Students ages 13–21 who are actively homeschooling and have not yet graduated high school.

 We welcome beginners and returning students alike in both the filmmaking and performing arts. Music requires one year of private instrument lessons, minimum experience.

No. ShineWorks Film School is a supplemental enrichment program designed to support homeschool families with creative arts education.

Colorado families may homeschool under one of three legal pathways:

1. Notice of Intent (NOI): Submit a letter to any Colorado school district stating your intent to homeschool

2. Enrollment in an Umbrella School: Join a private school that oversees your homeschool program

3. Certified Teacher Option: Homeschool under the supervision of a Colorado licensed teacher or be a parent who is a certified teacher with up-to-date Colorado license.

Check out this RESOURCE to learn more about LEGALLY HOMESCHOOLING in CO: https://chec.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/CHEC-Guide-to-Homeschooling.pdf

SFS accepts students from all three pathways, as long as they are not enrolled in another publicly funded program.

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)

• 🎭 Performing Arts Program: Focuses on acting, movement, voice, character development, and stagecraft.
  View Performing Arts 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.

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.

At ShineWorks Film School, we prioritize the health and safety of all students, staff, and families. Please review the following guidelines for when to stay home and how we handle unexpected closures:

Illness & Communicable Conditions

Please keep your child home if they are experiencing any of the following:

• Fever over 100°F in last 24 hours

• Diarrhea with fever or vomiting in the last 24 hours

• Sore throat (possible strep throat)

• Eye infection (possible pink eye)

• Green nasal discharge

• Persistent crying, wheezing, or difficulty breathing

• *Head lice or scabies

• *Chickenpox, whooping cough, mumps, or measles

• *Hepatitis, salmonella, diphtheria, shigellosis, other communicable illness OR exposure to communicable illness

• Extreme fatigue or listlessness that prevents participation

If a student becomes ill during the day, an SFS staff member will contact the parent or authorized pickup person immediately. The student will be kept comfortably separated from others until pickup.

Families must report any known exposure to communicable illness to the SFS Administrator, even if the student is not showing symptoms.  In the event of a confirmed communicable illness, all families will be notified and the studio will be cleaned according to policy.

In the event of a regional health concern or outbreak, ShineWorks may cancel scheduled meetings or events to protect the well-being of our community. We will follow public health guidance and communicate all decisions promptly.

Adverse Weather

If weather conditions are unsafe, ShineWorks may cancel classes or events. The SFS Administrator will notify families via email and/or text. We do not expect families or staff to travel in dangerous conditions. If classes remain open, attendance is at the discretion of each family. We do NOT follow any local school closures or district closures, but we will include those in our decision making process.

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—cameras, microphones, lighting, editing software, and studio tools—is provided by ShineWorks during class time. Students do not need to bring their own gear.
We recommend students have access to a basic laptop or desktop computer at home for optional project work, writing, or reviewing footage. If any specialized software or subscriptions are needed for home use, ShineWorks will provide them.
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 we’ll always give advance notice when personal contributions are helpful.

Because public funding supports one creative focus per year, switching programs mid-semester is not permitted. Students may choose a different focus when re-enrolling for the next term.

 Yes. Registration for the upcoming school year closes on April 30th. Spots are limited, and programs may fill before the deadline—so we encourage families to begin the process early. To get started:

• Fill out an interest form

• Attend a Visitation Day

• Start your application

Families can request current pricing and payment options via the Contact page.

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

ShineWorks accepts students up to age 21 who are actively homeschooling and have not yet graduated. Graduated students may inquire about studio internships or assistant roles

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.

Yes. As long as the student continues to meet eligibility requirements, including active homeschooling status and no enrollment in other publicly funded programs, they may continue to receive state funding through ShineWorks for a second year.

ShineWorks Film School is committed to creating a safe and respectful space where students can collaborate, explore ideas, and grow as artists. All students and families are expected to uphold the following standards:

• Kindness and respect are non-negotiable. Bullying, harassment, and inappropriate language will not be tolerated. Disrespect of teachers, students, parents, or any property will be immediately addressed.

