• I would love to homeschool but don't know where to start! We’d be delighted to assist you with getting started on your homeschooling journey. Please contact us at hello@raisingbrain.org to schedule a consultation.

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• What school calendar do you follow?  ​We follow Rappahannock County Public Schools calendar. You can download the calendar here.

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• What are your hours? Our Microschool program starts on September 10th, and runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9am - 3pm. 

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• How much time do you spend outside? Being a STEAM and nature based Microschool, we aim to spend as much time outside as possible. However, specific outdoor time may vary depending on factors like weather, curriculum needs, and safety considerations, but we always strive to maximize our time in nature to enhance learning and well-being.

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• How do children of different ages learn well together? In a mixed-age, project-based, child-led learning environment, learners thrive through collaboration, mentorship, and personalized exploration. Older students mentor younger ones, fostering empathy and leadership skills, while project-based learning encourages creativity and critical thinking, empowering learners to take ownership of their education.

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• What is an overview of your approach? In our educational approach, we recognize that children thrive best when they feel a sense of control over their learning experiences. By granting them autonomy within the learning environment, we lay the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning and community engagement. Our child-led model empowers students to take ownership of their education, fostering independence, curiosity, and a deep-seated passion for exploration. This approach not only cultivates academic excellence but also nurtures vital life skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and collaboration. As children engage authentically with their learning journey, they develop a strong sense of belonging and connection within their learning community, paving the way for personal and academic success.

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• What are your educational goals? 

  • Social and Emotional Intelligence: Cultivate empathy, resilience, and self-awareness for healthy relationships and emotional well-being.

  • Self-Directed Learning: Develop curiosity and independence in pursuing personal interests.

  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Analyze information and develop creative solutions to real-world challenges.

  • Collaborative Communication: Enhance communication skills through mixed-age collaboration.

  • Creativity and Innovation: Foster original thinking and experimentation in problem-solving.

  • Project Management: Learn to plan, organize, and monitor progress effectively.

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• What is the class size? Our class size ranges from 12-15 learners with 2 teachers.

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• Why don't you offer a math class? At Raising Brain, we integrate math concepts seamlessly across all subjects rather than offering a standalone math course. Given the diverse ages and varying levels of understanding among our students, we believe that math is most effectively taught through personalized home studies. This approach allows students to apply their math skills in real-world contexts. However, if you’d like us to focus on specific math topics with your student, we’re happy to explore ways to incorporate these into their individual learning experience.

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• Do you provide snacks or lunch? We do not provide food, but we do have emergency snacks for days someone may have forgotten to bring their own. learners are encouraged to bring their own nutritious snacks, lunches and a water bottle. We prioritize fostering healthy habits and empower parents to make optimal choices for their children's well-being. We are a nut free campus and do have learners with food allergies, food sharing is not permitted.

 

• Without grades, how do I know my child is learning? Learners demonstrate their proficiency in tools, skills, and character through a range of avenues. This includes earning certificates of completion following each unit study, building portfolios, and actively engaging in community participation offering a real-world assessment. Both electronic and hard-copy portfolios document rough drafts, photos, videos, and other creative endeavors. Additionally, learners receive valuable feedback from teachers and peers throughout this process, further enhancing their growth and learning journey. 

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• Where are you located? We are located in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a town called Flint Hill. Our address is 667 Zachary Taylor Highway, Flint Hill, Virginia 22627. We are centrally located between Culpeper, Rappahannock, Fauquier, and Warren counties. 

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