Love Jesus, Love Others, Love Learning!
Happy Hearts
Schoolhouse
FAQs
What's an Instructor Share and why is it beneficial?
An instructor share occurs when families come together to split the cost of using a private instructor; this is beneficial by providing a small group learning environment for youngsters so they can interact with other children of similar age, as well as removing the overwhelming burden of choosing, planning and solely implementing the right curriculum for your child's specific learning needs. Makes homeschooling realistic and fun while also giving the parents complete confidence their child is learning what he needs to be learning when he needs to learn it.
What grades do you offer?
For the 2024-25 school year, we are offering programs for PK4 and Kinder-5th grade. We plan to add a grade each year.
What curriculum do you use?
Since we have the freedom to meet your children where they are developmentally versus forcing your children to be at a certain level, we pick and choose from many curriculums and teaching techniques, including but not limited to nature schools, emergent style, Montessori, Charlotte Mason, etc...We are a faith based, non-denominational group so we will also use Biblically-based materials.
What is the class size?
Due to the importance of small classrooms and the individuality aspect of our program, we limit each grade group to ten students.
What does a typical class day look like?
We start off class with prayer, pledge of allegiance, show and tell, sing geography song, and discuss the day's activities. Depending on the focus for the day we read books pertaining to that focus, do some vestibular training, hold experiments, have snack time and break, practice letters and sounds by using different manipulatives and or practice math. We also have art and crafts that pertain to our study of the day. We don't get every single activity listed above done every single time we meet since we will spend more time on a certain activity if needed for the day. We have lots of other activities we do depending on what we are studying or what holiday we are near. We have a monthly poetry tea time where we treat the classroom to a special party and serve them treats and teach etiquette, read poetry and discuss art. The students love dressing up in costumes for this monthly party.
Is this homeschooling?
Our instructor-share program is designed for the family who loves the idea of homeschooling and is interested in homeschooling, but not desirous of homeschooling full time by themselves. We want to remove all guesswork for the parents and walk alongside them supporting the parents in the homeschool journey. Many hybrid or university style schools are becoming more like private schools; this is not the intention of our instructor- share program. We want to make homeschooling extremely feasible and user-friendly for parents.
Is there take-home work?
Yes, in order for your children to get the maximum benefit from this program, they will be required to complete work at home. This is not only for the children's benefit but also for your benefit, so you can be involved in your children's education without having to worry if you are doing too little or too much.
How Much Time Do I Need To Allot To Teach At Home?
The take-home work can easily be completed within one hour on the off days for the PreK 3 & 5 level and no more than two hours for the Kindergarten level. The beauty of home-based learning is that everything is more efficient and consumes less time.
My Spouse & I Both Work, Will This Program Work For Us?
It depends.This experience is meant for parents to be involved with their child's learning experience, so it depends on how many hours each parent works or if there is additional help at home. We understand that every family looks different, and we want to be as flexible as possible with the varying situations.
Am I expected to do supplemental curriculum as well?
We fully believe that what we complete during class days and the work we send home with your children to be completed on their off days will be exactly what your children need for their developmental success. However, you are more than welcome to integrate your own additional curriculum if you so desire.
How will my child Be Evaluated Through the year?
We are an instructor-share program, so progress and success will depend on both class time and parental involvement. Evaluation of progress is constantly ongoing, but progress reports will be provided as determined by our instructors.
How is this Different from Co-ops around town?
Co-ops are usually based on a gathering of like-minded families who come together for classroom instruction for their children. Typically those classes are conducted by moms with an interest in a particular subject. On the other hand, our instructors are certified teachers or instructors with years of experience in a certain field, who are passionate about fostering independent thinkers. Because our approach to learning is done in a more natural environment with hands-on activities, we hope to instill in each child a lifelong love of learning and a spirit of curiosity. We desire to support parents by walking beside them in their homeschool journey by providing a unique small-schooling setting in which children are able to experience peer and social interaction on a regular basis. Children and parents will benefit from the high-quality lessons and take-home educational activities, making planning and follow-through easier for parents.
Is This A Classical Based Education?
No, we are a hands-on learning environment. We believe in using all different types of teaching styles and techniques to make learning fun because just like adults, children are individuals and need to be taught in a way that they understand and enjoy. We want children to LOVE learning and to be curious kids who become self-starters in their own education. Of course, depending on the unit study, we will study classical literature and the arts.
I have a specific Curriculum I want to Use Already, can i do both?
Each child will be expected to fulfill his take-home work at home; however, if you have curriculum you would like to use in addition to our program, of course you may do so.
Are there field trips?
Yes, for the Kinder and up program. At the beginning of each semester, parents will be provided with the dates of the field trips and parents or guardian will be required to attend.
Where do we meet?
For the 2024-2025 school year, we will be meeting at Bulverde Baptist Church - 1331 Bulverde Rd, Bulverde, TX 78163
What days and times do classes meet?
For the fall 2024 semester, all grades will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm. Class will start promptly at 9:35 am. This year, you have the option of choosing both days (Full Program) or just one day (Elective Program on Thursdays).
Are there parent Volunteer times?
Yes, we need two - three rovers on Tuesdays and Thursdays to be of general assistance to teachers (taking kids to bathrooms, helping students in classes, taking kids to the playground, etc...) for tuition discounts. Yay! Contact us if you are interested in this opportunity.
Is a handbook for Happy Hearts available?
Yes! Please see link! HANDBOOK