Meet Kenzi and Rylee White!!

Kenzi, an 8-year-old animal lover, and Rylee, her 6-year-old sister, are two energetic girls with a passion for exploring the world around them. Both sisters are deeply enthusiastic about animals, especially horses. Kenzi is a proud member of 4-H, eagerly preparing to embark on market animal projects in the upcoming spring, planning to showcase goats and pigs at the fair. Her interests span from spending time at her grandparents’ farm to indulging in arts and crafts, coloring, and building. Meanwhile, Rylee shares Kenzi’s love for animals and is especially fond of horses. When she’s not riding or playing with animals, she enjoys card games, crafting, and tumbling on the trampoline. As a 4-H Cloverbud, Rylee is excited to join her sister in showing animals when she’s old enough.

This year marks Kenzi’s second and Rylee’s first year of homeschooling, with their first year at A One-Room Schoolhouse (AORSH). The family has embraced this change, enjoying a mix of home-based learning and the collaborative environment of AORSH.

White Family Life!

The White Family is passionate about sports, particularly competitive cheerleading, where both girls shine. Kenzi is now in her fourth season, while Rylee is in her third. In addition to cheer, both sisters are dedicated softball players, enjoying the sport in both spring and fall.

The White family loves to travel, often in connection with their cheer competitions. They cherish the time spent with their cheer family, staying in hotels before competitions, where swimming and camaraderie set the tone for a successful day. Their travel adventures extend to twice-yearly visits to Texas to see family, a summer beach trip, and an occasional camping getaway. Back home, downtime is spent on house projects or helping out at the grandparents’ farm, fostering a sense of togetherness and connection with nature. Local outings to places like Top Golf, movie nights, or swimming at their uncle’s house with cousins are other treasured family moments.

A Family’s Approach to Education

Shifting Perspectives on Learning

The family’s experience with education has evolved significantly. After time in the public school system, they realized that education is not one-size-fits-all. Kenzi and Rylee each have distinct learning styles—Kenzi thrives with visual, game-based learning, while Rylee responds best to auditory instruction. Their homeschooling journey has allowed them to tailor educational experiences to each child’s needs, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts.

Choosing a Homeschool Hybrid Model

After a year of homeschooling with Kenzi, it became clear that both girls would benefit from the social interaction that a hybrid model offers. They enjoy learning at home but also crave the energy and engagement of a different environment. This realization led to their decision to join AORSH.

Experiences at A One-Room Schoolhouse

Connections with friends already attending AORSH, coupled with the appealing schedule and teaching methods, played a pivotal role in the family’s decision to enroll. They appreciated AORSH’s curriculum, which includes “The Good and the Beautiful” and a structured rotation for subjects and electives. The hands-on learning opportunities and family-like atmosphere felt like the perfect fit.

Gone are the days of morning struggles and tears over school. The girls are now excited to learn, and their newfound enthusiasm for education has been a transformative change.

The family’s primary goal is for their daughters to genuinely understand what they are learning. Kenzi struggled with the fast-paced environment of public school, often feeling overwhelmed. At AORSH, the more hands-on, exploratory approach suits her perfectly, allowing her to progress at her own pace. The girls also benefit from ample outdoor time, which is crucial for their active natures. AORSH’s mix of indoor learning and outdoor play fosters a love of learning and keeps the girls engaged and curious.

What the family appreciates most about AORSH is the active involvement of parents. Volunteering in the classroom offers a firsthand view of their children’s learning, allowing them to see how their daughters engage with lessons and participate in class activities. This involvement has enriched their understanding of the girls’ strengths and challenges, inspiring new ideas for learning techniques.

AORSH has fostered a genuine love of learning in Kenzi, who now eagerly seeks new ways to grasp challenging concepts. For Rylee, who has always been diligent, AORSH has demonstrated that education can be more than just traditional lessons—it’s an adventure filled with hands-on activities and exploration.

A Favorite School Memory

Kenzi’s most memorable moment so far was when the exotic pets visited to kick off their Mammals Unit in Science. She was thrilled to hold a snake and loved every moment of the experience. Rylee’s favorite memory is from when the Fire Department came to school; she was ecstatic to get hands-on experience with the fire hose!

