What students and parents say about CHESS
If your student has attended CHESS and you have something to share that will help future parents and students make a decision to join CHESS, please email Tara Taylor with your comments here.
GENERAL
My daughter is learning so much from Kimberly’s Career Photography class! She LOVES the information, practicing her new skills, and can frequently be found trying out new settings and shooting new images. Recently, she met a professional photographer outside of class and was able to look at some of her work. She engaged the photographer about the settings she used to capture such images. The photographer was impressed and wanted to know where she learned all that she knew! What a great testimony for Kimberly’s class AND for CHESS!
“I love everything about CHESS and am always happy to spread the word. So grateful to all of you for providing these classes so we can successfully homeschool our high schoolers.”
“Structure, consistency, and professionalism. My kids are very motivated to follow through with their assignments due to positive peer pressure.”
“The students here are a wonderful group of kids, kind, polite and respectful to one another. Social aspect for homeschoolers is important at this age.”
“More than probably any other classes I took in high school, IMHO-Logic and Effective Writing proved to build immeasurably valuable skills. These classes train you to think and to communicate, which I use everyday at work and interacting with the culture. Much of the content I learned exceeded anything I was taught at University.
“Good course selection that meets our needs. Like the Mon/Wed schedule. Love the community and loving/caring teachers.”
“Being new to the area, we have truly felt welcomed and having a group with consistency and intentional communication and relationship has been wonderful for myself, and my children.”
“Instruction in courses that are beyond what we can do at home.”
“Also, the courses and teachers are top notch and prepared Emily very well for William and Mary — 4.0 in her freshman year and with compliments on her writing.”
“Everyone is so kind and it is a great Christian environment to be in.”
“Excellent teachers who care and very affordable. I wouldn’t be able to homeschool high school if not for CHESS.”
“My kids have been given a spirit of belonging someplace. It has quenched that thirst of wanting to be in public school.”
“It’s been great to have the accountability for the students – to turn in homework, take tests, prepare for class discussions. Also nice to have a chance for them to make new friends.”
What I like about CHESS:
- Live, in-person classes
- Friends – Not only does my daughter make friends, but I do, too!
- Passionate teachers who really love teaching
I have been blessed by how well run CHESS is. The environment among the adults is especially encouraging. Thank you!
“I chose CHESS because I like the variety of classes offered and the professionalism and enthusiasm of the teachers and coordinators.”
“Organized teaching, concern for students, tests, projects, quizzes, writing assignments enable excellent learning.”
“Having a classroom environment while still being able to get attention/help from the teacher without having 20 other students who also need help.
“I liked hanging out with the other students and the classes were challenging but interesting.”
“Thank you for helping give my child a love for learning! You are a true blessing to all!”
This is our first year at CHESS and I am constantly impressed by the way things are run, the people and the classes. Thanks for a fantastic first year at CHESS!
“I’m not sure who to tell, but the CHESS yearbook turned out wonderfully! Thank you to the teacher, and students for pursuing everything to assemble such a wonderful memory for these students! I love that your seniors are honored in their own special way. We are still so new to homeschooling and have been pleased to see so much support for these students. Have a blessed day!”
“Homeschooling has helped me receive an amazing education. CHESS allowed me to meet and form great relationships including one with my favorite teacher who inspired and helped me solidify my decision to teach for my vocation. I hope to be a kindergarten teacher to form impactful relationships with each of my students and inspire them to love learning just like my teacher did for me.”
FINE ART
“Mrs. Kintzing makes art exciting and easy to understand, and she encourages us to be creative. She is also very passionate about what she is teaching.”
“Mrs. Dill is very funny, relaxed, and helpful. The course material is always varied and builds skills.”
“I like Ms. Dill. She’s very fun and excited all the time. “
“The teacher is so fun! Day 1 I came in very nervous and I left laughing and smiling.”
“I love all the unique projects.
