Frequently Asked Questions
Why HomeGrown for my family?
We could give you many reasons why HomeGrown might be the right fit for your family, but the most important reason is the students at HomeGrown are receiving an education that is rooted in the truth of God’s Word. Class sizes are small and students will receive individualized instruction! If you’d like to schedule a time to learn more about why you should choose HomeGrown, please contact Jamie or Alena to schedule a phone call or meeting.
What does the morning look like at HomeGrown?
Students will arrive at the First Christian Church at 8:00. The day will begin with student choice centers and will transition to Bible time. We will have a daily chapel at 8:30 which will be led by local pastors. From 9:00-12:00 students will receive instruction in reading, writing, phonics/spelling, math, science, history, and art. There will be time for whole group lessons as well as individualized instruction time.
What does the afternoon look like at HomeGrown?
From 12:00-1:00 students will have lunch and recess. At 1:00 students will have a quiet hour. During this time, students are able to rest or read silently. From 2:00-3:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays guest speakers will join us to tell students about their career, hobbies, or something they’d like to share with students. On Mondays and Wednesdays, students will be able to work on homework assignments, research topics of interest, make crafts, play collaboratively with peers etc. HomeGrown will remain open until 4:30.
What ages do you accept?
We accept students ages 5-12. They must turn 5 on or before September 15. We plan to expand our service through 8th grade in the coming years.
How many children will be in a class?
We have a maximum of 10 students per class.
Why do you have community speakers on Tuesdays and Thursdays?
Community involvement is an important piece of the HomeGrown vision. We want our students to be exposed to as many positive role models as possible so they can better understand what being a productive member of a thriving community looks like. We believe that experiential learning is as important as learning academics in the classroom. By connecting our students with learning opportunities by professionals and community members, we hope to create diverse and meaningful learning connections and experiences for our students.
What about extracurriculars and exploratory classes?
Dual enrollment for extracurriculars and exploratory classes is available to families through the public school, depending upon the homeschool choice the parents select.
What type of education would my child receive at HomeGrown?
HomeGrown provides a Christ-centered education. This means the academics are taught through a biblically based worldview by teachers and staff members who care for their students’ educational, spiritual, and physical needs. They receive instruction in reading, writing, phonics/spelling, math, science, history, and art while integrating biblical truth into all areas of learning and activities. Student to teacher ratio never exceeds 10:1, so students have plenty of opportunity for individualized instruction and encouragement.
What curriculum does HomeGrown use?
HomeGrown Christian Learning Center uses My Father's World Christian homeschool curriculum for instruction. My Father’s World combines the best of Charlotte Mason's ideas, Hebraic classical education, and unit studies with a biblical worldview and global focus.
How is HomeGrown funded? Why?
HomeGrown is privately funded through tuition by the families that enroll. Education Savings Account (ESA) dollars through the state private school voucher program are not accepted at HomeGrown because we are not a state accredited facility. We chose to not become accredited at this time to exercise our freedoms within our program.
How will I know if my child is on track with their education?
Parent and teacher communication will be ongoing throughout the academic calendar year. Communication between parents and teachers will happen naturally as students progress through academic content. Students will also compile work in a progress binder throughout the year. Teachers and parents will formally meet quarterly for a conference to discuss student progress.
Is HomeGrown a profit or non-profit?
HomeGrown is a non-profit (501c3) organization.
Where is HomeGrown located?
HomeGrown Christian Learning Center will operate at the First Christian Church for the 2023-2024 calendar year. The First Christian Church is located at 300 South Main Street in Osceola, Iowa.
Does HomeGrown support students with special needs?
Currently, we do not have the resources, training, and staff needed to support most students who have IEPs or 504 documents.
Does HomeGrown provide financial assistance?
Financial assistance is not given to families currently.We are hopeful that scholarships from area churches or businesses will help applicants with the cost of attending HomeGrown in the future.
What form of Christianity does HomeGrown teach?
We have no denominational or doctrinal agenda. We introduce students to God the Father as Creator, God the Son as Jesus our Savior, and God the Holy Spirit as our Helper. The curriculum we use, My Father’s World, leaves interpretation of biblical doctrine to each family as God leads them.
How do you include traditional homeschool families?
Traditional homeschool families that choose to do academics at home fit in very well with our afternoon program. Our afternoon program is designed to promote a sense of community. We will have community speakers and time for social interactions with peers.