Cultivate is a homeschool community that will meet weekly for academic lessons, with an emphasis on learning through rich literature, nature and play. Students will meet for academics on Tuesdays for twelve weeks per semester, in Waverly, Iowa.
We are currently offering classes for students pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
About us
Cultivate is a drop-off program, from 9:00am – 1:00pm, and parents are not required to volunteer.* For those who would like to start their day with mindfulness and character/team building activities prior to formal lessons, we welcome and encourage families to join us for a ‘daybreak session’ at 8:45.
Beginning at 9am, students will move through a variety of subjects taught in a unique environment, using curriculums and lessons that blend the Waldorf method with Charlotte Mason’s principles. Your student will be part of a multi-age class, where they will benefit from peer-learning, learn diverse social skills, and focus on cooperation rather than competition. For the 2025-2026 academic year, we will have three main sections – pre-kindergarten through first grade, second through fourth grade, and fifth through eighth grade.
Students will have lessons covering a variety of content, including geography, history, literature, science, copywork and recitation. There will be additional assignments and projects the students will be expected to complete during their home learning days. A weekly newsletter will be emailed to parents outlining these assignments. Cultivate Homeschool Community uses various curriculums as guidance for lesson plans and instruction.
Parents will be responsible for other core subjects, such as math and reading (language arts), as well as any desired electives not offered at Cultivate.
Benefits of Nature Based Learning
We believe nature plays a great role in a child’s learning,
and it will be incorporated into the lessons as much as possible.
MOVEMENT
Students thrive when they experience purposeful exploration and movement during learning.
EMOTIONAL REGULATION
Childhood exposure to natural environments can foster social-emotional development in children by enhancing their emotional self-regulation.
INQUIRY
By interacting with natural environments, a child becomes more curious and inquisitive and is able to learn by doing.
problem-solving
Exploration and play in nature encourages creative thinking and cooperation, and provides unique opportunities to practice critical problem-solving skills.
A C A D E M I C C A L E N D A R
2025 – 2026
Open House – Tuesday, August 19, 2025 10:00-11:30am
Classes –
September 9, 16, 23, 30
October 7, 14, 21, 28
November 4, 11, 18, 25
January 20, 27
February 3, 10, 17, 24
March 10, 17, 24
April 7, 14, 21
EOY Celebration – April 21, Time TBD
Weather/Incidental Make-Up Dates: March 3 & April 28
Spring Break: April 1