A Message of Gratitude

The family is grateful for the nurturing community they’ve found at AORSH—a place where both children and parents are seen, heard, and valued.

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The Hickey family—Shelley, Jaison, and their 8-year-old son, Liam—are a fun-loving trio dedicated to learning, adventure, and living life with purpose. From raising animals on their small homestead to traveling and exploring the world, their days are filled with exciting discoveries and hands-on experiences that go beyond a traditional lifestyle.

A Holistic Approach to Health and History

Shelley is passionate about holistic healing and natural wellness, always seeking ways to keep her family healthy in body, mind, and spirit. Jaison, a history enthusiast, finds joy in sharing his knowledge of ancient civilizations and modern events with Liam. Together, they’ve instilled a love for learning in Liam, who is always eager to experiment with science projects or explore their farm. For the Hickeys, education isn’t just about books; it’s a lifestyle enriched by the family’s adventures, pursuits, and curiosities.

Tweed Hill Homestead: A Sustainable Lifestyle

The Hickeys are proud caretakers of their small homestead, Tweed Hill Homestead, where they raise chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, and pigs. Their farming philosophy focuses on fostering natural animal behaviors and promoting optimal health, free of antibiotics, hormones, and harmful chemicals. This approach not only supports the animals’ well-being but also provides nutritious, local food for the Hickey family and their community.

Through his role on the farm, Liam has learned valuable life skills like responsibility, resilience, and a deep respect for nature. Farming connects the family to the natural world, creating a daily rhythm grounded in sustainable living.

A Life Full of Activity and Play

When he isn’t helping out on the farm, Liam enjoys a variety of activities, from playing baseball to practicing jiu-jitsu, swimming, and building exciting projects with Crunch Labs kits. Shelley and Jaison stay active alongside him, ensuring he has a balanced lifestyle that includes movement, learning, and play.

Each year, the Hickeys look forward to their annual camping trip to a family farm in Michigan, where they reconnect with relatives and continue their learning journey through outdoor adventures. Whether they’re fishing, stargazing, enjoying campfires, or simply soaking up the peaceful beauty of the farm, these trips are a cherished family tradition.

A Tailored Approach to Education: Choosing A One-Room Schoolhouse

When it came to Liam’s education, Shelley and Jaison wanted something that would allow him to see the world from various perspectives. They chose A One-Room Schoolhouse (AORSH) for its flexible, hybrid homeschooling model that aligns with their values. The program’s hands-on, experience-based approach has been a perfect fit for Liam, allowing him to learn through real-life lessons and everyday adventures.

Genevieve Peterson’s inspiring leadership drew them to A One-Room Schoolhouse, as her dedication to providing personalized education for every child resonated deeply with their educational philosophy. “Mrs. Peterson really understood the importance of tailoring education to each child’s unique needs,” Shelley explains. “That’s exactly what we wanted for Liam.”

For the Hickeys, the world itself is a classroom. They study history through travel, learn science through farming, and integrate life skills into their daily routines, making education a natural and enjoyable part of life.

Personal Insights and Advice for Other Parents

Throughout their homeschooling journey, the Hickeys have gained insights they love to share with other parents considering a similar path. Their top advice? Don’t be afraid to take the leap.

“We know it’s intimidating to step away from traditional schooling,” Shelley admits. “But homeschooling doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. There’s a supportive community out there, from programs like AORSH to online resources and local homeschool groups.”

Jaison encourages parents to trust their instincts and be open to exploring a non-traditional path if it feels right. “It’s okay to think outside the box,” he says. “Every child learns differently, and it’s our job as parents to find what works best for them.”

For the Hickeys, homeschooling has been more than just academics—it’s allowed them to bond, explore, and let Liam learn in ways that genuinely resonate with him. Their final piece of advice? Take things one step at a time, find a program that matches your values, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. With the right support, homeschooling can be an incredibly fulfilling experience for both the child and the parents.

The Hickey family’s journey is a testament to the idea that education doesn’t have to be confined to a classroom. Life itself offers endless opportunities for learning, and for them, the path less traveled has made all the difference.

The post Meet the Hickey Family: A Journey of Learning, Adventure, and Sustainable Living appeared first on A One Room Schoolhouse.

