Education
Resources for research, information, and testing
For Students & Parents
Children beginning at birth and all students who do not reside within the Library’s service area may obtain a free library card for use at Eckhart Public Library and Teen Library.
Much of the verbiage below has been taken directly from the resource it is describing.
The Indiana Department of Education has partnered with Schoolhouse.world to offer free online tutoring to students. Learn more!
21st Century Scholars: Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program is an early-college promise program designed to make college more affordable to students. Eligible students who meet requirements receive a two-or four-year scholarship that pays up to 100% tuition at an eligible Indiana college or university.
Ask Rose: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s AskRose Homework Help is a free math and science tutoring service for Indiana students and other students in grades 6-12. Students can call 877-ASK-ROSE, email, screenshare, or chat live with a friendly tutor to work through and better understand homework assignments.
Biography in Context: A visual and streamlined database that has resources on a wide ranging assortment of people. These resources are also broken down by source type and allow students to sign in using their Google Classroom account.
Biography Reference Bank: Biographical database offers the in-depth, original profiles from the Current Biography and World Authors series, the thorough periodical coverage of Biography Index and the specialist biographical content of Junior Authors & Illustrators. It provides biographical full-text articles, page images and abstracts from today’s leading magazines and journals.
Biography Reference Center: This database offers a collection of full-text biographies and unique narrative biographies. The database includes coverage of several of the most popular and heavily-researched biographies and genres, including those contained within Biography Today and Biography (both dating back to the first issue published).
Black Freedom Struggle in the United States: Information curated by ProQuest presented in primary source documents illustrating the black experience throughout United States history.
College Choice529: Learn about 529 savings accounts and options to save for education and career advancement.
DeKalb County Promise: Opportunities to save for education and career advancement via 529 savings accounts and community matching though the Community Foundation of DeKalb County.
Explora Elementary School: Designed for use in kindergarten through grade 5 with a focus on the arts, literature, biography, current events, geography, culture, health, history, math, science and more.
Explora High School: Designed for students in grades 9 through 12 with a focus on the arts, literature, biography, business and careers, current events, geography and culture, health, history, math, science and more.
Explora Middle School: Designed for use in grades 6 through 8 with a focus on the arts, literature, biography, current events, geography and culture, health, history, math, science and more
FutureLearn: Learn 100% online with world class universities and industry experts. Develop hobbies, new skills and career-changing expertise with our flexible courses.
Health & Medicine: Information diseases, biology, health and medicine that can be broken down by source type and integrated with Google Classroom.
Impact Institute: Located in Kendallville, Impact Institute offers high school programs to develop trade skills as well as opportunities for adult education.
Khan Academy: A nonprofit service that offers free, personalized help with the subjects being studied. Resources are available for students, parents, and educators.
Learn More Indiana Magazine: Learn More Indiana’s digital magazines are here to help you start thinking about what your future could look like after high school. Big topics like college and careers can be scary, but thinking about them a little bit every year can make it easier. Choose the magazine for your grade and see what you can discover! Also includes parent resources.
Middle Search Plus: Contains full text for more than 150 popular middle school magazines. All full-text articles are assigned a reading level indicator (Lexiles).
McKinney-Vento Act: McKinney-Vento is federal law to provide youth experiencing homelessness with equal access to educational opportunities. See what opportunities there are at DeKalb Central United School District:
On My Way Pre-K: A program that provides financial assistance for low-income families who have a 4 year old that is ready to attend pre-school. You can apply for On My Way Pre-K online.
PBS Learning Media for Students: Information from PBS for students from Pre-K to beyond about a variety of topics and subjects.
Points of View Reference Center: Containing resources that present multiple sides of an issue, this database provides rich content that can help students assess and develop persuasive arguments and essays, better understand controversial issues and develop analytical thinking skills.
Primary Search: Contains full text for more than 80 popular elementary school magazines. All full-text articles are assigned reading level indicators (Lexiles).
Science Reference Center: A research database providing easy access to a wealth of full-text, science-oriented content. Designed to meet student researcher's needs, Science Reference Center contains full text for hundreds of science encyclopedias, reference books, periodicals and other reliable sources. In addition, the database includes a vast collection of images from sources such as UPI, Getty, NASA, National Geographic and the Nature Picture Library.
