What Parents Say

“Having an outside Language Arts teacher for your homeschooled child has several advantages; especially if that teacher is Shona DeVolld. It can be extremely difficult to objectively grade essays written by your own children. Most parents lack the knowledge of how to develop writing skills in their children, so we often focus on simple sentence patterns and basic grammar.  Shona’s wealth of experience teaching literature across several genres allows her to go beyond the basics to further cultivate your child’s writing abilities. After careful assessment of their abilities and weaknesses, she draws out their ideas from within and helps them develop their writing so they will be more than ready for college.  I love how she provides constructive criticism in a caring way.”

“Without question, we highly recommend Shona DeVolld’s classes. From College Prep to Theater as Language Arts, the variety of her offerings keep it interesting and challenging from semester to semester, year to year. We also enjoyed the 6-week intensive format, as it allows for focused interest and effort – and then you’re done! The small classroom setting gives you the best of both worlds – collaborative effort among students and one-on-one attention and instruction. Shona’s depth of knowledge in her field is extensive and allows for new, engaging forays into an often underestimated subject.  Her classes are both serious and lighthearted, demanding and entertaining – and she gives you cookies!”

“I highly recommend the language arts (LA) classes taught by Mrs. DeVolld. My daughter and son have taken her classes during both their freshmen and sophomore years. The skills they learned in these classes not only helped with the SAT/ACT but also in other subject areas. The class size is small, and she readily addresses individual circumstances and needs to ensure a student’s success.”

“As a parent of 3 children who have taken classes from Mrs. DeVolld, these are the things that have encouraged me: Mrs. DeVolld covers the needed material thoroughly; she has the excellent and rare balance between correcting and encouraging the student – which I believe is imperative to learning; she is equally gifted in working with those who naturally excel in language and those who intensely struggle with language, as we have both in our family; she does not scorn those who strive to live by their faith, nor does she in any way scorn those who don’t follow a religion; she has shown kindness and respect to each of our children and is consistently encouraging – she actually cheers them on! ; she is disciplined in her approach to teaching; the kids love the snacks she has provided! She creates a warm, encouraging, and accepting atmosphere for learning; Mrs. DeVolld puts a great deal of energy into good teaching and is an excellent example of good character.”

“Another benefit from Mrs. DeVolld’s English classes is the small group interactions. By working together on group projects, students are able to benefit from each other’s ideas. Working in a group atmosphere allows students to learn important life skills such as communication and collaboration. Important qualities that home schooled students don’t always get a chance to develop, but are necessary in today’s work force. Her literature selections are wholesome literary works that not only provide classical knowledge, but also character growth. I would highly recommend any class offered by Shona DeVolld. I saw my own child gain confidence to write at a higher level and I can’t wait until my other children are old enough to benefit from Shona’s teaching also.”

“I highly recommend the Language Arts courses taught by Shona DeVolld. I have four children and the older three have completed their high school years with her. Now my son is enrolled as a freshman. I am looking forward to the benefits he will gain by attending her class. She has taught my three daughters like I mentioned, and not only did they enjoy her class but thought her teaching methods were outstanding. Although the courses required time and effort on the students’ behalf Mrs. DeVolld made it interesting and enjoyable. Like I mentioned before – I highly recommend her.”

What Students Say

“I loved how Mrs. DeVolld made Language Arts easy and enjoyable (really!), and in a relaxed manner and environment. I could really tell that she cared about me and my education. I loved the way she taught because she used methods that really do help you memorize what you are learning. I also have to compliment on how she was flexible with each student. I wish that she taught all the credits that are needed, so that I could have her as my teacher for all my classes.”

“I am not an accomplished writer by any stretch of the imagination, but I now thoroughly enjoy the process. This is largely due to the influence of Mrs. DeVolld as a teacher. Her classes, always a highlight amongst the duller aspects of schooling, never failed to stimulate and challenge me in my efforts to examine, understand, and produce literature in its many forms. My desire to create my own works of fiction, successful or otherwise, was piqued and cemented by her apparent love of literature and her aptitude for instruction and encouragement.”

“Mrs. DeVolld is the sweetest teacher. She always works with each student’s schedule, if they had work or college classes to attend. Language arts was always a difficult subject for me, but Mrs. DeVolld made the work easy to understand and enjoyable. I highly recommend her class!”

“I have learned so much about writing this year.  It is a great relief to know that I am capable of writing an essay or research paper successfully.  I really loved this class.”

“What I liked the most about Mrs. DeVolld’s class was how well it prepared me for standardized tests. Because of Mrs. DeVolld’s proofing exercises, I was able to attain a perfect score on the reading section of my ACT, as well as score higher than 99% of my peers nationwide on the PSAT in the writing section. This class is also completed in 12 weeks, allowing one to focus on sports and other activities for the remainder of the semester. In Mrs. DeVolld’s class there are no surprises. Everything is outlined in the syllabus. If a person turns in his/her work on time and follows directions, he/she will be successful in this class.”

“You’re one of my favorite teachers.”

“Mrs. DeVolld is kind, encouraging, and helpful; she is flexible with people’s schedules. She tried to help us get things done if we had to miss for sickness or had a lot of other things due. Mrs. DeVolld has a good balance between giving a lot of work, but not an overload over the 6 weeks.”  

“Before these classes, I didn’t have any confidence in my Language Arts skills, but now I am confident about them.”

“I learned many tools to help me out in college and how to make my papers more interesting.  I appreciate the time you spend with us on our work, and how you don’t just rush through it.  You make sure everyone understands before you move on to other things.  I learned a lot, and I know other kids will too.”

“English was my least favorite subject and worst subject, but Mrs. Devolld made it enjoyable, and encouraged me and helped me until I was performing at my best capability. I was able to learn the material and get good grades.”                 

“I found all of the classes extremely informative and the projects invigorating.”

“You’re awesome.  I love having you as a teacher.  My mom loves you too.”