When we meet
Catholic Schoolhouse Merrillville meets on Tuesday mornings. The school year lasts 24 weeks and is divided into 4 quarters. Each quarter lasts 6 weeks, with 1 week off between quarters. On the off weeks, we take time to rest, reset, and enjoy a field trip that explores a topic the scholars have just learned about.
Visit the calendar page for more information about when classes run and other chapter events.
Where we meet
We are blessed with a wonderful church/school to meet – St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church, 557 W. 57th Avenue, Merrillville, IN 46410
Meet the Catholic Schoolhouse Merrillville Coordinator Team
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR – CLAIRE ROSARIO
Greetings! We are so glad you found your way to Catholic Schoolhouse Merrillville. I am a proud military wife and homeschool mom to three, soon to be four littles. I’ve taught Math in both public and parochial schools. I love math’s predictable and formulaic nature and inspiring students to love it as much as I do! As the administrative coordinator, I do my best to keep us all organized and running like a well-oiled machine. The wonderful community for both my children and me is one of the biggest blessings of Catholic Schoolhouse. I look forward to sharing it with you and your family!
COMMUNITY COORDINATOR – ALIVIA BROOKS
Hi everyone, Before joining Catholic Schoolhouse and starting out as a stay-at-home mom with two young children, I was so lost. I knew I wanted to homeschool but didn’t know how. I knew I needed faithful friends but didn’t know where to look. Then, by the grace of God, I met a wonderful member of our chapter at our local library, and God answered all my prayers!
Before starting my homeschooling journey, I had the privilege of teaching instrumental music in West Lafayette, IN, where my love for teaching children expanded. I am so blessed that God has allowed me to homeschool my three young children.
Joining Catholic Schoolhouse has been such a blessing. I’ve learned so much from the other moms and children which sparked my interest in becoming the Community Coordinator for our chapter. I get to plan fun activities for us to all stay connected and feel supported. My kids and I are surrounded by strong, faithful families which is truly inspiring and special. Our faith life has grown tremendously, and friendships, encouragement, and lots of laughs have been shared during our time here, which is why I’m excited to serve our community in this way!
I’m truly so glad you found us! I pray that your homeschool journey is peaceful and purposeful and you have support along the way. Hope our paths cross soon. God bless!
COMMUNITY COORDINATOR – EMILY GROTHOFF
Welcome! My love of classical education started as a homeschool student. It lead me earn a M.A. in Latin and a Doctorate in Jurisprudence. I’ve taught Latin at the high and college level and worked as a public defender. Now as a homeschooling mother watching my children develop a love of learning has been one of my greatest joys. I’m happy to lean on my unique background and love of the Latin language to help our Catholic Schoolhouse chapter. As facility coordinator, I work closely with our amazing host church/school. I am looking forward to planning some fun projects for our community to serve St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church.
SUPPLY COORDINATOR – BECKY MCSHANE
Hi, I’m so glad you found your way here. I am a wife and mom of three children spanning the ages of high school to grammar school. I grew up in Chicagoland, but my husband called Ireland home until he immigrated here as a working adult.
We started homeschooling in 2020, and what a blessing it has been for our family. The flexibility it has provided us during challenging times has provided lifelong benefits for our children. Catholic Schoolhouse answered many prayers as our family sought the attributes of Classical education and simplicity. I hope you find the time to come visit us and experience the community of our Catholic Schoolhouse chapter. The friendships and support are something I pray every homeschooling family can experience.
As our chapter’s supply coordinator, I ensure that all classes have the supplies they need each week and keep everything organized. I use my Mom superpower of knowing where everything is to benefit our chapter. I look forward to hopefully meeting you and your family soon!
PROGRAM COORDINATOR & TEAM DIRECTOR – MARY KATE SOSNOWSKI
Hi there! I’m a proud homeschool graduate and happy to call Northwest Indiana my home. I have the privilege of being a wife to my amazing husband Vince and together we’re raising our two incredible daughters whom I have had the joy of homeschooling right from the start.
My professional journey began in the healthcare field when I earned my AAS and gained valuable experience working as a Physical Therapist Assistant at local hospitals. However, my true calling led me to embrace the roll of a full-time homeschooling mom.
I’m truly excited and feel immensely blessed to be part of the vibrant community at Catholic Schoolhouse Merrillville, where I currently serve as Program Coordinator and Team Director. The opportunity to contribute to a wonderful educational program rooted in the Catholic faith and bring its enriching values to Northwest Indiana fills me with deep joy!