Schoolhouse.World: A non-profit service that offers peer-to-peer tutoring online for any student looking for help. Available topics are math, science, and test and college prep.
Sesame Workshop's ABC's of Racial Literacy: Coming Together is Sesame Workshop's commitment to racial justice. We believe in a world where all children can reach their full potential and humanity—and do so in celebration of their races, ethnicities, and cultures. Together with experts, we've designed developmentally appropriate resources to help you guide your child to be smarter, stronger, and kinder—and an upstander to racism.
World History Encyclopedia: We want to make history engaging and compelling, inspiring our users and visitors to learn more. We reach the digital generation by sharing an array of historical topics and narratives through text, video, interactive features, and social media.
Adult Education
To learn more about locations for adult education programs and availability in your area, visit the link below
Indiana Career Explorer: Links to career exploration, training, certification, and diploma programs.
Indiana Public Colleges and Universities
Indiana Private Colleges and Universities
Ohio Colleges (In-State Rates)
Illinois Colleges (In-State Rates)
All of the verbiage below is directly from the resource they describe.
Resources for Online Learning
ABC Mouse: The Step-by-Step Learning Path presents the full ABCmouse.com curriculum in a carefully designed program of more than 850 lessons in ten levels. Asyour child completes each lesson, he or she is guided to the next one and is motivated to continue learning by ABCmouse.com's Tickets and Rewards System.
CK-12 Foundation: CK-12 will provide open-source content and technology tools to help teachers provide learning for students in a global world. Free access to high-quality, customizable educational content in multiple modalities suited to multiple student learning styles, levels, resources and use content acceptance will allow teachers, students and others to innovate and experiment with new models and modalities of learning. CK-12 help students and teachers alike by enabling rapid customization and experimentation of teaching and learning styles.
Education Exchange: Our students come from every country in the world! Whether you are interested in computer science, languages, engineering, psychology, writing, electronics, biology, or marketing, we have the course for you!
HSLDA Online Academy: HSLDA and Patrick Henry College launched the Academy in 2009 as a service to homeschool and private school families looking for ways to supplement their students’ high school education. Today, the Academy operates as a division of HSLDA dedicated to providing quality Christian online courses to students everywhere.
iCivics: iCivics works because we make the subject come alive. Our innovative games and supporting classroom resources teach young people to understand how our political systems work by allowing them to experience it first-hand and empowering them to address real-world issues.
Khan Academy: Trusted content, created by experts, Khan Academy’s library of trusted, standards-aligned practice and lessons covers math K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP®, SAT®, and more. It’s all free for learners and teachers.
Outschool: Live Online Classes and Camps. Explore any interest over live video chat! Discover fun, social, and safe learning experiences for kids ages 3-18 led by passionate teachers
PBS Learning Media: PBS Fort Wayne and PBS have curated FREE, standards-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans, and more just for Indiana teachers like you
Time4Learning: Time4Learning’s automated system grades lessons, tracks progress and keeps reports for homeschool portfolio usage. Reports can be accessed at any time through the Parent Administration page and can be pulled by date or subject
State & National Organizations
Indiana Association of Home Educators: The IAHE is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1983 for the purpose of serving the Lord Jesus Christ by supporting and encouraging families interested in home education. We define home education as parent-directed, home-based, privately-funded education.
Home School Legal Defense Association: We believe every child is unique. That children should learn in ways that meet their needs. And that you want the best for your child. Homeschooling gives you the freedom to personalize their education so they can realize their potential. HSLDA passionately advocates for the freedom to homeschool and offers support for every stage of your homeschool journey.
Indiana Department of Education
Parents who choose to home educate their children may report their homeschool’s enrollment to the Indiana Department of Education (IC 20-33-2-21). Reporting homeschool enrollment (registering a homeschool) is not required in Indiana.