“Your art class has been a neat opportunity for my daughter to try her hand at art. She has been very interested in the class. Your projects are unique and interesting. And I have confidence that the CHESS teachers offer a good moral environment for the students along with their expertise in the subject matter.”
“Mrs. Dill is so encouraging and I learn a lot.”
“I wanted to say thank-you for your excellent and fun class on different drawing techniques in Drawing in Depth. Zach has truly enjoyed your class. I appreciate your upbeat, light-hearted and enthusiastic approach. I like the way you have introduced Zach to various forms of art and artists. It has stretched his approach to art beyond his particular favorite styles.”
“It’s really fun. I am enjoying the new projects and learning about things I’ve never heard of.”
“I like the friendly atmosphere, and the classmates, and the teacher.”
LANGUAGE ARTS
“I took Mr. Jenkins Master Storyteller class in high school. What I learned about the “master plot outline” has influenced my writing and helped form my foundational understanding of story plots. This information is not easily found online, and goes way beyond the basic conflict-resolution plot arcs that you’d get in a basic storytelling class.”
I was one of your writing students in high school around 2004-2006. I wanted to thank you for giving me a strong writing foundation.
When I began an interest in journalism, you encouraged me by giving me challenging assignments and nurturing my curiosity. That curiosity has continued to grow.
I remember the first technical writing assignment you gave our class: teach someone how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Who knew that that small assignment would lead to such big things?
I’m now a software developer and the lead technical writer at Ramsey Solutions (financial expert Dave Ramsey’s company). I regularly blog about software development. And I’m a part-time songwriter. My life revolves around the written word.
Thank you for investing in me. I would not be where I am today without you.
“Thank you for all your work with Eva in the Effective Writing and J101 classes this year! She says you are a wonderful teacher, and I can tell she learned a great deal about all facets of the writing process. Her research skills and editing and revising abilities have clearly grown, as well as her ability and confidence to write in a number of styles and a variety of formats. Plus she thoroughly enjoyed it — it is not every teacher who can make hard work seem fun and rewarding as you do! As she continues, I know she will always benefit from what you have taught her and helped her learn and achieve this year. We feel truly fortunate to have had such a thoughtful, empowering, and dedicated teacher to help with our writing curriculum.
“As a freshman at George Mason University I was nervous attending my first English class and even more nervous about writing papers for an actual college professor. My first assignment was a research paper. I wrote it, turned it in, and came in the next week anticipating a lot of red marks on the paper. The first thing the professor said to me when I came in was, “Gabriel, where did you learn to write like this??” I was stunned. I got a 98 on my first college paper. After having my paper shown to the entire class, I explained how I had been taught to research and write these types of papers by none other than Mr. John Jenkins. I took his British Literature class and his Effective Writing class in high school, and nothing could have prepared me better than his teaching. It is thorough, educational, and extremely helpful when it comes to writing on the educational and professional level, and might I say helped me pass my first college English class with an outstanding A+!”
“The instructor is very enthusiastic. I enjoy the assignments.”
“I didn’t like English until I had Mrs. Wethered. Now I love it.”
“The teacher knows what he’s doing and makes the class interesting.”
“I like the fun atmosphere and interesting class discussions we have.”
“(He) challenges students to think critically.”
“The teacher is very energetic and he makes the class fun.”
“I love the environment of the class. I feel I have learned a lot ever since the first day of his class.”
“Everyone gets individual help with homework and assignments.”
“I love how the teacher presents the material and helps us understand the material and helps us improve.”
“She is very enthusiastic about creativity, and I always leave the class smiling.
Mr. Jenkins really cares about his students and goes the extra mile for them. He’s gracious and makes modifications in the schedule if there is a need.
“The instructor is very helpful and eager to help students with any questions we have about the material.”
“Both kids really enjoy Mr. Jenkin’s class and style of teaching.”
Mr. Jenkins is really funny and makes the class engaging. He’s also really good at explaining things.