Welcome to Family Friday! Today, we’re excited to introduce the Routch family—a vibrant family of five who recently joined the A One-Room Schoolhouse community. With a love for adventure, a strong commitment to faith, and a focus on holistic education, the Routch family brings a unique perspective to homeschooling and hybrid learning.

Meet the Routch Boys: Timmy, Charlie, and Wesley

The Routch family is full of energy and creativity, thanks to their three adventurous boys: Timmy (10), Charlie (8), and Wesley (5). Timmy and Charlie are passionate about sports, both collecting sports cards and playing various sports throughout the year. They share a love for building LEGO creations, which is a favorite pastime for all three boys. Meanwhile, Wesley spends time in his imaginative “Wesley’s Wacky and Wonderful World,” where he uses craft supplies to create adorable and inventive projects.

When they aren’t building or crafting, Timmy and Charlie enjoy reading and journaling through their chapter books, while Wesley loves to have picture books read to him. The boys are also musically inclined—Timmy and Charlie play the piano, and Wesley is set to start his piano lessons this year.

A Family that Plays Together: Sports and Extracurricular Activities

The Routch family is active and enjoys a variety of sports and outdoor activities. Timmy and Charlie participate in flag football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball in the spring. This coming year, Wesley will be joining his brothers in all three leagues for the first time, adding to the fun and excitement. Outside of sports, the boys enjoy spending time in nature and engaging in outdoor adventures like hiking, creek stomping, four-wheeling, kayaking, going for walks, and bike rides. The family loves campfires in their backyard and cherishes their annual trips to the beach and Yogi Bear Campground.

Family Life and Traditions: Work Hard, Play Hard

In the Routch family, there is a strong emphasis on balance. They have a family motto: “Work hard and play hard!” Every day, there are clear expectations for the boys regarding their educational goals, daily chores, and areas of behavior they are incentivized to improve upon. However, each day is also filled with hours of unstructured play, allowing the boys to embark on whatever adventures or hobbies they wish to pursue.

As a family, the Routch family cherish their time together, especially when it involves outdoor adventures. From hiking and creek stomping to kayaking and bike rides, they find joy in exploring nature and creating lasting memories. Campfires, beach trips, and visits to Yogi Bear Campground are highlights of their year, where they bond and enjoy the simple pleasures of being together.

Our Approach to Education: Strong Muscles, Strong Minds, Soft Hearts

The Routch family’s educational philosophy is grounded in their core values, summarized in their motto: “Strong muscles, strong minds, soft hearts.”

1. Strong Muscles: With three energetic boys, physical activity is a priority. They love engaging in physical challenges and playing fearlessly. Homeschooling allows them the freedom to play and move their bodies, which is essential for healthy development.
2. Strong Minds: As a homeschooling mom, nurturing strong minds is a primary responsibility. The family believes that their brains are a gift from God, and they are committed to using them to their fullest potential. Homeschooling allows them to choose from a variety of curricula, online resources, and curated book lists to provide a customized education that challenges and engages each child.
3. Soft Hearts: Above all, the Routch family values compassion and kindness. They want their boys to love God and others with soft hearts full of mercy. Homeschooling enables them to teach these values daily through family interactions, emphasizing gentleness and care.

Why A One-Room Schoolhouse?

The Routch family chose the homeschool hybrid model because it offers the perfect balance between the freedom of homeschooling and the structure of traditional education. They appreciate the long, slow days at home, where the boys can learn and grow at their own pace, coupled with opportunities to experience a classroom setting, learn from other adults, and participate in community learning experiences like field trips and class parties.

A One-Room Schoolhouse provides the Routch family with exactly what they were looking for: a structured and professionally run elective day that complements their homeschool experience. It allows them to maintain control over their core curriculum while offering their boys the chance to learn and grow alongside other children and teachers.

The decision to join A One-Room Schoolhouse aligns perfectly with the Routch family’s top priorities: nurturing Christian faith, encouraging outdoor play and free time, and providing the educational freedom to learn according to each child’s strengths and needs. The multiple recesses built into the AORSH schedule are a particular favorite!

Advice for Other Parents Considering a Homeschool Hybrid Model

The Routch family highly recommends the hybrid homeschool model to other parents as it provides the best of both worlds. It offers the chance to reclaim valuable childhood and family time while sharing the educational journey with a wider community, relieving parents of some of the burdens of their child’s education.

