Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ is currently in progress. We want to expand this content greatly in the near future, but we need your help. If you have suggestions, corrections, or especially suggestions for new questions (and answers), please contact Rachel.

What is the “conveyor belt” referring to?

Simply put, the conveyor belt is the educational model used in public schools to create finished products (graduates ready for the job market), each of whom have the same skills and basic education, delivered sequentially at a uniform age.

Is TJEd just for homeschool?

No. You can learn more about creating a TJEdRefers generally to the concepts presented in the book A Thomas Jefferson Education, written by Dr. Oliver Van DeMille. classroom in any school by reading in Dr.DeMille's book, A Thomas Jefferson Education.

What are the “phases of learning?”
  1. Core Phase (ages birth – 8 yrs.)
  2. Love of Learning Phase (8 yrs. – 12 yrs.)
  3. Scholar Phase (12 yrs. – 16 yrs.)
  4. Depth Phase (College or equivalent)
  5. Mission Phase (Change the World)
Note: Ages are approximations, and may vary individually by several years.
What are the “fundamental phases?”

The fundamental phases include the core and love of learning phases.

What are the “educational phases?”

The educational phases include the scholar and depth phases.

What is a “Mom School?”

A “Mom School” describes some kind of group activity, lesson, or club that a mother creates for her own child, and then invites other families to join in. They can be designed to be whatever the mother who runs it needs them to be. You can learn more about Mom Schools in chapter 6 of A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion, by Oliver DeMille, Rachel DeMille, and Diann Jeppson.