Each week, we spotlight a unique family from A One-Room Schoolhouse, sharing their homeschooling journey, favorite traditions, and experiences with our hybrid model. Whether you’re curious about homeschooling or already part of our community, “Friday Family” offers inspiring stories, practical tips, and a peek into the lives of families who value education, flexibility, and quality family time. Join us every Friday to meet a new family and discover how AORSH can enrich your child’s learning experience!
A Journey with A One-Room Schoolhouse
At A One-Room Schoolhouse (AORSH), our community is built on the shared values and experiences of our families. Today, we are thrilled to introduce the Federico family, a cornerstone of our Main Campus in Hickory, PA. Paul and Abby Federico, along with their three children—Addie (10), Paul (8), and Vincent (5)—have been a part of AORSH for four years, bringing with them a deep commitment to education, faith, and family traditions.
In this Family Friday feature, we’ll explore the Federicos’ journey with AORSH, their educational philosophy, and how the Schoolhouse has impacted their lives. Let’s dive into the heart of this remarkable family.
A Close-Knit Family with Strong Traditions
The Federico family is one that cherishes time together and holds their traditions close. Every Sunday, without fail, they gather with extended family for what they call “Sunday Dinner.” This longstanding tradition brings together aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents for a day of connection, whether through cookouts, outdoor games, or indoor pizza parties, often accompanied by cheering on the Steelers. For decades, this ritual has been a cornerstone of their family life, providing a sense of continuity and togetherness that transcends generations.
Paul and Abby’s children, Addie, Paul, and Vincent, are active participants in this family tradition, which reflects their broader approach to life—one that emphasizes the importance of community, family bonds, and shared experiences. This focus on family extends into every aspect of their lives, including their approach to education.
Interests and Hobbies: A Love for Sports and the Outdoors
The Federico children are just as dynamic and engaged in their personal interests as they are in their family traditions. Addie, the eldest, is a vibrant 10-year-old who loves softball, volleyball, and karate. She also has a heart for service, frequently volunteering in the church nursery, where she helps care for younger children. Her brother Paul, 8, shares a similar passion for the outdoors. He loves hunting, fishing, baseball, and flag football, activities that allow him to connect with nature and engage in physical challenges. Vincent, the youngest at 5, is full of imagination and energy. He delights in outdoor play and actively participates in children’s events at church, such as Vacation Bible School (VBS) and Awanas.
As a family, the Federicos participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities. They are involved in baseball and softball, karate, volleyball, flag football, Trail Life, and church programs like Awanas and Sunday School. These activities not only keep them active but also provide a framework for teaching their children important values such as teamwork, perseverance, and faith.
Choosing a Homeschool Hybrid: Aligning with Family Values
When it came to choosing an educational path for their children, Paul and Abby knew they wanted something that would align with their family values and beliefs. As Christians, they prioritize an education that includes God and allows their children to explore their interests at their own pace. The homeschool hybrid model offered by AORSH was the perfect fit for the Federicos, combining the best of both worlds: the flexibility to educate their children at home and the structure of a school environment where their children could gain independence and socialization with peers.
Why A One-Room Schoolhouse?
The Federicos were drawn to AORSH for several reasons. One of the most significant factors was the outdoor component of the program. For their oldest child, Addie, being in nature has been beneficial for her attention and impulsivity. The opportunity to spend time outdoors, exploring the natural world, has been a crucial aspect of her development. For Paul and Vincent, who both love the outdoors, the chance to play and learn in nature during school hours is a dream come true.
Another key factor in their decision was how well the Schoolhouse’s overall beliefs and values aligned with their own. The Federicos appreciate that AORSH provides a comprehensive, individualized education that is rooted in high moral values. The curriculum, which gives glory to God for His creation, and the opening prayers each morning, resonate deeply with their Christian faith. This alignment of values has made AORSH not just a school but a community that feels like an extension of their family.
The Benefits of the Hybrid Model
The homeschool hybrid model at AORSH allows the Federico children to benefit from a structured academic environment while still enjoying the flexibility of learning at home. This balance has been particularly advantageous for Addie, who thrives on the accountability she has to her Schoolhouse teachers. When faced with challenging lessons at home, the motivation to complete her work knowing that her teacher is expecting it has helped her stay on track academically.
For Paul, who initially started as a Thursday-only student, the hybrid model provided a gentle introduction to school life. This gradual approach helped him build confidence and adjust to the Schoolhouse environment at his own pace. By the time he transitioned to attending all three days, he had developed a love for school and was eager to participate fully.