Mr. Jenkins has an approach that’s thorough and helps you learn as you go. I appreciate that he’s strict enough to teach good time management but also fun, easy to talk to, and good at teaching.
“I loved the people in the class and I had fun with the assignments.”
“I appreciate that everyone is met at their level and challenged where they personally need to be.”
This writing course is very useful and applicable in my student life. It definitely makes writing papers easier and it has given me a better planning structure.
This course has greatly helped me understand structure in effective writing. I don’t know what I would do if I hadn’t chosen to take this class. Thank you, CHESS and Mr. Jenkins.
“I am challenged in a good way…I really feel as if I am learning and growing in this area as a direct result of the standard he holds us to.”
Mr. Jenkins has challenging material but really gives an effective writing method that works. Most valuable class!
Mr. Jenkins is a great teacher and I love his method of writing.
“Mr. Jenkins! All three of my kiddos were your students, and all three had college professors comment on their writing prowess. I credit you!”
When I was in your class, I didn’t realize how essential a skill writing would be for my career in technology. At the time, I didn’t even know I would become a software developer. But my writing skill continues to prove valuable among highly technical individuals—individuals who desperately struggle to communication with non-technical business minded team members. We live in a knowledge economy. And knowledge is most efficiently shared through written word. This means skillful writing provides an individual with an edge over his/her peers
HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCES
“Academically, I have enjoyed learning from each of the courses I’ve taken at CHESS; however, I feel I’ve most benefited from my Worldviews class, taught by Mrs. Boemerman. I really loved learning about different worldviews from her, as she always made the discussions fun and understandable.”
My student has been thriving in Mrs. Cuvelier’s African American History Class. She enjoys the assignments and the group discussions. Mrs. Cuvelier brings in the nuances and challenges seen throughout US History through the eyes of African American. Additionally, she presents an appropriate Christian point-of-view.
Mrs. Cuvelier is energetic and happy… She makes me want to come to class and is willing to answer questions. Overall, she is my favorite teacher.
“It really teaches you to work with others – and overcome issues. Similar to a college course.”
“It is interactive; the teacher knows the material and is not shy, and it is team building.”
Mrs. Cuvelier is an amazing teacher and I always look forward to coming to class. This class is the highlight of the week. It’s both fun and interesting.
Mrs. Cuvelier is one of the most caring and loving teachers I’ve ever had. [She makes] her passion for the subject known.
“This is Gage’s favorite class! He has so much fun learning and looks forward to Monday mornings!”
“I like how much the reading combined with our class discussions help me understand the material so much better.”
Mrs. Cuvelier is wonderful! She is a very engaging and interesting teacher. She explains things in a fun and understandable way.
Mrs. Cuvelier is a very energetic and kind teacher. Throughout every class, she always puts God first. She has a very fun and different approach to teaching government.
“I like studying about the different countries, and I think Mrs. K is a fun teacher!”
“Interesting content, the teacher makes it fun, and most of all – my son enjoys the class and doesn’t mind doing the work.”
Mrs. Cuvelier is an excellent and thoughtful teacher. She really cares about her students.
Mrs. Cuvelier is very well-spoken, a good teacher, kind and full of life. She makes class interesting.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
“I can study the course without the fear of learning a new language. The teacher is kind and very patient.”
“The drive is worth it.”
Mrs. Bacca is an amazing, hard-working teacher who focuses on teaching students Spanish rather than checking the box that they took the class.
Mrs. Bacca is clearly very passionate about what she teaches and puts a lot of emphasis on learning from context as opposed to pure memorization.
“It’s fun and Mrs. Bacca turned my hatred of Spanish into a love of it.”
Spanish is my daughter’s favorite class! My student raves about Mrs. Bacca, for she is dynamic, energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate. Mrs. Bacca’s creative and immersive approach is delightful. She truly is a gifted teacher who encourages her students. My daughter is learning, and she makes the effort to speak Spanish at home. We are truly grateful for Mrs. Bacca and for CHESS.
