Little House Farm

There are no words adequate for the gift it is to teach these children.

This video was made for a grant application, but what it captured is something we do every single day— a Charlotte Mason-inspired education rooted in place, wonder, and the kind of curiosity that doesn’t burn out when childhood ends. The goal is always to foster a lifelong love of learning.

I’m so grateful for every family who has trusted me with being a part of their child’s story.

https://youtu.be/unazlHYIdXc?si=Wj4eYVOlcV-iUlIe

This Is Little House Farm This is Little House Farm— a nature-based Charlotte Mason homeschoo...

Only a couple days left of this trip. It has been enriching and exciting. 😆

They studied it first, then they stood in front of it. 🖼️

Little House Farm students at the National Gallery of Ireland face to face with Jack B. Yeats’ The Liffey Swim, the very first painting we studied this year.
Many of the students remarked that they loved how Yeats put the viewer into the perspective of the swim spectator.

Follow along on our place-based curriculum journeys at Little House Field Studies. Our group made it to Ireland!

We made it. ☘️
These people have spent the last 9 months learning about Irish folk stories, history, artists, geography, biodiversity, literature, and folk songs. Now they’ve crossed an ocean to see it all up close.

Today we closed the books on year four at Little House Farm.

This year, Ireland was the foundation of our studies. We learned all about Irish folklore, history, geography, biodiversity, artists, literature, and folk songs. Some of those folk songs were silly and witty. Others stirred up feelings of loss and pain.
Our final song was The Parting Glass, because how could it have been anything else? This tune holds joy and sadness in the same breath, which is exactly what the last day of school feels like here.

It has been the greatest privilege to learn, explore, and be curious alongside these students. There is so much to learn about this big, beautiful world. Today we closed the doors on Ireland. Saturday we leave for our class trip there. What a lovely adventure it is to be their teacher.

“But since it has so ought to be
By a time to rise and a time to fall
Come fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all.”

🇮🇪 ☘️

There is a shift happening. More and more parents are seeking slower, richer, more meaningful education for their children. I love seeing it.

As more cottage-style (and Charlotte Mason-inspired) schools begin to grow around our area, it’s made me reflect on what makes our program unique.

The Little House Farm that exists today wasn’t built overnight. It’s been gradually refined and reshaped over the last nearly five years. Each year of steady growth has brought deeper appreciation for and dedication to a living education. I see the fruits of that every day spent with my students. When I started, there wasn’t a clear path of how to begin something like this. I had to consult with legal professionals, research business laws, and figure out how to make something like this work from trial and error. I didn’t even have a website until our second year!

As the microschool/cottage school model has grown, I’ve encountered the unfortunate and deeply frustrating experience of seeing my original work reused by others attempting to create their own programs. As hurtful as this has been, it made me realize that there is clearly a growing need for programs like ours… programs that are thoughtfully built, intentionally refined, and proven to bring life into the learning journey. I’ve even heard this directly through the many emails I receive from people wanting to start something similar. Over time, it’s led to offering consultations with those seeking guidance as they explore the possibility of starting their own programs.

As we’ve grown, I’ve had to figure out what works, adjust what doesn’t, and stand firm in my belief that childhood is not something to be rushed, and true education is not a collective list of boxes to be checked. Our days together here are relentlessly unhurried. When it comes to learning, I will prioritize relationship over rigor every single time. Each of my students is a whole, complete human being deserving of reading rich literature, observing thought-provoking art, and experiencing unconditional love and respect. Connection and character will do more for the learning process than worksheets ever will. Time spent in nature, in all kinds of weather, is paramount. Free play is not some trivial, superfluous activity to permit children to partake in when they’ve behaved just right. Play is how children learn to interact with each other and exist in the world around them. Play is essential.

This isn’t some empty philosophy that looks good on a website but isn’t actually used. This is the rhythm of each day spent together here, and, honestly, it gives me life!

If you’re a parent seeking options like this for your family, I implore you to ask challenging questions when you visit programs, and don’t settle until you find the right fit for your family.

If what has been built here resonates with you and you’re curious about exploring the possibility of starting a program like ours, I’ve started having initial conversations with potential partners and would be delighted to connect. Please reach out. 🌻

It’s that time of year! We are now booking end-of-year evaluations for homeschoolers.
As a licensed teacher and homeschool hybrid program director, I approach evaluations from a different context than traditional classroom teachers.
I work within the homeschool world every day, and that’s why I know your student shouldn’t be evaluated within a traditional education context.
My evaluations are designed to:
- honor your child’s individual growth
- reflect the depth of your homeschool experience
- recognize that true education exists beyond worksheets and state standards
- meet Virginia’s requirements with confidence

I’m not interested in checking boxes. I see your child as a whole person, and I want to honor the homeschool experience you’ve worked hard to create.

If you value having an evaluation from someone who is seasoned in the nuances of homeschool, I have a limited number of spots available. 🌻

https://www.littlehousefarmfxbg.com/consultations-evaluations

We have some visitors keeping us company over the next few weeks! 🐐

Our friends at Good Steward Farm lent us some of their goats so we can finally clear out the brush on the corner of the property! These babies have been hard at work eating the invasives that have taken over! We are so excited to finally be able to use this space soon ❤️

Interested in having some goat-scaping done? Reach out to them for a quote!

https://www.littlehousefarmfxbg.com/summer-camp

We still have spots for summer camp 🌻 register today to secure a spot!

Exploring nature and learning about naturalists who have helped make our world a better place 🌿

Back by request— summer camp at Little House Farm!
Check out the “more” tab on our website for summer camp info and registration.
Extended day options available. Spots are limited, and registration is open now 🪵

https://www.littlehousefarmfxbg.com/summer-camp

We’re hiring!

Our homeschool hybrid program is looking for a dependable teaching assistant who loves working with children and values a literature-rich, nature-based learning environment.

Apply at our website or directly at Omella.com/1oxos

Our roster for next year filled within ONE minute of registration opening! 🤯
If you missed it, don’t worry! The waitlist is now open. Email [email protected] to be added to the list.