Bob Jones HomeSat Program Overview

Bob Jones HomeSat Program

Is the Bob Jones HomeSat program right for YOUR family?

What is the Bob Jones HomeSat program?
Do I need a satellite dish?
Are the classes at a certain time?
How do they learn science?
Does it help with algebra?
Am I getting replaced?
Lots of cool stuff.
Ready. Set. Go.
Keep in mind, however.
What curriculum does it follow?
What if my landlord won't let me?
Can I get it in my area?
What is it going to cost?
What are LINC handouts?
Is there a money-back guarantee?
What else could I use?

Many parents are looking at the Bob Jones HomeSat program as an alternative to what they are using for home schooling now. Take a look at some of the questions and answers on this page so you can decide if it is right for you and your family. Have a question of your own? Go to the Contact Us form and tell us what it is. If we share your question on one our webpages we will pay you $25.00 US as a thank you for helping other home schoolers!

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What is the Bob Jones HomeSat program?

Bob Jones HomeSat was created because home schooling parents wanted to make learning more fun, interesting and challenging for their kids. HomeSat stands for home school and satellite combined. Basically it means you get instruction for home school via satellite dish right to your home and on TV. It is made for TV viewing and with your children's interests in mind. Some of the resources you will have access to are home education workshops, Christian living seminars, and cultural programs.

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Do I need a satellite dish?

You get a satellite dish as part of the equipment for the program when you sign up. It is necessary to have the satellite dish to receive the programs that are part of the HomeSat. All the equipment is included in the program and needs to be installed at your home and connected to your TV. For more details on the equipment please go to the Bob Jones HomeSat Hardware page by clicking here.

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Are the classes at a certain time?

The classes are broadcast at a certain time and schedule and need to be watched at that time. If classes are missed due to illness or unforeseen reason they may be viewed within a certain time frame upon request. For more details on scheduling please go to the Bob Jones HomeSat Timing page by clicking here.

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How do they learn science?

Having difficulty providing your kids with equipment for chemistry experiments or performing the experiments at home? No problem. With this system they will be taught right on the TV without the need for equipment with no mess and no fuss.
The classes free parents from the fear of feeling inadequate in providing an advanced science lesson.

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Does it help with algebra?

Lacking the know-how to teach advanced subjects such as Algebra and Physics? With HomeSat that teaching will be brought to you and your kids on TV. This alleviates the stress of you having to prepare so much or wondering if the kids are learning the right skills because you lack the advanced knowledge to teach them yourself.

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Am I getting replaced?

However, Bob Jones HomeSat isn't intended to replace you as the teacher. Rather, it helps you do an even better job. From K4 to high school level the lessons include "Mom's Minutes" or "Teacher's Tips" and BJ LINC handouts to help you teach and reinforce the lesson. You and your child both benefit by helping you educate your child better. You are the best teacher for your children, being the parent. Experts agree. Bearing this in mind Bob Jones University Press created the HomeSat program to assist you rather than replace you.

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Lots of cool stuff.

HomeSat has lots of cool stuff for you as the parent and teacher. Included are workshops about teaching and parenting, seminars on Christian living, and programs that are both wholesome and culture rich. Who knows? Maybe you will get more out of this program than your kids!

One really great feature is that you get to pick and choose the segments in each subject that you want to use. You are in control of which parts you teach and which parts you skip.

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Ready. Set. Go.

You can start any time you want but starting late is a lot like transferring to a new school after classes have already begun. You have to borrow notes from the other students and hopefully catch up with whatever you missed in class. You would want to sign up no later than August and attend the orientation week just before the classes begin for the new school year.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it takes time to receive and install the equipment. See the Bob Jones HomeSat Harware page.

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Keep in mind, however.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you are interested in signing up for this service.

One thing to keep in mind is that there is a start date and a basic timetable. You need to go with the flow of the programming along with all the other families using it. It doesn't stand still.

For example, if you decide to start in October or get delayed for any reason you will miss the first lessons and will have to jump in at whatever lesson is happening when you start.

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What curriculum does it follow?

Bob Jones HomeSat follows the Bob Jones University Press curriculum. If you are familiar with the Bob Jones curriculum or you and your children have used it before, it should be no problem for you to continue. If you have never used the program before it may take a little time to adjust.

There are no placement tests. You will have to either jump in at the grade level you believe to be right or put your children in the next grade level you think they should be in. Then you will need to check and fill any gaps they may they may have.

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What if my landlord won't let me?

Some people say their landlord or homeowners association prohibits them from installing a satellite dish any bigger than 18 inches. According to new FCC rules, as of October 14, 1996, they must allow you to do the installation unless it causes a safety hazard or your house is a historical monument.

The receiver part of the equipment is designed to receive only the Bob Jones HomeSat programming.

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Can I get it in my area?

The good news is that the programming reaches the 48 states of the continental USA, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico and parts of the Caribbean. If you are outside the 48 states you should call Tech Support and get some important information about how to set up the equipment and programming. Their number is 1-800-739-8199.

Another cool feature is that Bob Jones HomeSat can be seen on a TV, TV monitor or even a computer monitor. You need to supply your own cables though, so keep that in mind if you do decide to do it differently on something other than a TV.

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What is it going to cost?

There are four parts to the pricing for the Bob Jones HomeSat program. First there is the hardware, which includes the satellite dish, receiver, cables and installation. Next you have to pay a monthly subscription similar to a membership fee. The membership fee is paid one month in advance and starts from the purchase date. Next you have to pay a registration fee for each course you want your kids to take. Finally, you need to buy the recommended materials for each subject in each grade.

A great benefit to using Bob Jones Home Sat program is that for one low price you get access to the programming in every grade you need for your whole family. This saves you money.

The registration fee covers support for the classes such as help classes, LINC classes, LINC handouts, and the opportunity to take makeup lessons that are missed at a discount.

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What are LINC handouts?

The LINC handouts include tests, quizzes, teacher notes and student outlines. Some BJ Help classes need tests that you have to buy separately.

Another cost is the Textbooks themselves, which are not included in the Bob Jones HomeSat program. You need to check the Recommended Materials List for the textbooks you should buy for each course.