Welcome to Family Friday! Today, we’re excited to share the story of our family’s journey, from embracing a homeschool hybrid model to nurturing faith, creating lifelong memories, and rediscovering the joy of learning together.
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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