A Message of Gratitude

The Routch family is grateful for the opportunity to be part of A One-Room Schoolhouse and appreciates the hybrid model as an option for their family’s unique needs and values. They look forward to the year ahead and the growth and learning that awaits their boys.

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Our Family: Rylee and Colton

Our family is blessed with two beautiful children: Rylee, who is 7, and Colton, who is 3. Rylee is a lively and creative child who enjoys playing the piano, dancing, and participating as a Brownie Girl Scout. Colton, her enthusiastic little brother, loves swimming, helping daddy “build” things, and playing with his big “sissy.” As a family, we cherish our time spent together, whether it’s hitting the road in our camper or simply enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. We feel God’s presence most when we explore nature and marvel at the starry skies, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Family Values: Faith and Togetherness

We love gathering around the table for a good board game, where laughter fills our home until our bellies hurt. We also enjoy snuggling together and reading endless amounts of books, fostering a love for stories and learning. Our family practices Christianity, and our faith is central to our lives and daily routines. However, we encountered a challenge when Rylee started first grade in a public school.

The Need for Change: Faith in Education

Upon starting first grade, Rylee quickly discovered that expressions of faith were not welcome in her public school environment. At such an impressionable age, this realization weighed heavily on her spirit. We noticed a drastic change in her behavior; she would often exhibit unexplainable rage and burst into tears without warning. She expressed agitation with school due to the disruptive behavior of some students in the class. We knew a change needed to happen—any place that caused this much emotional distress and did not welcome God was not where we wanted to raise our children.

Finding a New Path: Joining A One-Room Schoolhouse

In the middle of the school year, we decided to make a change, and Rylee joined A One-Room Schoolhouse. From the very beginning, we were welcomed with open arms by our new Schoolhouse family! Rylee fits in seamlessly and quickly made new friends. The highlight of that semester was the Easter Showcase. It was the perfect way to celebrate Jesus and witness the children’s strengths highlighted through song, dance, and narrative. We were overcome with joy to see our daughter freely express her love of God without restriction.

In just five short months at A One-Room Schoolhouse, we have seen Rylee flourish. The emotional turmoil she experienced previously has completely disappeared, and her spirit has been renewed. It’s a reminder of how important it is for children to be in an environment where their beliefs are respected and celebrated.

The Benefits of the Hybrid Model at A One-Room Schoolhouse

We love that A One-Room Schoolhouse offers a hybrid model that combines the best of both worlds. Rylee gets to enjoy the structure of a traditional school while still having the freedom to be a kid. One aspect that pleasantly surprised us was the daily schedule at A One-Room Schoolhouse, which includes 1.5 hours of outdoor play. This not only encourages physical activity but also highlights the importance of socialization, allowing children to learn valuable life skills while playing and interacting with peers.

Learning Beyond the Classroom: The Value of Real-Life Education

As parents, we believe that a significant part of learning comes from living. Since starting at A One-Room Schoolhouse, the flexibility of Rylee’s schedule and her natural curiosity have opened up new opportunities for learning outside the traditional classroom. Her education has expanded into the kitchen, where she learns to cook, measure ingredients, and prep food. She has also explored the garden, growing her own vegetables, and even ventured into the world of homeopathy, discovering how God has provided us with natural remedies.

Why We Recommend the Homeschool Hybrid Model

We wholeheartedly recommend a homeschool hybrid model to every family seeking a balance between structured education and the freedom to learn creatively. This model provides the opportunity to learn within a classic school setting while also embracing unique, hands-on experiences outside the classroom. Most importantly, it has given us more family time and the freedom to practice our faith openly and without consequence. The positive impact this has had on our family’s life is immeasurable, and we are forever grateful for the blessings it has brought us.

Conclusion: A Journey of Faith, Learning, and Love

Our journey to A One-Room Schoolhouse has been transformative. It has allowed us to stay true to our faith, support Rylee’s emotional and educational growth, and spend more quality time together as a family. We feel blessed to be part of such a supportive and nurturing community and are excited to continue on this path. For those considering a homeschool hybrid model, we encourage you to explore this option—it may just change your family’s life, as it did ours.