Imagine the feeling of opening a present on Christmas and multiply it by 1,000. You are now sort of able to comprehend the loveliness of Mrs. Bacca.
“Everything is interactive; I am involved in everything.”
Mrs. Bacca’s Spanish 2 class has been terrific! My son enjoys the hands-on learning opportunities in her class and the fun that she brings to learning the Spanish language and culture. We appreciate that her class motivates him to be engaged in learning, and her teaching style is a really good fit for him.
Mrs. Bacca is an amazing teacher. She gets you to actually learn the information. She has us do super fun projects and act out the books we read. The classes are very engaging and really fun.
“It is so much fun – my favorite class!”
Mrs. Bacca is genuine, funny, and thoughtful. She motivates students to learn and have fun in her class.
Mrs. Bacca is fun, exciting, and endearing! One of my favorite teachers, she is active, always has things prepared for us, and is very engaging.
“I really, really loved and appreciated Mrs. Bacca as a teacher in high school and am truly so grateful that I got to be in her class. She really impacted me as a person and I still think fondly of those days in her classroom. She taught me so much more than just Spanish!”
MATH
“Mrs. Rivera has been teaching for so long that she understands the way a student’s brain works.”
Mrs. Berryman is very dedicated to her students.
Mrs. Chapman always works to make class enjoyable and interactive.
This geometry course is comprehensive and well structured; everything makes sense and there are resources available for extra help.
Mrs. Curry is very nice and is always excited to see us. She explains the course well and is always willing to help.
“Really like the homework sheets you give the kids. It is great for them to see each day’s work assigned and will be helpful as they move toward high school and have to divide up the work themselves. Also appreciate the spreadsheet with all the grades on it. Makes it very clear. You are very funny. Humor is critical for life but certainly for math & science!”
Best math class! This geometry course is very fun.
Mrs. Curry is so sweet and kind. I love that she’s so gentle when teaching. She is really good at helping us understand what we are learning, and I love the fact that she doesn’t shame us when we are wrong – ever! She made the class easy and fun. Mrs. Curry is such a loveable person.
“The teacher really cares about the students and explains the material well.”
Mrs. Chapman is kind, patient, and understanding. She always takes time to make sure everyone understands the concept, and I always feel comfortable asking questions.
Mrs. Chapman made the course easy and fun. It was very engaging and fun to take this class.
Mrs. Curry always conveys the lesson of the day in a very simple, effective, and happy way, which makes it easier to learn. She is very nice, considerate, and a great teacher.
“I really enjoy having a teacher who knows the material super well and is able to answer challenging questions that may be beyond our own knowledge.”
Mrs. Chapman is a good teacher who is willing to help and listen. I found that she was always ready to teach in different ways to help you understand.
Mrs. Curry is very nice and helpful, and she teaches in a way that is easy to understand.
This is a great course because it effectively uses the previous knowledge of Algebra 1 and geometry to explain Algebra 2.
SCIENCE
“The teacher is just very helpful and is willing to listen to any questions you may have.”
“I love all of the hands on experiments.”
Mrs. Berryman is patient, kind, fun, and helpful. She is always available to me when I need anything for this class. She makes learning fun and simple despite the intensity of the subject.
My daughter has taken a high school level Physics class and is currently taking the Marine Biology class with Mrs. Berryman. We enthusiastically endorse her as a teacher…Mrs. Berryman makes learning fun and is a wonderful communicator. The lesson plans are very organized and given out at the beginning of the year, which is a plus for the parents keeping up with the assignments and grades, too!
Mrs. Zellner is really helpful and structured. She keeps the class interesting while helping us understand.
The biology course is good for college prep. There are plenty of opportunities for extra credit and to work ahead.
Mrs. Zellner has a plan for everything and a regular routine that creates a stable and stress-free environment.
