Interested in others' thoughts about our instructors and the classes offered through WLC? Read below!
Testimonials
Blossom Barden:
As a parent who has had six children enrolled in history classes with Blossom over the years, I feel my children have grown not only in a knowledge and love for history but as students. Blossom's love for history is carried through in her classes. She's kind and patient and works well with the students on their level. I'm so grateful to have had this opportunity for my children to be taught by her.
~ A Parent ~
Mrs. Barden has been an absolute treasure to my homeschool. My oldest son has completed six years in a row of history with her, sustaining his natural interest throughout his high school years. I don't know if we would've made it through all the AmblesideOnline history if not for Wildwood Academy, but Mrs. Barden makes it so simple for me. The outside accountability for reading and narrating has taken a major load off my shoulders. The mapwork, book of centuries, and outside resources Mrs. Barden brings in are far beyond what my kids would get if it were just up to me. And the fact that I don't have to drive to a co-op for this is amazing! This is the most convenient, effective, and excellent thing I sign my kids up for each year. We are so grateful!
~A parent
Blossom Barden has been my daughter's history teacher for the past two years in the area of English history. My high school age daughter has loved her classes and has asked to take history with Mrs. Barden again the next year. Not only is she interesting to listen to and caring about her students, she actually gets them to read Churchill's history books, which is not an easy feat these days. We can heartily recommend her as a teacher.
- Jennifer and Heidi D.
(Heidi has taken Early English History and English Renaissance & Reformation History with Mrs. Barden.)
Blossom Barden has taught for my school for the past three+ years. The positive impact she has made on our students, and the enthusiasm she brings to teaching are incomparable! I cannot express how many times I have been asked, “Is Ms. Barden teaching again next year? I sure hope so!” Students engage because she connects with them on a personal level, & takes the time to get to know their talents as well as their struggles. She has never taken a “one size fits all” approach. She does everything it takes to meet her students where they’re at, get them excited about learning, & ensure that they grow & learn under her care. We love her, and you will, too!
- Alicia Thorson, Founder/Principal Empowered Academy Online
(Blossom Barden has taught history classes with Empowered Academy Online since 2017.)
Blossom has been a blessing to our family for the past few years, her classes have always been very positive and informational. She has always strived to create a comfortable environment for her students and make sure that everyone is included. She has gone above and beyond with communicating with students and parents and is always prompt to respond to any questions.
- A parent of two students enrolled in Mrs. Barden's classes
My daughters took an Early English History class online with Mrs. Barden. She helped make Churchill approachable and understandable. The class was very well structured and interactive. It was definitely a positive experience for us.
- A parent
Blossom Barden consistently demonstrates a personal love of learning that is infectious to her students. Her history classes foster discussion, reflection, and a genuine relationship with history and its people. She skillfully implements Mason’s principles as she guides and encourages students to set their feet in a large room. My teenage son has taken three history classes with Blossom Barden and is looking forward to starting the fourth this fall.
- A parent
Blossom has been a real gift to me in my homeschool. She is very thorough in the set up and organization of her classes and then does a lot of prep for her classes during the school year as well while incorporating extra historical documents and maps into her classes. She leads with kindness but is firm with the kids on her behavioral expectations for them which I appreciate. Her classes have taken a load off of my plate and I appreciate that I can trust her to do a good job.
- Darcie W.
From a mother and two of her kids:
I am so grateful to Mrs. Barden for her dedication to her students. She is excited about history and it shows in the way she engages with her students. It has been such a blessing to work with her for several years now. This added support to our homeschool journey has been such a relief. Top-notch, Charlotte Mason inspired instruction from a veteran homeschooler who is passionate about what she teaches...you can't beat that! We are looking forward to another year in her classes. - K. O.
I have been taking classes with Mrs. Barden for 4 years. Her classes are always interesting. She really knows her stuff. I think she's a great teacher. - T. O.
I have been in Mrs. Barden's class for two years. I am doing another class with her this year. She is nice and encouraging. I think she is a good teacher! - I. O.