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This Family Friday, we are delighted to share the Temple family’s story of how they found A One Room Schoolhouse and the incredible impact it has had on their son, Colton. Their journey is one of discovering the right educational environment and watching their son flourish both academically and personally.

Finding A One Room Schoolhouse

Our journey to A One-Room Schoolhouse began out of necessity and hope. My son, Colton, was preparing to enter his sixth-grade year, but the experience of COVID during his fifth-grade year left us searching for a better educational path. Both my husband and I worked full-time throughout the pandemic and couldn’t provide the day-to-day help Colton needed with his online classes. One day, while driving through a friend’s neighborhood, I noticed a sign in a yard that read “A One Room Schoolhouse.” I asked my friend if she knew anything about it, but she didn’t. Intrigued, we decided to look into it further. After meeting with Mrs. Peterson to discuss our options, we both felt that this was the blessing we had been searching for during such a challenging time. It was exactly what we needed, and we signed Colton up that very day.

Before discovering A One-Room Schoolhouse, we faced several challenges with Colton’s education, particularly with his reading. Concerned about his difficulties, I had him evaluated for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) through the public school system. Unfortunately, he didn’t qualify, and we had to seek outside tutoring. Things were progressing well until COVID hit, forcing the tutoring facility to pause its services. When Mrs. Peterson evaluated Colton for placement at A One Room Schoolhouse, he was reading at a second-grade level, even though he was about to enter the sixth grade. Mrs. Peterson reassured us that she could help him catch up to his grade level, which was precisely what we needed to hear. As a parent, you are always willing to try anything to support your child’s success, especially when they are struggling.

Colton’s first year at A One-Room Schoolhouse was quite different from public school and took some time for him to adjust. However, he quickly started to see the benefits. He received more one-on-one attention and the guidance he needed to succeed. Mrs. Peterson understood exactly what he needed to improve his learning, reading, and organizational skills. By the end of the year, Colton expressed a desire to return to public school to be with his friends since COVID restrictions had been lifted.

Colton started his seventh-grade year at a traditional public school. However, after just two weeks, he asked if he could return to A One-Room Schoolhouse. He missed the environment and didn’t feel comfortable being back in public school. The next week, he re-enrolled at A One Room Schoolhouse and continued right where he had left off. Since that day, he has never looked back. Colton maintains friendships with his peers at the high school and participates in multiple sports, school dances, and other activities. He truly has the best of both worlds.

The Impact of A One Room Schoolhouse on Colton’s Learning

A One-Room Schoolhouse has been a true blessing for our family. Since starting there, Colton’s reading has improved significantly, and he is now at grade level. He has become more organized and is able to complete assignments with greater independence and responsibility. The personalized guidance and patience from Mrs. Peterson have made all the difference in his education.

One unique aspect of A One-Room Schoolhouse is that it serves students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This multi-age environment allows Colton to engage with children of all ages, helping him develop leadership and mentoring skills as he interacts with younger students. During recess, all the children play together, learning from each other and building a strong sense of community. Colton often comes home with funny stories about the younger kids he encounters throughout his day.

A One-Room Schoolhouse offers learning opportunities that go beyond traditional academics. Colton has learned outdoor survival skills, which he often practices at home. He has also gained valuable knowledge about personal finances and how to manage money responsibly to avoid debt. This year, he will learn how to take care of a vehicle and gain hands-on experience in construction. These are skills he might never have learned if he had stayed in a traditional public school setting.

A Perfect Fit for Our Family

Since returning to A One-Room Schoolhouse in seventh grade, Colton has found his place and cannot imagine going back to public school. This environment has provided him with the perfect balance of education and social engagement through sports and other extracurricular activities. I often think about where he might be today if he had continued in public school. I am confident that without the individualized support and the nurturing atmosphere at A One-Room Schoolhouse, he would still be struggling.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

Our family is incredibly grateful for A One-Room Schoolhouse and the personalized approach they have taken with Colton’s education. He is thriving academically, socially, and personally, thanks to the unique environment and dedicated staff like Mrs. Peterson. We look forward to seeing how he continues to grow and develop in such a positive and supportive community.

The Temple family’s story is a testament to the difference that the right educational environment can make in a child’s life. A One-Room Schoolhouse has given Colton the tools he needs to succeed and flourish, and it continues to be a blessing to their family.

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