Homework Help Resources:
Ask Rose (Rose-Hulman University): Homework isn’t always easy. That’s why AskRose is here to help. It’s a free math and science tutoring service for Indiana and other students in grades 6-12. Tutors are Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology students who major in math, science or engineering—which means they’re more than equipped to help with virtually any math or science homework problem. Student privacy is always protected, and students are never asked for their last name or phone number. AskRose is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Accredited Indiana Virtual Schools
The following standalone virtual schools are currently accredited by the Indiana State Board of Education
Dual Enrollment (High School & College Credit) at Local Colleges
Defiance College: Full college credit will be awarded for all courses satisfactorily completed according to DC's established requirements and procedures. Students are expected to perform at the same level as the College's regularly admitted students.
Grace College: The Jump Start program can help you earn dual credit for high school and college, earn accredited, transferable college credit, and take advanced courses that are not offered at the high school level.
Huntington University: Huntington University offers high school early-entry (dual credit) classes. Please read below for more details and to see the steps in order to take advantage of this great opportunity.
Indiana Tech: Being a homeschool student typically allows for more flexibility within your schedule to be able to take the maximum amount of Early Start classes per semester. If you take classes during your sophomore, junior and senior years you could begin college with around 30 total credits.. This is equivalent to about a year and a half of college completed before you even graduate high school.
Indiana Wesleyan University: WU-Marion's Wildcat Academy dual enrollment program allows juniors and seniors in high school to earn college credit before high school graduation. These credits satisfy IWU requirements and can be transferred to other universities. The program provides a great experience and exposure to college-level coursework at a reduced cost.
Ivy Tech: Last year, Ivy Tech's dual credit program saved Indiana families nearly $55 million in college tuition costs. Not only will it save you and your family money, you'll also save yourself time by completing some of your college classes now. The classes you take while in high school can earn you college credits.
Purdue Fort Wayne: Earning college credit as a high school student is one of the best investments you can make in your future. You’ll not only be earning credits to use toward your education, but you’ll also have the chance to experience college life.
Taylor University: Be 16 to 19 years old; age is the only admission criteria. Enroll in a course any time (literally – any time!). Begin the course within 2 business days of enrolling. Complete within 4 months at your own pace. Access your course in Blackboard, our online learning platform. Receive one-on-one attention from a credentialed professor.
Trine University: Dual Enrollment courses are designed for high school students who are looking to expand their academic horizon. At Trine we offer many different delivery options for classes, giving students the ability to choose the platform that works best for them.
Local Co-ops and Homeschool Groups
Angola Christian Educators Homeschool Group
Classical Conversations: What is Classical Conversations? Share the love of learning through a Christian worldview and fellowship with other families. Our families thrive using three keys to a great education: Classical, Christian, and Community. Use the group finder to local classes.
DeKalb Area Schools at Home: DASH is a homeschool support group, based on the Judeo-Christian heritage of America, formed to serve the DeKalb County, Indiana area by encouraging individual families as they endeavor to develop good family relationships and increase their knowledge.
Doorposts Homeschool Co-op-Northeast Indiana: DoorPosts Homeschool Co-op was created to provide a faith-based environment where homeschool families could gather together in fellowship, friendship, and learning. We are located in Northeast Indiana.
Fire & Light: The Academy is the very foundation that Fire & Light was built on. We started in a church basement and have grown to 100+ students and perform 5-7 shows a year. We offer a nurturing, educational environment where kids can learn all aspects of theatre arts from seasoned thespians in the areas of set design, painting and construction, sound and light facilitation, music, vocals and stage movement, acting, and direction and leadership skills.An accepting, creative environment that offers unconditional love is metamorphic.
Fort Wayne Area Homeschool Drama Camp: We have held week long drama camps every year. Ministry teams spend this week with our homeschool students, instilling in them the belief that professionally produced drama can effectively teach and reach a community.
Fort Wayne Area Homeschool Association: A Christian home school support group serving the Fort Wayne Area. FWAHS publishes a quarterly newsletter, hosts an annual resource expo and provides various opportunities for homeschoolers to encourage one another.
