The questions we get asked most, answered in one place. Don't see yours? Email Cristina.
Before You Register
Yes, and that is exactly what pop-up classes are for. Each one stands on its own, so you can come for a single Wednesday and see how your child takes to it before signing up for anything else.
Ten at most. Classes are kept small on purpose, so every child gets real attention and nobody gets lost in the group.
Classes are built for homeschooled children ages 8 to 12.
It runs anyway. Once a date is on the calendar it happens, however many children are registered.
She will let you know as soon as she can and refund that class in full.
Not at this time. Pricing is $45 per class, per child for pop-up classes and $175 per session, per child for seasonal sessions.
Registering requests a spot rather than holding one. Cristina will confirm availability and send payment details, and your spot is held once payment is received. Full terms are on the Policies page.
The Class Itself
Yes. Classes run 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and parents are not required to stay.
It depends on the class, and that is rather the point. Most mornings follow a similar shape: children arrive and settle in, gather for an introduction to the day's topic, spend a meaningful stretch of time outdoors, and then do hands-on work, usually with something to take home at the end. What fills those stretches changes completely from one class to the next.
Not exactly. The property is ten acres with plenty of open space, and every class moves between indoors and the outdoors. Nature is part of every morning, but it is one element of a well-rounded program rather than the whole identity.
Cristina does not subscribe to any single methodology, though much of what happens here aligns closely with a Charlotte Mason approach: living books, nature study, hands-on learning, and attention to the whole child.
No. Hickory Grove Schoolhouse is a low-tech environment for children. Please leave phones, tablets and smartwatches at home.
Getting There & Practicalities
Classes are held on our family's ten-acre property in Bainbridge Township, about ten minutes east of Chagrin Falls. We are renovating our detached carriage house into a classroom, and part of every class happens outdoors regardless of the weather. You will receive the exact address once your registration is confirmed and payment is received.
A labeled water bottle, and clothing they can be outside in. Everything else is provided.
Dress for the outdoors and for the weather. Sturdy footwear matters. Rain boots or hiking sandals are a good idea, as the property has several wet spots. On rainy days, send a change of clothes.
We go outside in nearly all weather, so please dress your child for the conditions. When temperatures drop into the teens, outdoor time is shortened, and in severe weather activities move indoors. Details are on the Policies page.
Keep them home and let Cristina know. For pop-up classes, cancelling at least 24 hours ahead means a full refund. Inside that window, contact Cristina to discuss. Full cancellation terms are on the Policies page.