Who is Cultivate for?
Cultivate Homeschool Community is for students and their families who are ready to learn in an environment that focuses on literature, nature & play!
Cultivate is a place where we learn and grow from each others’ individuality. No matter your affiliations, orientations or abilities, you are welcome here. We believe that there is richness in diversity, and that as a community, we
form a beautiful tapestry woven together of many unique pieces.
What is the educational philosophy of Cultivate?
We believe that an engaging environment filled with whole-body sensory experiences, along with rich literature and play-based hands-on learning leads to a fulfilling educational experience for the child. To achieve this, Cultivate blends the Charlotte Mason and Waldorf philosophies to create a unique learning experience.
Charlotte Mason method
“The Charlotte Mason method has at its core the belief that children deserve to be respected and that they learn best from real-life situations. According to Charlotte Mason, children should be given time to play, create and be involved in real-life situations from which they can learn. Students of the Charlotte Mason method take nature walks, visit art museums, and learn geography, history and literature from ‘living books’; books that make these subjects come alive. Students also show what they know, not by taking tests, but via narration and discussion.”
Homeschooling for Success by Kochenderfer & Kanna
Waldorf method
The Steiner Waldorf approach to education emphasizes on the use of practical, artistic and conceptual elements into education. This method of education, established by Rudolf Steiner, is based on the fact that the role of imagination in learning is integral for the development of creative and analytical thinking. The Waldorf philosophy aims at providing an environment where children can develop free thinking, which serves as a basis for developing their own personalities as responsible individuals by fulfilling their purpose.
Does Cultivate use a specific curriculum for lesson plans and activities?
Yes, each week’s lesson plans and supplemental activities will be outlined and inspired by various curriculums. For the 2025-2026 academic year, we will be developing some of our own lessons, and we will also utilize Moving Beyond The Page and Torchlight Literature Based Curriculum to guide us. Parents will not need to purchase the curriculums, as assignments and instructions will be sent to families each week. There will, however, be supplemental books and materials that go along with the curriculum, and families will be responsible for purchasing or borrowing these books.
Where do classes take place?
It is our plan (and dream!) to hold classes at the historic 4000sqft round barn that sits on the Johnson’s private property. However, while the barn undergoes roof and door repair, as well as interior construction, classes will be held at a public meeting place in the Waverly/Janesville (IA) area. Much of our schooling will be done outdoors, in order to reap the benefits of learning in the natural world.
How much does it cost to send my child(ren) to Cultivate Homeschool Community?
Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is $625 per student. This equates to less than $27 per day of classes. A non-refundable fee of $25 is due at the time of registration to secure your child’s spot at Cultivate. Parents who commit to volunteering their time for one shift per month will receive a discounted tuition rate of $565. Volunteer duties include assisting the instructor(s) with lesson activities, crafts, etc., during a 2 hour shift. *One discount per student
Is there a sibling discount?
We do not currently offer a sibling discount. We do, however, offer volunteer opportunities to help families save on tuition rates.
What is included in the cost?
When you enroll your child(ren) in classes at Cultivate, they will get so much more than just academic lessons! Our hope is that, by joining us at Cultivate , your student will not only gain knowledge, but also a sense of belonging in this community of fellow homeschoolers.
Included in the cost of tuition is 24 weeks of lessons and activities across a broad range of subjects, such as geography, history, literature, science, and more.
General school supplies and supplemental lesson materials are not included in the tuition.
Who are the teachers?
Cultivate currently has three class instructors, and class size will intentionally be kept small to provide an effective learning environment for our students. Our instructors come from many years of teaching experience, with credentials including licensure to teach in the state of Iowa, multiple elementary endorsements and Master Educator Licensure.
As our community grows, we will be looking to grow our teaching team. Please contact us if you are interested in joining our community as an instructor!