Comprehensive Overview

Likeness of Jill

Comprehensive Overview: Jill Dixon's Eclectic Academy of Learning (EAL) - 2025-2026 School Year

Summary:

Jill Dixon's Eclectic Academy of Learning (EAL) is a homeschooling support program heading into its 28th year for the 2025-2026 school year. It offers a unique, eclectic approach to education for students in grades K-12, blending various educational philosophies. The program for the 2025-2026 school year will focus on "The Medieval World" as its central theme, integrated across multiple subjects. EAL emphasizes a structured, college-preparatory curriculum with a strong focus on the humanities, language arts, and critical thinking skills, delivered through weekly drop-off classes and at-home assignments. It operates through multiple campuses in Georgia and Texas, and offers accreditation services for high school students in the Savannah area. The program is founded and directed by Jill J. Dixon, who has extensive experience in education and homeschooling.

Key Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:

1. Program Philosophy and Educational Approach:

  • Eclectic Method: EAL is called "eclectic" because it utilizes "the BEST of a variety of methods, teaching philosophies and techniques." This approach is designed to cater to diverse learning styles and maximize student learning and retention.
  • Philosophies incorporated include: Classical Method, Unit Studies/Interrelated Education, Charlotte Mason Approach, Multi-Intelligence or Learning Styles Theory, Traditional Textbooks, and Core Knowledge-selected-revised/Cultural Literacy.
  • "Most children do not benefit or learn as much when they are forced to learn through one method alone."
  • Focus on Core Skills: EAL aims "To equip students in the five most important elements of a superior education: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking".
  • W.R.I.T.E Philosophy: This acronym encapsulates the core educational philosophy:
  • W riting: Mastery of various genres, grammar, and editing.
  • R eading: Cultivating a love for reading through phonics and "living books," with a focus on vocabulary.
  • I ntegrity and Interaction: Instilling character through literature and group discussions.
  • T hinking Skills and Talents: Developing critical and creative thinking.
  • E locution/Speaking Skills: Nurturing confident communicators through weekly exercises.
  • Integrated Curriculum: Learning is integrated across subjects, particularly language arts, history, geography, and art, often centered around a historical period. "we write and read about what we are studying in history and geography."
  • "Living Books": The Charlotte Mason approach emphasizes the use of "living books" to spark imagination and inspire learning.
  • Joyful Learning: The program aims for academic excellence paired with "Joyful Learning," incorporating "hands-on instruction, games, activities, drama, speech and art." "At the Academy, learning is both serious and fun! A happy learner beats a frustrated one any day!"

2. Curriculum and Academic Content:

  • 2025-2026 Theme: The school year will focus on "The Medieval World." This theme will be explored through engaging literature, interactive history lessons (including cooking and dance), and theatrical plays.
  • Four-Year Curriculum Rotation: The curriculum follows a four-year history cycle. The Medieval World year includes: Ancient History, World Literature, Philosophy, Bible History (Year 1), Major Writing Projects, Vocabulary, Speech/Drama, Study Skills, Critical Thinking/Research Skills, Geography, and Grammar.
  • Grade Level Content: Explorers (K-3): Focus on complete literacy (reading decoding, writing, comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, speaking, listening), thinking skills, and instilling a love of learning. In-class activities include read-alouds, phonogram/word family review, vocabulary games, spelling tests, Reader's Theatre, grammar review, and art related to history. At-home work includes vocabulary, read-alouds, comprehension sheets, phonics, grammar worksheets, writing assignments, timeline activities, and geography practice.
  • Middle Grades (4-8) & High School (9-12): Academic content includes: Writing/Composition (16 genres, research paper), History (Ancient, Medieval, World, American), Critical Thinking Skills, Vocabulary (Greek and Latin Roots), Speech and Oratory Skills, English Grammar and Usage, Editing and Proofreading Skills, Literary Analysis/Critical Reading, Literature (American, British, World), Bible History (Year 1), Philosophy (Year 1), Study Skills, Test Taking skills.
  • Middle Grades (4-8) specifically focus on writing an autobiography and expanding vocabulary.
  • High School (9-12) focuses on SAT/ACT verbal preparation, AP/CLEP Exam preparation, and can earn credits in Literature, History, Geography, Government, and Advanced Composition.
  • Optional Classes (Savannah Campus): Science (Zoology for Grades 1-3 and 4-7, Chemistry for Grades 8-12), Spanish I (Grades 7-12), Spanish II (Grades 9-12), and Guided Study Hall are available on Thursdays for additional fees. Other campuses may offer these subjects.

