ShineWorks Film School operates from mid-August through April, with breaks for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and one week for spring break.

➡️ View a sample calendar for 2026–2027 for a general overview of our semester rhythm.

Each ShineWorks program offers a hands-on, project-based curriculum designed to build technical skills, creative confidence, and collaborative experience. View the yearly syllabus (subject to change) for each program below:

• 🎬 Film Program: Covers directing, cinematography, editing, screenwriting, and production planning.
  View Film Syllabus (PDF)

• 🎭 Actor Studio: Focuses on camera acting, stage,movement, voice, character development, and stagecraft.
  View Actor Studio Syllabus (PDF)

• 🎵 Music Program: Includes scoring for film, songwriting, audio engineering, live performance, and collaboration with film/stage teams.
  View Music Syllabus (PDF)

Each student selects one program and attends on one assigned day per week for the full academic year.

Each program runs promptly from 8:45 AM to 4:30 PM, with a mix of instruction, collaboration, and hands-on creative work. Occasional weekend/off-day field trips may be scheduled to support studio projects or creative exploration.

• Sample Bell Schedule

These will be communicated in verbal & written form with a minimum of 2-weeks notice. New and interesting opportunities in creative arts come up frequently and without a great deal of notice. We recognize such “short notice” field trip may be difficult for individual families & students to adjust to existing schedules.

Yes. 

While ShineWorks meets one day per week, students may occasionally be invited to participate in off-day or weekend field trips that support studio projects or creative exploration. These may include film shoots, performances, museum visits, or guest artist sessions.

• Whenever possible, planned field trips will be communicated in the semester syllabus. Students are expected to attend these.

• Short-notice opportunities may arise due to the nature of the creative arts industry. We understand these may not work for every family, and participation is always optional.

• Final Semester Performances & Presentations will be scheduled on each semester syllabus. These are required attendance for each program participant (enrolled program required/other programs optional)

There are generally few class assignments; however, creative endeavors take time to percolate and be completed, so students are encouraged to continue developing their projects between sessions as needed for group collaboration and final productions. Regular at-home practice & development, watching/reviewing video links or on-line content, memorizing lines, costume assembly, etc. may be required but will not be onerous. 

It is SFS’s goal to fulfill most of the course requirements on the day of its in-person program which is why regular weekly attendance is mandatory for the collaboration between our students and execution of final projects.

 ➡️ View sample daily schedule for each program:

• Filmmaking (Monday)

• Performing Arts (Tuesday)

• Music (Wednesday)

Each program meets one day per week from 8:45 AM to 4:30 PM. Prompt arrival is required, as well as attending for the entire day. Students may also have optional project work or team collaboration outside of class. Occasional weekend field trips may be scheduled to support studio projects or creative exploration.

Yes. Consistent attendance is essential for team collaboration and project success. While occasional absences are understood, students should communicate with instructors in advance and make every effort to attend each week for the full scheduled day.

Yes.

ShineWorks classes may be counted for high school credit on your homeschool transcript if the student meets the time and engagement requirements. Families are responsible for tracking hours and documenting learning. ShineWorks will provide a semester grade to assist families in assigning transcript values, but does not issue official transcripts. Parents are responsible for translating credit and grade from ShineWorks to their student’s personal transcript as they see fit.

Credit Guidelines

According to CHEC, HSLDA, and other homeschool sites, high school credit is assigned based on instructional hours:

• Core subjects (English, math, history, science, foreign language): Require 150 hours for 1.0 credit (5 hours/week × 30 weeks) Lab science courses require 180 hours (150 + 30 lab hours)

• Electives (like film, music, performing arts): Typically require 120+ hours for 1.0 credit or 60+ hours for 0.5 credit Some families use the “6 hours/week over 172 days” model to assign 1.0 credit for high school-level electives
  

 ShineWorks Instructional Hours

Each ShineWorks program runs for 14 weeks per semester, totaling 28 weeks per year. Students attend one full day per week, with:

• 6.5 hours of in-person instruction per week → 6.5 hours × 28 weeks = 182 hours total

Additional learning includes:

• Several field trips per semester (estimated 12–15 hours/year)

• Occasional at-home project work (estimated 10–20 hours/year)

Estimated total instructional time: 200+ hours/year, which exceeds the threshold for 1.0 high school elective credit.

Grades & Evaluation

Semester grades are based on:

• Attendance and punctuality

• Participation and teamwork

• Attitude and effort

• Completion of projects and assignments

Homework may include script writing, rehearsals, editing, or creative planning—depending on the program.Grades are less about the perfection of a project and more about the student’s willingness and attitude to give their best effort—alongside positive collaboration and teamwork with other students and teachers. Families may request informal evaluations or rubrics to support transcript documentation.

Sources:

• CHEC: How to Plan for High School

• CHEC: How to Create a High School Transcript

• HSLDA: 3 Ways to Determine High School Course Credit

• Colorado Department of Education – Homeschool Overview

• Homeschool Wonderful: Transcript Credit Guidelines

Students should bring a notebook, water bottle, lunch or snack, and any assigned materials. All technical equipment and supplies are provided by ShineWorks unless otherwise noted.

On wet or snowy days, we ask students to kick off their outside shoes at the door—our studio is a creative space we protect from water, mud, and chemicals. Slippers or cozy indoor shoes are encouraged to keep things clean, safe, and comfortable while we work.

Is there a dress code policy?

Dress Code Policy:

ShineWorks is a working, hands-on studio environment, so clothing must be comfortable, functional, and modest—not too tight or too loose. 

Students must avoid:

• Spaghetti straps, short shorts, uncovered leggings, muscle tanks, or clothing which reveals undergarments.

• Clothing with inappropriate symbols, images, or language

• Ripped or hole-filled jeans, pants, or clothing (for safety and modesty)

• Hats may be worn at the teacher’s discretion

 For performances, field trips, or special events, a separate and specific dress code will be communicated by the teacher or administrator to both parent and student.

All essential equipment such as cameras, microphones, lighting, editing software, and studio tools is provided by ShineWorks during class time. Students do not need to bring their own gear for Filmmaking or Performing Arts.

For the Music Production Program, each student must bring a laptop to class. A basic Chromebook is completely fine for most of the work. ShineWorks will provide all software and subscriptions needed.

We also recommend that all students have access to a simple laptop or desktop computer at home for optional project work, writing, or reviewing footage.

For Performing Arts and Filmmaking, students may occasionally be asked to bring costumes, props, or personal items to support character work or production needs. ShineWorks provides shared costume pieces and creative materials, and families will always receive advance notice when personal items would be helpful.

Yes! Each semester culminates in a showcase, screening, or performance where students present their work to family, friends, and the community.

Yes. Returning students and those with prior experience may take on leadership roles, mentor younger peers, or contribute to ShineWorks Studios projects.

For second-year students, ShineWorks is actively developing a pathway that may include dual-credit options, internships, or mentorship programs aligned with each student’s creative focus and career goals. These opportunities are designed to deepen real-world experience and support long-term growth in the arts.

ShineWorks Film School is a non-religious program. Our curriculum centers on creative arts, collaboration, and technical skill development where every student can thrive.