Homeschool Enrichment Program

When I decided on homeschooling my children, I began my search for an enrichment program I could send my kids once a week for some socialization. If you are a fellow homeschool parent like me, you will hear this as the number one reason we should not homeschool. "What about socialization?" Well I am here to debunk this notion that homeschool kids are not socialized.

This was my reasoning for finding a program for my oldest daughter at the time. She was with me everyday at work, and the arrangement was working out okay. However, she needed some friends that were in the same boat. I looked for enrichment opportunities and I was disappointed in my options. I found one program, but the drive for me to get there wasn't realistic for a 30 minute class.

I had a fellow parent share about her co-op with, which was a nice idea. When I looked at the responsibilities I would have as a parent for this co-op, I decided that simply wasn't the route for me. I do this lesson planning and curriculum for a living at work, I wanted a place I could send my daughter without any involvement on my part.

Our local library started a STEM class for homeschool kids once a week, so we started there. My daughter was for lack of a better word, bored. I couldn't say I blamed her. The librarian running the program was not excited about the material she was presenting to the kids. She gave them so many boundaries they were not encouraged to freely explore and get involved. This left me with an idea, albeit, it was a crazy thought since I was already navigating year one of homeschooling. What if I started my own homeschool enrichment program?

Here me out, because I know it seemed far fetched, but I thought I could do what this library is doing, only better.

Also, why stop at just a STEM class? What about cooking, creative writing, nature study, art class, slime labs, music, Spanish, and the list went on. My head was spinning with ideas, I just did not know how to get the ideas out of my head and make them a reality.

I started posting flyers around town at local coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants, and libraries. I created a Facebook page and was blasting it with images of our new classroom. I had an open house to generate interest. People came and visited, but enrollment was slow. I think the thing I learned in this process is that not all homeschool parents feel the same as I do. Some of them rather stay home with their kids and just do the free library activities. That is okay with me, honestly I see the appeal. However, one parent had to feel like me. They wanted a space for their child to do activities without them, and gain a little free time in the process. That after all was why I started the program in the first place.

I wanted this to be a safe place for homeschool kids to just be kids. Play, imagine, create, explore, and get their hands dirty. In turn, the parents get a little break for themselves to run to the store, take a phone call without being interrupted, or spend time with their younger kids. I knew in time more like-minded families would enroll.

And they did, I just had to be patient.

I kept on sharing my posts about what the kids were learning, and how they were thriving. Most of my new enrollments came by word of mouth, not from my social media posts. Some families came and went, other's stayed and are already letting me know they will return in the fall. It was a great first year, so much so that I had to move into a larger classroom to accommodate more kids. I learned a lot, mainly that homeschool families are not all the same. Some are organized and on top of the next school year, like me. Others wing it, and join every extracurricular known to man. Where ever you land on the pendulum, it does not matter. We all want what is best for our children and that is providing them with a well rounded education of our choosing.

I am excited for my second year at AAK Academy. I am selecting and curriculum planning currently for this upcoming school year. I hope that I will get to see some of my homeschool friends again, and meet new kids as well. Stay tuned for our adventures!

Thank you,

The Meyer Family