About Us
Helping Homeschoolers Since 2002
The Talega Preparatory Academy inspires and empowers the next generation of Californians to excel academically, athletically, and creatively by offering homeschooling families flexibility and the freedom to choose among curricular options and academic supports essential to student success. TPA recognizes that each student is a unique individual with distinct strengths and weaknesses, interests, and aptitudes that respond best to an individualized learning program tailored to the student’s learning style, academic levels, and personal goals. By providing a variety of courseware options and tutorial supports, we ensure that students engage academically with interest and excitement as they achieve their specific goals.
Marguerite Gaspar
Marguerite Gaspar, M.S.
California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Supplementary Authorization, General Science
Reading Specialist Certification
Founder & Director
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Marguerite Gaspar is the founder and director of Talega Preparatory Academy and the Athletes 1st Academy Program. She has homeschooled her three children and has been a California-credentialed classroom teacher since 1991. She is an advocate of educational freedom of choice and works to provide every child the most appropriate educational setting to ensure success.
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Jennifer Schmit
Jennifer Schmit, B.S.
Mathematics, Statistics
CHN Local Contact
Homeschool Veteran, Blogger, Tutor
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Jennifer is the Co-Founder of Talega Prep. She homeschooled her three children for over 20 years, served for over a decade as a CHN local support representative, and has worked as a statistician for the Department of Defense and in consumer marketing. She continues with us as a consultant.
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The Talega Preparatory Academy opened in 2002 when homeschooling mom, Jennifer Schmit, reached out to her classroom teacher sister, Marguerite Gaspar, seeking an ISP umbrella program to support her local homeschool group members. A strong advocate of homeschooling, Marguerite was eager to help. Together, they formed the Talega Preparatory Academy with the goal of providing homeschool families with expert support and the freedom and flexibity to educate their children, their way.
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Katie
Katie, Administrative Assistant, OGTPA
Hi! I'm Katie. I focus on new enrollments, responding to emails, and answering student questions.
I'm an original generation TPA alum.
Art, math, and swimming have always been my passions, and
homeschooling gave me the flexibility to really pursue those interests.
I graduated with a BS in mathematics in 2014 and have been fortunate to work in fields related to each of my interests since. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
Meet our Educational Facilitators and Tutors
Our Academic Support package provides your family with an Education Facilitator (EF) to guide your student’s progress, help with time management, organizational skills, and study skills.
Your EF will meet with your student once per week to review progress, answer questions, and offer structured support and accountability that assist your student to maintain adequate progress throughout the year.
Our EFs have years of experience teaching, tutoring, and supporting students of all ages and are devoted to seeing each child succeed in school.
You may arrange tutoring directly with any of our tutors by contacting them directly.
Private one-to-one tutoring fees are $30-65/session (30-60min), prescheduled or on demand by appointment .
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Laura Fries, EF
Hello! My name is Laura Fries. I earned a BA in English at The University of Florida, and I have been a full-time teacher for 29 years. I have tutored outside the classroom during my entire career. I've also led many seminars and small group sessions on motivation, organization, and study skills. I love all things Language Arts: Literature, Writing, Analysis, etc... I can't say that I love Grammar, but I am able to help with this, as well! Being proficient at all kinds of writing is crucial to academic success, and I especially love working with students in this area.
I have lived in Florida my entire life and I enjoy the beach, reading, cooking, traveling, and time with family. I have one grown daughter who is a professional photographer. I look forward to helping your child succeed in English! Contact me here to schedule a session.
Hello! My name is Christy and I love helping students understand Math!
I have a 4-year bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Clayton State University. I am a certified Tutor and have tutored at all levels of Mathematics in Elementary, Middle and High School level courses. I have been tutoring Math for nearly 15 years. From basic Elementary Math to upper college level Mathematics, such as Calculus and beyond, there is not a Math that I could not help a student understand.
I live in Huntsville, AL with my wonderful husband and 2 kids. I love spending time with my family as well as traveling, reading and DIY projects. I am looking forward to meeting your student and helping them build their confidence in Math! Contact me here to schedule a session.
Hello! I’m Sheila, and I have a passion for helping kids discover the love of learning especially for math!
I tutor science and math courses from middle school to precalculus. I have a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from UAB and have taught many different math and science courses.
My specialty is helping kids who have traditionally struggled with math find their inner math genius.
I have homeschooled my four children and love spending time with my family going on adventures to the beach, the mountains or wherever life takes us. Contact me here to schedule a session.