Hope Learning Center FAQ

The word “center” is defined as “the point from which an activity or process is directed”.  In our case, the activities are elementary, middle or high school academics being directed by a group of educators at Bethel Community Church.  

The center is run by Director Erika Sagert and Founder Kathleen Baker.  The educators at HLC provide classes, as well as individualized educational experiences based on students’ particular needs and interests. 

The learning center began in San Diego in 1998 by Kathleen Baker, and then in 2001 moved to Washington State.  Kathleen taught primarily science and math.  In 2015, Kathleen partnered with Erika of Word of Truth Learning center to increase class offerings including history and language arts. Since then, the center has continued to add more teachers and expand class offerings including some electives and specialized classes and tutoring, as well as offering accreditation through  Academy Northwest©, private school extension program.

Academy Northwest© (ANW) is a Washington State Accredited Private School featuring a unique blend of private school & home school education.  The ANW office is located in Woodinville, WA.

Academy Northwest© contracts with learning centers such as HLC, to provide academic accreditation for classes at HLC and subjects being taught at home by parents. HLC has three ANW Teacher Consultants that parents and students may work with.  Once a student enrolls, ANW office staff and the principal maintain contact with the student and their family.

A Teacher Consultant is a certificated teacher who has contracted with Academy Northwest© to provide accredited education in their particular center.

The Teacher Consultant advises, guides, and supports parents and students in home-centered learning by focusing on the child as learner and achiever, and guides parents in meeting WA State homeschooling expectations with their student. Specifically, Teacher Consultants can provide:

No.  Students may attend classes at Hope Learning Center and not be associated with ANW.  

Please see our class schedule page for the latest class schedule. 

Academy Northwest© students have access to:

This is quite varied and subject to change, please visit our Class Descriptions page for more information.

HLC does not provide textbooks or student manuals for the curriculum being taught in each class. Every family will get a book list for classes enrolled in so they’ll have plenty of time to find the best deals on books before classes start in September.

For Academy NW, if students aren’t taking classes with HLC, the parent chooses the best curriculum for their student and the Teacher Consultant advises on the decision for subjects taught at home.

For two reasons:  1) accredited diploma and 2) improved relationships and life preparation

Many families homeschool very effectively on their own.  There is  however, benefit from having an official transcript from an accredited school.  Even though a family may “save money” by homeschooling independently, this does not always position the student well to earn scholarships for college.  By having that official transcript, many college-bound students may earn more in college scholarships making the investment worthwhile.  In addition, most trade schools require an accredited high school diploma for enrollment and the military requires either an accredited high school diploma or a GED. Having an accredited diploma ensures there will be no closed doors to your student in his/her future.

Secondly, having Teacher Consultants encourage on the parent’s behalf can greatly improve the student’s educational experience.  As students move toward adulthood, having other caring, yet professional, adults speak into their lives is important for life preparation – whether for a career or college.  Teacher Consultants can effectively motivate students to reach their potential by “raising the bar” to re-work an assignment or essay, manage due dates, complete challenging projects such as term papers, give oral presentations or complete difficult courses.