The programs are available through a special summer program at Mid-Pac, which allows homeschoolers age 7 to 13 the opportunity to learn in a unique school setting where parents are welcome.

Erik Wessel, a 10-year-old participant in all three classes, loves being homeschooled, but said being at Mid-Pac has definite advantages. "They have all this cool equipment, sensors and stuff," he said. "It helps going to these classes for some of these things we can't do easily at home."

His mom, Jill, agrees. She likes that the classes are taught by professionals but retain a homeschool environment, since parents can stay to observe the classes. "They get the best of school and the best of family," she said.

Mid-Pac opened its doors to these homeschoolers as a way to give back to the community, a pledge the school made to donors when raising money for their nine-month-old technology center.

But Richard Schaffer, the high school principal, who has two homeschooled youngsters of his own, admitted the offerings are not completely altruistic. By allowing the students to experience the best faculty and facilities Mid-Pac has to offer, he hopes their families will consider the school if the children move into a traditional school setting.

That's one of the reasons why 12-year-old Jordan Moore was interested in taking the classes. Although he has no plans to move to a traditional school, he said, "I wanted to see what Mid-Pac was like."

His only complaint is that the classes shorten his summer vacation. He would take classes again next summer, but not all three, he said. "I've always known summer to be a chance to relax and have fun," he said. "I'm having fun here, but I'd like some time to relax."

While the homeschoolers can take Mid-Pacific's regular summer school courses, the three courses geared for them have advantages.

Wessel finds it easier to relate to other homeschooled kids. Although he was in regular school until the middle of the third grade, he said, "I never really had any friends until I was a homeschooler."

The Wessels and several other families participating in the summer program belong to the Hawai'i Homeschool Association, which keeps homeschool kids from feeling isolated through regular get-togethers, a swim team, camping and other activities.

Taking the summer courses strengthens the bond between the families in the association, Jill Wessel said.

She would like the opportunity to put her children into classes more often. "I think that a lot of homeschoolers would be very interested in what the schools have to offer," she said.

Principal Schaffer said he and the president of Mid-Pac would like to offer classes for part-time students, as well as Internet course options — not just for homeschoolers, but also for those who have long commutes or other reasons to study at home.

Schaffer's son Jake, 10, said coming to class is easy because he lives on campus. He has previously taken some of the regular summer offerings at Mid-Pac, such as magic, blues and tennis, but he prefers the homeschool classes. While he enjoyed the magic class, he said, "I think the homeschool class gets to use more of the equipment and do more fun stuff."

Teri Espinosa said she enrolled her daughters in the drama class because they have enjoyed previous Shakespeare programs.

Her girls participate in many activities, such as Girl Scouts, a jump-rope club and the Awana Club at church. She likes the drama class at Mid-Pac because it helps increase self-confidence. In addition, "They learn how to be part of a group. They just enjoy being with the other kids and being on stage," she said.

Capris Avis, 11, who has been homeschooled for the past four years, enjoys studying in a group. "I love making new friends and I like acting," she said. "It's just a blast."