Vincent, who is just starting his journey at AORSH, is excited to join his siblings and experience the Schoolhouse’s unique blend of structured academics and outdoor exploration. The Federicos are confident that Vincent will thrive in this environment, just as Addie and Paul have.
Experiences and Reflections: Growth, Community, and Faith
The Federicos’ time at AORSH has been marked by significant growth and memorable experiences. Each of their children has flourished in different ways, reflecting the Schoolhouse’s commitment to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Academic Growth
One of the things Abby appreciates most about AORSH is the additional perspective that the Schoolhouse teachers provide. With their trained eyes on her children’s work, Abby feels reassured that her kids are on track academically. The teachers’ insights have helped her notice things that she might have missed, ensuring that her children are receiving a well-rounded education.
For Addie, the structured academic environment at AORSH has been particularly beneficial. She enjoys the traditional aspects of school, such as having specific lessons to complete and the accountability that comes with it. However, the flexibility of the homeschool hybrid model allows her to explore her interests in ways that a conventional school setting might not.
Paul, who was initially shy and hesitant about school, has grown significantly since joining AORSH. The supportive and nurturing environment has helped him come out of his shell, and he now looks forward to seeing his friends and participating in school activities. The small class sizes and the opportunity for unstructured outdoor play have been instrumental in his social and emotional development.
Social and Emotional Development
The social aspect of AORSH has been a positive experience for the Federico children, particularly for Addie, who is a social butterfly. Abby appreciates that the families at the Schoolhouse share similar values, which has helped minimize the drama and inappropriate behavior that can sometimes arise in school settings. This shared value system has created a safe and supportive environment where Addie can thrive socially.
For Paul, who is naturally more reserved, the smaller class sizes and the focus on outdoor play have been incredibly beneficial. He has developed a close-knit group of friends who have supported him through any nerves or worries he has had about school. This sense of community has been crucial in helping Paul grow socially and emotionally.
One of the most heartwarming experiences for the Federicos was during one of the Schoolhouse festivals. Paul, who was still adjusting to school life, was paired with an older student during a bottle rocket activity. The older boy not only made sure that Paul was included in the decision-making and decorating process but also gave Paul the bottle rocket to keep. This simple act of kindness had a profound impact on Paul’s confidence and made him feel valued and included. This experience exemplifies the supportive and inclusive culture at AORSH, where older students look out for younger ones and everyone feels like part of a big, caring family.
Faith and Values
The Federicos’ Christian faith is central to their lives, and they are grateful that AORSH supports and nurtures this aspect of their children’s education. The Schoolhouse’s practice of opening each day with prayer and its curriculum that acknowledges God’s role in creation resonate deeply with the Federico family. They appreciate that their children are being educated in an environment that upholds the same values they teach at home.
Abby and Paul believe that AORSH’s emphasis on faith and values has contributed significantly to their children’s development. They feel that the Schoolhouse has helped their children grow not just academically but also spiritually and morally. The presence of caring teachers who share their values has provided an additional layer of support, helping their children navigate the challenges of growing up in today’s world.
Looking Forward: Hopes and Dreams for the Future
As the Federicos look ahead to the 2024-2025 school year, they are filled with excitement and optimism. Addie, who is now in her fourth year at AORSH, is eager to continue her academic journey, while Paul and Vincent are looking forward to new adventures and learning opportunities.
One of the things Abby and Paul appreciate about AORSH is its continuous growth and evolution. They hope that as the Schoolhouse expands, it will continue to maintain its close-knit community and individualized approach to education. They are excited about the possibility of new locations being established, allowing more families to experience the benefits of the homeschool hybrid model.
Advice for Other Families
A piece of advice I would give to a family considering a homeschool hybrid model would be to give it a try! Especially for those who may be worried about taking on homeschooling and being responsible for the entirety of your child’s education, this option provides great support and will fill you with confidence. The Schoolhouse model also greatly helps with the socialization aspect that is oftentimes a worry for families. I know that as an introverted mom, the socialization that the Schoolhouse provides is something that I would not be able to match on my own!
Another great thing about the Schoolhouse is the parent volunteer component. It is so fun to volunteer and see how everything runs, get to know the other students and the teachers, and to enjoy the wonderful campus with your child/children.
A One-Room Schoolhouse has a couple of spots left for students in fourth grade and up at our Franklin Park Campus. If your family sounds like a schoolhouse family, click the application link below.
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