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DIVE DEEPER INTO OUR LEARNING POD EXPERIENCE
We value the voice of the child as it is their voice that is most important in the learning process. Therefore, our pod leaders put less emphasis on the time they spend teaching using their own voice
and more emphasis on the time learners spend LEARNING using THEIRS!
Learning Pods
THE PROFESSIONALISM OF PRIVATE EDUCATION
THE FLEXIBILITY OF HYBRID SCHEDULING &
THE CONTROL OF A HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM!
Our mixed-age, learning pod experience allows students the opportunity to learn and work in a social setting for a few days per week while also enjoying individualized education and family time at home. We present a developmentally appropriate curriculum for students in kindergarten (age 5) through 8th grade. We meet students where they are by presenting an adaptive curriculum that builds confidence and self-esteem by supporting learners who may need help filling in the gaps while allowing advanced learners to progress at a more accelerated pace. We believe effective learning and deep social relationships are best forged when children are given the opportunity to collaborate, connect, and get creative in small settings. Often, we get caught up the idea that children need "lots of friends" or that "socializing them" means herding them into a large group. But if you think of our own preferences, most adults enjoy intimate encounters with friends or a quiet working environment over large, crowded, anxiety-inducing settings where personal connections and the ability to focus are constantly being interrupted. Our "micro-model" offers a perfect blend of social interactions in an intimate setting where students can enjoy learning, playing, and growing together.
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”
~Plutarch
Our Environment
RESPECTFUL - CONSTRUCTIVE - COZY - CREATIVE
Our environment offers a cozy, home-like setting that allows students to learn in a calm, inclusive, and relaxed setting that bolsters confidence, creativity, and collaboration. Our community is helpful and respectful and our students embrace that each friend learns at his/her own pace. Our students are kind, gentle-hearted, and ready to embrace new friends). Our enrivonrment is learner-centric and adapts to each child's learning style. We offer flexible seating in the form of couches, bean bag chairs, bouncy seats, starndard tables and chairs, and other comfy spaces to work. Our space offers a tree-shaded greenspace and small picnic and play area for our daily dose of nature and gross motor play. Our small pod sizes help forge deep social relationships among our students and families. We embrace a culture of diversity, tolerance, and respect for all. We believe children are competent, creative, and collaborative learners who thrive when given the opportunity to explore in a comfortable, caring, and calm (but FUN!) atmosphere.
“Childhood is not a race to see how quickly a child can read, write and count. It is a small window of time to learn and develop at the pace that is right for each individual child. Earlier is not better”
~Magda Gerber
Teachers
INVESTED IN SUPPORTING HOME EDUCATION
We believe in investment. When selecting teachers, we look not only to qualifications and experience, but also to their support and enthusiasm in our philosophy and vision. We deeply understand that parents are ultimately in charge of their child’s education, and we are invested in supporting parents in that responsibility. Our staff embrace the notion that a child’s learning experience should be appropriate for his/her personal developmental level, not necessarily their age. This means that they are willing to set aside “old-school” teaching habits to create and curate the most meaningful, engaging, and customized curriculum for the students currently in their pod. Our teachers provide an educational experience that allows children to explore, learn, and grow in a way where they can thrive socially, cognitively, and emotionally. Hybrid teachers hold a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s in education (or closely related field) and have extensive experience working with students and families. Enrichment teachers have a background in education, child or human development, personal experience in homeschooling, or deep knowledge in their field.
“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.”
– Anonymous
Our Curriculum
INTERDISCIPLINARY, GLOBALLY-FOCUSED CURRICULUM THAT MEETS LEARNERS WHERE THEY ARE!
We believe in the natural curiosity and competency of children, and we strive to encourage, not quell, these innate traits! Our interdisciplinary, globally-focused approach inspires and excites learning! We support our parents' mission in home education by presenting a curriculum that integrates state standards fluidly through engaging unit studies, "living" books, purposeful activities, and collaborative projects. Our developmental, hands-on approach fosters confidence, self-esteem, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication. We provide instruction in the core subjects using a complementary blend of program-created resources and carefully selected boxed curriculum.
“We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.”~ Stacia Tauscher
Our "EdVentures"
YOUR EDVENTURES AWAIT!
We promote a high level of community-building and experiential learning through social enrichment and off-site "EdVentures" (aka field trips!). Our EdVentures range from social meetups at parks or docent-guided field trips at museums or nature centers, to apple-picking in the mountains. These events help students and families build deeper relationships with one another while exploring our beautiful community together. They also create a schema for future learning that is unparalled to anything that can be learned in a classroom. We know that children thrive in green settings where they can move, play, and explore more freely than when confined indoors. Therefore, most outings will be nature-focused, taking us to parks, nature centers, local trails, ponds, etc! We will also enjoy several "Day Away" trips throughout the year in which we venture a little further to experience life beyond the city! As homeschoolers, we understand that family is a top priority, therefore, all of our EdVentures are open to the whole family!
Restore balance. Most kids have technology, school and extracurricular activities covered. It’s time to add a pinch of adventure, a sprinkle of sunshine and a big handful of outdoor play.”
-Penny Whitehouse
Our Learners
CREATIVE, COLLABORATIVE, COMPETENT
We embrace diversity in all forms and aim to provide a warm, welcoming, and nuturing environment for all, sparking a sense of acceptance, compassion, and community spirit. We are a space for creative thinkers who love to learn. Our ideal learner is creative, constructive, and intellectually curious. They enjoy collaborating with others and diving deeply into subjects of interest. Our learners seek creative independence, extended periods of investigation, and a community who supports their intense will to learn. Our learning pods accomodate mild degrees of neuro- and/or academic diversity, including dyslexia, gifted/talented, processing disorders, managed ADD, or mild learning challenges. Though we are not specifcally trained in special education, we are happy to pair with your chosen support services to help your child thrive. We are not trained nor equipped to handle behavioral challenges or disorders and do not accept students with aggressive or disruptive tendencies. All families are required to attend a family introduction prior to receiving an offer.
The goal of early education should be to activate the child's own desire to learn.
-Maria Montessori
Our Families
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Our families are all homeschooling families who have joined in voluntary association to educate their children in a community setting. Our ideal parent understands that children have an intense and innate desire to learn. They understand that children can, and will, construct deep learning willingly when offered the right tools, space, time, and circumstances. They understand that the traditional model of education works well for many students, but stifles, crushes, and causes intense anxiety for creatives and intellectuals. Our parents realize that anxiety and fear are the antithesis of a constructive state of learning and they prohibit optimal development. Our families are diverse, respectful, and inclusive. We are the "moderate middle" - families who play well in the sandbox with people of differing faiths and beliefs, without judgement or intent to challenge. Our families promote a sense of community and belonging, respect cultural differences, and embrace the individuality of children. They are helpful, community-oriented, and generous with their time. Our families share a common goal: to help children thrive. Our families are willing to step in and step up to assist in the program. Each family will be asked to volunteer one day per semester. Parents may also serve as learning guides in elective classes. And of course, additional opportunities will be available throughout the year to join the fun!