Ola Snyder:
We are a homeschool family and had the privilege of participating with the Snyder family in a Charlotte Mason Co-OP for several years. Ola taught the group basic Russian and the children thrived under the structure she created. Ola is organized and uses practical resources that a homeschooler can use for reinforcement at home.
- Tara Z.
Ola taught Beginning Russian as a language study for our co-op of children ages 5-10. As a native of Russia and therefore an authority on the subject. She made each class fun and memorable with Russian folk and nursery songs along with alphabet songs and plenty of printed and online materials to make the language accessible to any beginner interested in learning Russian. I highly recommend Ola a Russian language instructor.
- Katy H.
As the parents of a bilingual child, we wanted to introduce Eliot to a third language. Ola started working with Eliot at the tender age of 3. Ola is kind, loving and engaging and she made sure that Eliot was having a great time, while learning. Eliot made great strides with his learning of Russian, as Ola captured Eliot’s attention with with fun activities in different environments; playing outside, while looking at nature, or inside while playing a board game. Eliot’s love for learning Russian has continued, as he is now 8 and still gets excited about his Russian lesson! We feel very fortunate to have had Ola as our very first Russian Tutor!
- Olga Aranzubia
Rachel Lee:
My daughters love Mrs. Lee’s Shakespeare and Plutarch classes. Shakespeare has improved their vocabulary, enunciation, and confidence. Plutarch has been an engaging adventure in classical history. In both classes, Mrs. Lee leads relevant and interesting discussions.
- Mrs. Stamp
My 12 year old and 15 year old sons have the pleasure of attending Mrs. Lee’s Plutarch and Shakespeare classes weekly. Her ability to ignite enthusiasm in both boys is remarkable. Our family discussions have benefited from their improved literary acumen. Most prominently, my eldest, a noted introvert has found his voice. Mrs. Lee’s masterful ability to engage my quiet thinker (15- year old) while taming the more boisterous philosopher (12 year old) is an asset to any academic program.
- A parent
My 10 year old loves Rachel's Shakespeare class. It was the highlight of her year. Rachel does a great job of making sure the students are comprehending the story in an age appropriate way. The students became more and more engaged over the course of the semester. By the end of the play the acting was really quite entertaining.
- Christy M.
As a parent who has had six children enrolled in history classes with Blossom over the years, I feel my children have grown not only in a knowledge and love for history but as students. Blossom's love for history is carried through in her classes. She's kind and patient and works well with the students on their level. I'm so grateful to have had this opportunity for my children to be taught by her.
~ A Parent ~
Mrs. Barden has been an absolute treasure to my homeschool. My oldest son has completed six years in a row of history with her, sustaining his natural interest throughout his high school years. I don't know if we would've made it through all the AmblesideOnline history if not for Wildwood Academy, but Mrs. Barden makes it so simple for me. The outside accountability for reading and narrating has taken a major load off my shoulders. The mapwork, book of centuries, and outside resources Mrs. Barden brings in are far beyond what my kids would get if it were just up to me. And the fact that I don't have to drive to a co-op for this is amazing! This is the most convenient, effective, and excellent thing I sign my kids up for each year. We are so grateful!
~A parent
Blossom Barden has been my daughter's history teacher for the past two years in the area of English history. My high school age daughter has loved her classes and has asked to take history with Mrs. Barden again the next year. Not only is she interesting to listen to and caring about her students, she actually gets them to read Churchill's history books, which is not an easy feat these days. We can heartily recommend her as a teacher.
- Jennifer and Heidi D.
(Heidi has taken Early English History and English Renaissance & Reformation History with Mrs. Barden.)
Blossom Barden has taught for my school for the past three+ years. The positive impact she has made on our students, and the enthusiasm she brings to teaching are incomparable! I cannot express how many times I have been asked, “Is Ms. Barden teaching again next year? I sure hope so!” Students engage because she connects with them on a personal level, & takes the time to get to know their talents as well as their struggles. She has never taken a “one size fits all” approach. She does everything it takes to meet her students where they’re at, get them excited about learning, & ensure that they grow & learn under her care. We love her, and you will, too!
- Alicia Thorson, Founder/Principal Empowered Academy Online
(Blossom Barden has taught history classes with Empowered Academy Online since 2017.)