“I like the experiments. They are fun and interactive.”
“Labs are interesting and fun.”
The grading system Mrs. Berryman uses is really motivating to our son. We appreciate that she is a relationship-oriented teacher, but also holds the standard high.
I just wanted to thank you for the terrific class this year. I think the way you’ve structured it is perfect, from the regementation of daily assignments to the progression of difficulty of the tests.This has helped (my son) tremendously on his journey to becoming a good student. For the test today he did all the assigned work, then transcribed the material from the study guide on to note cards, and then typed up the notes on the computer…he is definitely progressing.
Thank You!
M
The biology course is informative and well designed. The schedule is very consistent and clear.
Once you set a solid study routine, this course is really fun, easy, and fascinating!
“I like the curriculum and the way the teacher presents the material.”
“The biology labs were fun – even if the dissections were gross – and I loved my classmates.”
Mrs. Berryman is good at explaining concepts and using analogies that help me understand difficult ideas.
Mrs. Chan is kind and funny. She is engaging and makes the class environment safe and fun.
My eldest son took Mrs. Kelly’s class many years ago, then later took chemistry in college. He mentioned many times how helpful her class was in preparing him for college chemistry.
Biology is very interesting, especially the dissections. The work is challenging but in a good way.
Mrs. Zellner knows a lot about biology. She can explain it in a way that makes sense. She organizes the homework and it is easy to understand what we have to do each week.
“She gave us specific instructions but allowed us to have fun in class as well.”
“She explained homework really well and she was really funny.”
Mrs. Berryman is probably one of the best teachers I’ve had. She is able to convey complex mathematical ideas and helps us to understand them.
Mrs. Kelly is an excellent teacher, very responsible, and prompt. The class is challenging – good preparation for college.
Mrs. Berryman is eager to teach students real life application and help them understand concepts.
Mrs. Zellner always makes sure everyone understands and I always feel welcome to ask questions.
Mrs. Zellner is organized and teaches well. She lays out module schedules and lets us know what we are going to do ahead of time. She also seems like she understands the material well, and helps me get a better understanding at each class. Thank you, Mrs. Zellner!
I just wanted to thank you [Mrs. Kelly], again, for teaching Chemistry at CHESS. It’s a tough subject and you have high expectations for your students, but it pays off because the students learn the material. Both of my girls have excelled in college Chem, due to you. My daughter just aced her first exam while many [other students] failed. She went in scared, but she knows this material much better than she realized. Thank you! This note is just to encourage you to stay the course and to show my appreciation for what you do.
Mrs. Chan is an amazing teacher. She understands middle school kids and genuinely enjoys teaching them. My son loves her sense of humor and I appreciate how organized her syllabus is, making it very easy for my son to keep up with all his assignments. I also like that she teaches both the math and science classes for middle school. This helps with continuity and gives her the opportunity to really get to know all the students and their needs as she is very willing to provide lots of support. She has made the transition to having classes outside the home easy and fun!
We love Mrs. Kelly! She has taught three of our children so far, and we are impressed with her attention to detail, her encouragement for the students to strive for excellence, and her personal attention to each student. Her class is challenging but she truly cares about each student learning the material well. She has even followed up after they’ve graduated to see how they are doing in their college studies. Our oldest son felt that her chemistry class was better than the one he took in college, and that her class more than prepared him for college level chemistry.
Mrs. Kelly has made a true believer out of my younger son – he is now officially in love with science, but especially chemistry. Honestly, he never much cared for science (or any school subject) at all. I know Mrs. Kelly’s class is challenging, but it’s challenging in a good way. I truly appreciate that she has high standards and expectations for her students – because then they reach for the high bar! She always takes the time to answer his questions, is incredibly patient, and obviously cares about her students. Because of all these things, students are having to learn time-management and study skills if they want to do well in her class – both necessary life-skills 🙂. As a parent, I love that she is organized and passionate about what she is teaching.