3. Program Structure and Logistics:

  • Weekly Classes: Classes for Grades K5-12 meet one day a week for 35 weeks of "hands-on instruction, games, activities, drama, speech and art." Classes are typically 5 and 1/2 hours long, offering a drop-off program.
  • At-Home Assignments: Students receive "a coursepack of work to complete at home which is evaluated weekly." These assignments are "detailed and structured."
  • Parent involvement for K-3 is approximately one hour per day.
  • Parent involvement for Middle School (4-8) is approximately one to two hours per day, less for older, independent students.
  • Parent involvement for High School (9-12) is very little.
  • Evaluations and Grading: Weekly assessments and grades are given. For grades 4-12, grades are recorded electronically and parents can view them weekly. The coursepack work is evaluated weekly.
  • Coursepacks: An annual non-refundable fee of $110.00 per student covers coursepacks, which are issued twice per year. Teachers/helpers also pay for coursepacks.
  • Commitment: Students are required to remain in the Academy for the entire school year, except for moving or for special needs students where accommodations are insufficient. Registration and coursepacks fees are nonrefundable.

4. Financial Information (2025-2026):

  • Annual Registration Fee: $125.00 per student (except for Alphabet Scouts which has different rates). This is a one-time, non-refundable fee due before classes begin.
  • Annual Coursepacks Fee: $110.00 per student. This is a one-time, non-refundable fee due before classes begin.
  • Pre-attendance Payment (History/Language Arts): The registration and coursepacks fees combine for a pre-attendance payment of $235.00 per student.
  • Monthly Tuition (History/Language Arts):K5-3rd grades (Explorers): $135 per month
  • Middle School (4th-8th grades): $160 per month
  • High School (9th-12th grades): $175 per month
  • Multiple Student Discount: A $10.00 discount is applied for each student in families with multiple paying students in any EAL class.
  • Payment Options (Savannah Campus): PayPal is used for invoicing and offers "Pay In 4" (four interest-free installments) and "PayPal Credit" (six interest-free payments) options, subject to terms.
  • Accreditation Services: Available for high school students in the Savannah area for an extra $45.00 per month. High school students can earn approximately 4-5 credits per year through the program.

5. Administration and Community:

  • Founder and Director: Jill J. Dixon, B.S.Ed., M.Ed., is the founder and director of the Savannah, GA campus. She has over 40 years of experience in education, including 27 years of homeschooling her own children. She is also an author of educational guides and curricula.
  • Campuses: EAL has campuses in Savannah, Rincon, Richmond Hill, Tucker, GA, and Mesquite, TX. Each campus has a local Director.
  • Director Opportunities: EAL is seeking Directors for local campuses, offering income, free curricula for their immediate family, and a supportive community. "Shape the Future of Learning with Jill Dixon’s Eclectic Academy of Learning!"
  • Community Focus: EAL emphasizes fostering a "Close Community Support" and provides a "vibrant, supportive community." Testimonials highlight the value of the community for both students and parents.
  • Communication: Directors will communicate important updates via email, and families are urged to ensure their email addresses are current and checked regularly.

6. Student Outcomes and Preparedness:

  • Preparation for Higher Education and Workforce: A core purpose is "To prepare students for higher education, superior performance in the work force, and adult life by providing them with the tools to learn anything."
  • College Preparedness: The program is described as a "structured college-preparatory program." The curriculum prepares high school students for AP and CLEP exams and includes weekly SAT/ACT verbal preparation.
  • Successful Transitions: Students from both public/private schools and EAL transition well due to the program's quality and structure.
  • Career Diversity: Former students have pursued a wide range of professions, including attorney, US Marshal, teacher, engineer, nurse, musician, journalist, and more. This suggests a broad foundation for various career paths.
  • Accommodations for Special Needs: EAL welcomes students with special needs and encourages directors to make necessary adaptations.

7. Additional Programs:

  • Alphabet Scouts plus: Includes Alphabet Scouts and Adventurers programs for younger ages (ages three to five).
  • Alphabet Scouts (Tuesdays): Annual Registration $125, Monthly Tuition $135.
  • Alphabet Scouts (Tuesdays & Thursdays): Annual Registration $145, Monthly Tuition $210.
  • Alphabet Scouts (Thursdays only - science and math): Annual Registration $25, Monthly Tuition $75.
  • Offers a literature-based, hands-on Preschool program.

Areas for Further Inquiry – see website (jilldixon.com) or contact specific director:

  • Specific locations, days, and times for classes at campuses other than Savannah.
  • Detailed curriculum outlines and book lists for each grade level.
  • Specific details regarding the "Alphabet Scouts plus" program beyond the basic tuition information.
  • Information on the "Attendance Requirements" (Academic and Behavioral).
  • Details regarding the "Financial and Religious" requirements.
  • The specific content covered in the optional Thursday classes (Zoology, Spanish, Chemistry).
  • More detailed information on the accreditation process and its benefits.