Blossom has been a blessing to our family for the past few years, her classes have always been very positive and informational. She has always strived to create a comfortable environment for her students and make sure that everyone is included. She has gone above and beyond with communicating with students and parents and is always prompt to respond to any questions.
- A parent of two students enrolled in Mrs. Barden's classes
My daughters took an Early English History class online with Mrs. Barden. She helped make Churchill approachable and understandable. The class was very well structured and interactive. It was definitely a positive experience for us.
- A parent
Blossom Barden consistently demonstrates a personal love of learning that is infectious to her students. Her history classes foster discussion, reflection, and a genuine relationship with history and its people. She skillfully implements Mason’s principles as she guides and encourages students to set their feet in a large room. My teenage son has taken three history classes with Blossom Barden and is looking forward to starting the fourth this fall.
- A parent
Blossom has been a real gift to me in my homeschool. She is very thorough in the set up and organization of her classes and then does a lot of prep for her classes during the school year as well while incorporating extra historical documents and maps into her classes. She leads with kindness but is firm with the kids on her behavioral expectations for them which I appreciate. Her classes have taken a load off of my plate and I appreciate that I can trust her to do a good job.
- Darcie W.
From a mother and two of her kids:
I am so grateful to Mrs. Barden for her dedication to her students. She is excited about history and it shows in the way she engages with her students. It has been such a blessing to work with her for several years now. This added support to our homeschool journey has been such a relief. Top-notch, Charlotte Mason inspired instruction from a veteran homeschooler who is passionate about what she teaches...you can't beat that! We are looking forward to another year in her classes. - K. O.
I have been taking classes with Mrs. Barden for 4 years. Her classes are always interesting. She really knows her stuff. I think she's a great teacher. - T. O.
I have been in Mrs. Barden's class for two years. I am doing another class with her this year. She is nice and encouraging. I think she is a good teacher! - I. O.
Ola Snyder:
We are a homeschool family and had the privilege of participating with the Snyder family in a Charlotte Mason Co-OP for several years. Ola taught the group basic Russian and the children thrived under the structure she created. Ola is organized and uses practical resources that a homeschooler can use for reinforcement at home.
- Tara Z.
Ola taught Beginning Russian as a language study for our co-op of children ages 5-10. As a native of Russia and therefore an authority on the subject. She made each class fun and memorable with Russian folk and nursery songs along with alphabet songs and plenty of printed and online materials to make the language accessible to any beginner interested in learning Russian. I highly recommend Ola a Russian language instructor.
- Katy H.
As the parents of a bilingual child, we wanted to introduce Eliot to a third language. Ola started working with Eliot at the tender age of 3. Ola is kind, loving and engaging and she made sure that Eliot was having a great time, while learning. Eliot made great strides with his learning of Russian, as Ola captured Eliot’s attention with with fun activities in different environments; playing outside, while looking at nature, or inside while playing a board game. Eliot’s love for learning Russian has continued, as he is now 8 and still gets excited about his Russian lesson! We feel very fortunate to have had Ola as our very first Russian Tutor!
- Olga Aranzubia
Rachel Lee:
My daughters love Mrs. Lee’s Shakespeare and Plutarch classes. Shakespeare has improved their vocabulary, enunciation, and confidence. Plutarch has been an engaging adventure in classical history. In both classes, Mrs. Lee leads relevant and interesting discussions.
- Mrs. Stamp
My 12 year old and 15 year old sons have the pleasure of attending Mrs. Lee’s Plutarch and Shakespeare classes weekly. Her ability to ignite enthusiasm in both boys is remarkable. Our family discussions have benefited from their improved literary acumen. Most prominently, my eldest, a noted introvert has found his voice. Mrs. Lee’s masterful ability to engage my quiet thinker (15- year old) while taming the more boisterous philosopher (12 year old) is an asset to any academic program.
- A parent
My 10 year old loves Rachel's Shakespeare class. It was the highlight of her year. Rachel does a great job of making sure the students are comprehending the story in an age appropriate way. The students became more and more engaged over the course of the semester. By the end of the play the acting was really quite entertaining.
- Christy M.
