Homegrown Learning — Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Homegrown Learning a school?
No. Homegrown Learning is a faith-based private education association operating as a dependent ministry of Homegrown Ministry. We function within the private domain as a community learning environment for homeschooling families.
2. What ages do you serve?
HGL currently serves a mixed-age community of children approximately ages 4–11. Rather than organizing children solely by grade level, we meet children where they are academically, socially, and developmentally while creating opportunities for collaborative, mixed-age learning.
3. What are your program hours?
HGL's regular learning days are Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, during our August/September through June learning year. Our primary program is designed around consistent participation throughout the learning week. Please contact us regarding current enrollment availability.
4. What curriculum and teaching methods do you use?
HGL takes an eclectic, individualized approach to learning, drawing from educational philosophies including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Classical, Charlotte Mason, Unit Study, and interest-led learning. Core academics include Math and Language Arts, with Science of Reading principles incorporated into literacy instruction. Learning is primarily hands-on, multisensory, collaborative, and developmentally appropriate.
5. What is the parent's role?
Parents remain the primary educators and retain responsibility for their child's education. HGL comes alongside homeschooling families by providing mentorship, community, enrichment, and collaborative learning opportunities. Families are also encouraged to remain involved through open communication, volunteering, field trips, and other community activities.
6. Is technology used?
HGL is a technology-free learning environment for children. Mentors may use limited technology when needed for instructional or administrative purposes, but children's learning emphasizes hands-on experiences, real-world exploration, creativity, movement, and relationships.
7. Is Homegrown Learning religious? Do we have to be Christian or belong to a particular religion?
HGL is a faith-based, non-denominational community grounded in belief in God, our Creator, as reflected through life, nature, and the natural world. Families are not required to belong to a particular religion, denomination, church, or spiritual tradition. We recognize that families may understand faith and spirituality differently. Membership does require respect for and meaningful alignment with HGL's faith-based foundation and Core Principles.
8. What does HGL mean by “preserving childhood”?
HGL believes childhood is a distinct developmental period that should be protected and respected. We prioritize nature, imaginative play, practical skills, movement, creativity, relationships, and real-world experiences while keeping learning and discussion appropriate for the ages and developmental stages of the children in our community.
Sensitive or mature topics outside HGL's learning scope are generally redirected back to parents and guardians, whom HGL recognizes as the primary authority regarding these subjects.
9. Does HGL require families to follow a particular diet or lifestyle?
No. HGL places strong value on food literacy, whole foods, gardening, responsible agriculture, natural living, and thoughtful stewardship. Families are free to make their own dietary choices, including omnivorous, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, culturally specific, allergy-conscious, or other approaches.
10. Does HGL require children to follow a particular vaccination schedule?
No. HGL recognizes parents and guardians as the primary decision-makers regarding their children's healthcare and does not require a particular vaccination schedule as a philosophical condition of membership. Families within HGL may make different vaccination decisions, and participating children may be fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, selectively vaccinated, or unvaccinated.
All families are still expected to follow HGL's health, illness, communicable-disease, attendance, and safety policies.
11. What does “values-aligned” mean? Do families have to agree with HGL about everything?
No. HGL does not expect families to hold identical personal beliefs or make identical parenting, dietary, healthcare, or lifestyle choices.
Being values-aligned means substantially supporting HGL's Core Principles and respecting the educational philosophy, boundaries, and community expectations that guide our learning environment. Families are encouraged to carefully review these principles before applying.
12. Where is Homegrown Learning located?
Our learning environment is home-based in Midtown Reno, Nevada, and is designed to support exploration, creativity, outdoor experiences, and hands-on learning.
13. How does the membership process work?
The membership process begins with an inquiry and review of the HGL Parent Handbook, followed by completion of our New Member Application.
Applications are reviewed before families move forward in the process, which may include a conversation with our Learning Director, a trial day, and a Board interview when required. Families approved to join HGL begin with a 90-day provisional membership period before being considered for full membership. Full membership is granted following review and Board approval.