OUR STORY
Fighting for What We Believe In. Together.
Our journey began in 2017 when we discovered that learning was better when we did it together. Whether sharing the workload by teaching each other's kids in our homes, operating a co-op, or managing a micro-school, we have always done these things together for the benefit or our children and the families in our area. When it comes to educational models, we challenge the notion that the way things are is the way things should always be, and are proud to be a force for positive transformation. Our mission is to help others start Autonomous, Innovative and Missional educational options in their area too.
OUR CREATIVE LEARNING MODELS AND PAST EVENTS
We have developed several unique learning models to actively serve our community. We have also hosted many community events to help families learn about their options and to connect homeschoolers. We’ve used these events to encourage others to be creative and start serving families in their area. Read below to learn more.
APOLLOS SCHOLÉ COMMUNITY
2018-Present
Our purpose is to honor God as we gather for support and fellowship, and to enrich our children's education through creative and quality pursuits.
Our style is "Scholé" - Classical, Communal, Flexible, Restful
Classical:
We try to select Classical curriculum for our students. We have begun to discuss and consider our vision for our future as a Classical group!
Communal:
We are a community of Christ-followers. We want to honor Him by loving and serving one another. All classes will be taught from a Christian perspective.
We all work together. All moms are asked to either teach or help in a class and to be at the school all day; kids are asked to help with set-up and clean-up.
We are a community where each voice is heard and each person is valued. To foster our community we ask that each mom is here during their student’s class time (this could be flexible).
Flexible:
We plan to change and develop along the way. Each member is welcome to bring her ideas and skills to the group.
Restful:
There is a Latin term “festina lente”, which is translated “make haste slowly”. The concept behind that phrase is that we want to take our time and do things well. With this in mind, we select our classes carefully. We are intentional about doing a few things well rather than trying to fit too much into one day.
We do not want our teachers to be stretched too thin, so we limit our class sizes to each teacher’s preference
If a student does not necessarily need a particular class that is offered, they may use that time to do their own work with their mom in a separate Study Hall classroom.
Classes we offer or have offered include Science, Art, Music, Grammar, Writing & Rhetoric, Logic, Worldview, Baking and Children's Games.
We are not looking to expand, but we would gladly help other homeschool families replicate this model.
MICROSCHOOL: PRENDA IN THE PRAIRIE
2021 - 2022
In an effort to expand her experience and understanding of current trends in education, and to learn how to help families with new or unique needs during the COVID crisis, Dalena, along with the AIM Board, started a Microschool. Using the Prenda model, and partnering with a local public school system, the three families met together weekly in Dalena's home.
To learn more about how to start your own Microschool, reach out to Dalena, or check out Prenda's website.
COFFEE TALKS
2017 - 2019
Every few months, Dalena opened her home to the broader homeschool community and invited all homeschool moms to join her for coffee and fellowship. Her goal was to create a relaxed atmosphere where burdens or blessings could be freely shared and prayed over. She also had veteran homeschool moms, or "Mentor Moms," share wisdom from their many years of experience.
HOMESCHOOL FORUM OF RENO COUNTY
2017-2018
The forums were events geared toward connecting homeschoolers in our county. It was a joint effort between several organizations and coordinated by the AIM Board, and it's purpose was to encourage, educate, support, and connect families and individuals. Legislators were also present to answer legal questions regarding homeschooling in Kansas.