FAQ

Curriculum

What is a learning guide?

Our tried-and-true learning guides provide step-by-step instructions that allow a student to move through the learning process with confidence. This self-guided approach fosters independence, understanding and use of information through assignments and activities. Students progress at the right pace for them, moving quickly when the sailing is smooth, taking more time when they hit rougher waters. Additionally, each learning guide has designated checkpoints for the teacher and ends with a final exam, allowing the teacher to easily ensure success.

Thousands of students and parents have found this approach extremely effective and much more engaging and enjoyable than other approaches. We agree. That’s why we work as hard on creating the learning guides as we do on the books themselves!

Does my child require any special skills to complete your self-paced courses?

While no special skills are required, to achieve the best results in independent study, we highly recommend that students and parents understand the study method covered in these books by L. Ron Hubbard: Learning How to Learn (ages 6-11), Study Skills for Life (ages 12-17) or The Basic Study Manual (ages 18 and up). These books can be obtained from Effective Education Publishing, 12424 Lusher Road, St. Louis, MO 63138. Call 1-800-424-5397 or email education@appliedscholastics.org.

How can I find out what supplies and other materials a student will need to obtain?

Required additional books and materials (other than basic academic supplies) are either noted in the “Materials You Need to Supply” section of the course description, or given via a separate Materials List link on the course description page. For unusual materials, supplier suggestions are often included.

Used bookstores and libraries can be checked for textbooks. One of the best sources for used textbooks is Follett Educational Services. Their inventory changes frequently, so they can be rechecked to see if a particular book has become available. Another good source is the textbook depository of your local school district. Call your school district or board of education for contact information.

(Please note that because books can go out of print without notice, it is best to locate copies of the books needed for a course before ordering your materials from Heron Books. However, out-of-print books can usually be found through used bookstores, text suppliers or on Amazon.com.)

Can I make copies of the Heron Books materials I purchase?

Just as with any textbook you purchase, our books are copyrighted and should not be copied. Learning Guides are downloadable and can be copied or downloaded as often as you wish.

Do you offer curriculum for diagnostic testing?

We offer exams for individual courses, which are intended to be used after the course is completed. Some Math and Spelling courses have diagnostic tests that can be taken prior.

Ordering

How can I check my order status?

Your order confirmation, order processing and order shipment will be emailed to you. For other questions, email sales@heronbooks.com.

How do I pay for the materials I want to buy?

We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover Card credit cards.

What do I get when I order a course?

A Heron Books course generally consists of a course learning guide, a study booklet (text), and an after-course examination.

How fast do you ship orders and what shipping company do you use?

We are a print on demand publisher. We typically ship all orders within 48 hours of receipt. Items shipping outside the United States are shipped First Class or Priority Mail via the U.S. Postal Service. If you have questions or need special shipping arrangements, please email us.

What is your refund policy?

Heron Books will refund unmarked, unstamped, resaleable materials within 30 days of invoice date for any reason, for a full refund or account credit (excluding original shipping charge). Please explain the reasons or circumstances for the return. Shipping charges on returned materials shall be paid by the customer.

What is your privacy policy?

You will be asked to opt in to our mailing list and may select not to have your name, address or email address shared with our affiliate school.

Other Questions

Is Heron Books part of any religious organization or group?

No, it is not.

Heron Books operates independently of any church, religious organization or group. It exists to provide effective non-religious educational materials to schools, homeschoolers, families and students of all (or no) religious persuasions.

What is Heron Books’ Relationship with L. Ron Hubbard or the Church of Scientology?

L. Ron Hubbard (1911-1986) is well-known as the founder of the Church of Scientology. He also wrote about many non-religious topics, including study, education, ethics and management. We are proud to offer several books based on these writings, all of which are clearly presented as “based on the works of L. Ron Hubbard.”

Heron Books is not affiliated with the Church of Scientology.

We strive to be inclusive in all our materials, and we consider it important to our brand to have no “agenda” whether that be left vs. right, secular vs. religious, evolutionist vs. creationist.

What is Applied Scholastics and what is their relationship with Heron Books?

Applied Scholastics® is a non-profit educational organization formed in 1972 to provide effective services and materials based on L. Ron Hubbard’s research and discoveries in the fields of study and education.

As an educational publisher, Heron Books is licensed by Applied Scholastics to develop and publish books and materials based on Hubbard’s non-religious writings.

What is Heron Books’ association with the Delphian School?

Heron Books was established in 1976 as a sister organization to the Delphian School, a non-religious K-12 boarding school in Oregon. Its purpose was to create high quality materials for Delphian as an early adopter of proficiency- or mastery-based education.

Over time, the popularity of these materials grew. Today our materials are used by individuals, schools, tutors and homeschoolers around the world.

Heron Books operates under a corporate umbrella with Delphian, and its offices are located on the Delphian campus. Our team of writers, artists, sales and production staff all assist in academic or extra-curricular activities within the school, while also collaborating with the school’s faculty in the ongoing development of new and better books and learning materials. This unique collaborative relationship allows us to test and refine our materials through work with actual students and teachers.

Where can I visit schools that use Heron School Programs?

The following schools use Heron School Programs:

Delphian School
PreK-12 boarding and day

20950 S.W. Rock Creek Road
Sheridan, OR 97378
503-843-3521

delphian.org

Delphi Academy of Boston

PreK-8 day
564 Blue Hill Avenue
Milton, MA 02186
617-333-9610

delphiboston.org

Delphi Academy of Florida
PreK-12 day

1831 Drew Street
Clearwater, FL 33765
727-447-6385

delphifl.org

Delphi Academy of Los Angeles
PreK-12 day