• Teamwork and integrity matter. Students are expected to contribute positively to group projects and communicate with honesty and care.

• Creative boundaries are in place. ShineWorks does not engage in the exploration or depiction of vulgar content, horror themes, unnecessary violence, or sexual material.

• Studio spaces are protected. Students are expected to treat equipment, costumes, and shared materials with care and responsibility.

ShineWorks Film School is a hands-on, team-based environment where students are encouraged to interact, collaborate, and stay present. To support this, we follow an “away for the day” policy for personal devices.

• Phones and personal tech must be turned off or silenced and stored in each student’s designated backpack or on-site storage space.

• Devices may be accessed before the 9:00 AM start and after the 4:30 PM dismissal.

• Students have access to the school phone line if they need to contact a parent during the day.

• Parents may also reach out to the school line in case of emergency.

• ShineWorks is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen devices, so students should secure them appropriately.

If a student does not follow the device policy, SFS staff will remove the device, notify the parent, and work with the student to reinforce respectful studio expectations.

ShineWorks Film School is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and creative environment where students collaborate, explore ideas, and grow as artists. Our discipline policy reflects our values of integrity, kindness, and personal responsibility, and complies with all applicable laws and BOCES guidelines.

• Respect is non-negotiable: Bullying, harassment, or inappropriate language will not be tolerated.

• Creative boundaries are clear: ShineWorks does not engage in the exploration or depiction of vulgar content, horror themes, unnecessary violence, or sexual material.

• Studio conduct matters: Students are expected to treat equipment, costumes, props, and shared materials with care, and contribute positively to group projects.

• Technology is “away for the day”: Phones and personal devices must be silenced and stored in backpacks or designated spaces. Devices may be accessed before 9:00 AM and after 4:30 PM. Students may use the school phone line if needed, and parents may contact the studio in case of emergency. ShineWorks is not responsible for lost or damaged devices. If the policy is not followed, staff will remove the device and notify the parent.

ShineWorks uses a restorative and progressive discipline model. Initial behavior concerns follow a 3-strike process:

1. Verbal reminder

2. Separation within the room or private conversation

3. Parent notification and/or separation outside the room

If behavior continues or safety is compromised, ShineWorks may take further action:

• Temporary removal from activity

• Suspension or dismissal if safety or conduct standards are violated

All actions are handled with discretion, compassion, and consistency. ShineWorks does not use corporal punishment and encourages students to resolve conflicts respectfully, seeking support from teachers or parents when needed.

Eligible students are funded through Colorado’s public education system via ShineWorks’ partnership with Education ReEnvisioned BOCES, a statewide charter authorizer. This funding allows homeschool families to access high-quality enrichment programs—like ShineWorks Film School—at no cost, aside from a one-time registration fee.

BOCES receives funding through state per-pupil allocations, which are part of Colorado’s public education budget. These funds are distributed to authorized programs based on student enrollment and are used to support instruction, staffing, compliance, and educational resources.

BOCES receives funding through state per-pupil allocations, which are part of Colorado’s public education budget. These funds are distributed to authorized programs based on student enrollment and are used to support instruction, staffing, compliance, and educational resources.

Where do Colorado’s per-pupil funds come from?
Per-pupil funding in Colorado is primarily drawn from a combination of state income and sales taxes, local property taxes, and federal education support. These funds are pooled and distributed by the state to support public education—including charter schools, enrichment programs, and homeschool partnerships like ShineWorks—based on student enrollment and program eligibility.

Government funds are used to support educational access and equity for Colorado students. By participating in ShineWorks, families are choosing a state-approved homeschool enrichment option that aligns with their values and learning goals. This funding covers instruction, equipment, curriculum, and studio resources—ensuring students receive professional-level creative training without financial barriers.

To qualify, students must:

• Be legally homeschooled under Colorado law*

Not be enrolled in any other publicly funded school or enrichment program

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