which we were happy with until they closed. Barbara Dunlop recommended The Wellspring Academy. We transferred to the Wellspring Academy and have been very happy with the personal attention that Jennifer Curran gives to all of her family’s.
Then we researched how children learn and the different types of curriculum. From our research, we selected A Beka. We began with just the A Beka textbooks and teacher manuals, and then we moved on to the A Beka Videos in 8th grade. Believe me, A Beka does a lot of repetitive work and through out the last 9 1/2 years my mother and I have had to continually remind ourselves that we do not have to do all the work. This one statement has become our little motto. “The most important part is that the child learns the skill, not how they are taught the skill.” And of course “God only gives you what you can handle.”
My mother and I both feel that it has been our pleasure and honor to teach and learn from Sean. When the sad news came that Jennifer would be closing the school. My mother and I knew we could not let this happen. Each umbrella school is unique in the services that it provides and we understood the need for the school that Jennifer had built. Jennifer has given us the greatest gift of continuing what she began.
With the on-going support of Jennifer Curran, founder of Wellspring Academy, we will be able to continue growing the school in the spirit in which it began. In the years to come it will be our pleasure to help support the parents and students in fulfilling their God-given potential.