Ft. Wayne Homeschool Nature/Science Co-op
Giving Gardens of Indiana Farm & Forest School: The Giving Gardens of Indiana Farm & Forest School aims to cultivate curiosity, compassion, and connection with the natural world. Studies show that time spent in nature increases attention span, ability to concentrate, self-esteem, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Children who spend more time outdoors and participate in cooperative group activities also tend to have healthier relationships with friends and family.
Indiana Homeschool Support: It was created to be an all inclusive homeschool SUPPORT group for this area. Please make all homeschooling families feel welcome no matter what their teaching styles and methods. This should not have to be stated, but this also means the group accepts all faiths or non faiths as the case may be. This should not have to be stated also, but, please be kind to one another, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Treat others as you would expect to be treated.
Life Adventures Homeschool Resources: Serving homeschoolers in northeastern Indiana...and beyond. We have a parent-to-parent Support Group, Kids Adventure Club and MORE!
Northside Homeschool Co-op: Provide a wide variety of classes. Challenge students with in-depth curriculum and high moral standards. Become a strong support system for homeschool families and those considering homeschool in the future. Expose students to homework, deadlines, study skills, social/classroom etiquette, test/quizzes.
Athletics
DeKalb YMCA
Fort Wayne Falcons Volleyball: Fort Wayne Falcons Volleyball exists to teach competitive volleyball while displaying Godly character and Christ-like sportsmanship.
Fort Wayne Fusion Futbol Club: Fort Wayne Fusion Futbol Club was established in 2004 to provide home educated student athletes from the greater Fort Wayne and Allen County area the opportunity to participate in a competitive soccer program. The Fort Wayne Fusion teams consist of Division I & II high school level teams for boys, Division I & II high school level teams for girls, a co-ed U15 team, and a co-ed U12 team. The Fusion competes during the fall outdoor season with teams from area public schools, private schools, and homeschool clubs.
Fort Wayne Guard/Guardians Homeschool Basketball: Fort Wayne Home School Sports (FWHS), home to the Fort Wayne Guard and Guardians basketball programs, begins its 22nd consecutive season in the fall of 2020. This non-profit, all volunteer organization provides home school athletes from the Fort Wayne region the opportunity to participate in a quality competitive basketball program for boys and girls ages 9-18.
Library cards for you & your students.
Did you know that Eckhart Public Library offers library cards for educators, institutions, and students? These cards can be used to access databases, stream content, and check out items from the library's collection- including items form our Library of Things. Our Library of Things has items like WiFi hotspots, graphing calculators, microscopes, and more. See what library card option works best for you!
Resources
Educate Station: Educate Station offers full curriculum weekly and monthly learning plans and worksheets for educators. With content for English, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
ERIC: ERIC® is the Educational Resource Information Center, providing access to education literature and resources. The database provides access to information from journals included in the Current Index of Journals in Education and Resources in Education Index.
Explora for Educators: A tool designed to help teachers with lesson plans, student tools, curriculum standards and valuable sites.
Indiana Retired Teachers Association: A non-partisan organization that advocates for educators and assists in retirement planning.
PBS Learning Media for Educators: PBS Fort Wayne and PBS have curated standards-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans, and more just for Indiana teachers like you.
Science in Context Educator Resources: Information on using the Science in Context database with your students. Topics include Google Classroom integration, creating outlines, reading levels, and research worksheets.
Teaching Books: An engaging collection of resources that brings books to life.
Learning English & Languages
Mango Languages: Learn a new language with Mango! With over 70 languages available, including ESL and ASL, it's never too late to find a new way to communicate. Get started below!
FutureLearn Language Courses: Learn a new language to boost your brainpower, explore new cultures or discover work and travel opportunities. Get started with these online language courses from FutureLearn.
Read It!™: Read It!™ is designed for middle and high school students and anyone who has a basic foundation in English grammar and reading but needs adapted reading material for a variety of subjects. The customized articles and practice quizzes support ELL success and promote reading comprehension across a variety of school subjects and life skill areas. Read It!™ also offers resources to help build background knowledge, conduct research and improve study skills.
Testing and Education Reference Center: This resource offers basic skills tutorials on writing and English as well as a practice exam for Unite States Citizenship.
USA Learns: Lessons about learning the English Language and United States Citizenship.
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