THE BEE HIVE
A structured and communal environment of learning
COMMUNAL EDUCATION
Charlotte Mason herself embraced the symbolism of a beehive in her educational philosophy. At her teacher training college, she established a hexagon-shaped building called 'The Beehive,' complete with a skylight. It served as a practicing school for both aspiring teachers and children—a living expression of collaborative, purposeful learning."
At Redwood, we aim to carry forward Miss Mason’s vision of communal education—fostering a nurturing, interconnected environment, much like a beehive, where each member contributes to and benefits from the shared pursuit of knowledge and growth.
The Bee Hive will meet on Wednesdays (10 am-3 pm) for 30 weeks during the academic year and is open to Christian families looking for a supportive, enriching corporative. This is not a drop-off program and all parents must attend. Participation in the Bee Hive at Redwood Classical Academy does not require the use of a specific curriculum at home in order to participate. However, all parents are expected to contribute by serving "The Hive" in some capacity. Additionally, the majority of lesson plans will be provided through the Alveary curriculum written by the Charlotte Mason Institute, a $75 per student curriculum fee will be required to license the material.
*Note: there is no tuition required but other nominal fees might be required to help off set the costs for insurance and or building.
Minimal to no homework will be assigned, as all learning is intended to take place in person. However, occasional written narration and research projects may be encouraged to support and reinforce classroom learning.
We are excited to launch this program in the 2025 academic year. The offerings listed below are preliminary and will be finalized based on the number of participating families and their interests.
At Redwood, we aim to carry forward Miss Mason’s vision of communal education—fostering a nurturing, interconnected environment, much like a beehive, where each member contributes to and benefits from the shared pursuit of knowledge and growth.
The Bee Hive will meet on Wednesdays (10 am-3 pm) for 30 weeks during the academic year and is open to Christian families looking for a supportive, enriching corporative. This is not a drop-off program and all parents must attend. Participation in the Bee Hive at Redwood Classical Academy does not require the use of a specific curriculum at home in order to participate. However, all parents are expected to contribute by serving "The Hive" in some capacity. Additionally, the majority of lesson plans will be provided through the Alveary curriculum written by the Charlotte Mason Institute, a $75 per student curriculum fee will be required to license the material.
*Note: there is no tuition required but other nominal fees might be required to help off set the costs for insurance and or building.
Minimal to no homework will be assigned, as all learning is intended to take place in person. However, occasional written narration and research projects may be encouraged to support and reinforce classroom learning.
We are excited to launch this program in the 2025 academic year. The offerings listed below are preliminary and will be finalized based on the number of participating families and their interests.
HIVE OFFERINGS
Each day at The Hive runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the expectation that students complete their math curriculum at home prior to arrival. The day includes a 45-minute lunch period where families share a meal in fellowship, building community and connection.
For students fully enrolled at Redwood Classical Academy (RCA) and attending The Hive on Wednesdays, this course offers a fuller and more complete experience of the Alveary’s "feast" of subjects. Math lessons, written narrations, copywork, dictation lessons, and more poetry will still be completed at home.
For older students, readings and narrations for Ancient History and a second U.S. History selection will also be done at home. A weekly review of current events—encouraging discussion with their families to connect real-world topics—is highly encouraged to complement in-class learning. Families may also choose to include Architecture lessons and foreign language as part of their home studies.
Morning Adoration
At Redwood Classical Academy, we believe that worship is the heart of a Christ-centered education. Morning Adoration is a weekly gathering where families come together in unity to lift their hearts and minds to the Lord. Through Scripture readings, singing hymns and spiritual songs, prayer, and reflection, we cultivate a shared love for Christ and a rhythm of worship that roots our learning in faith. This sacred time builds community, nourishes the soul, and models for students the joy of worshiping God together.
Church History
During this time, families will explore key events and influential figures from Church History through engaging readings and discussions laid out by the Alveary. During class time, families will break into small groups for guided discussions focused on a specific person from Church History.
Each student will also select a missionary or church father to research more deeply and share their findings with the group, helping to develop both research and presentation skills.
Each student will also select a missionary or church father to research more deeply and share their findings with the group, helping to develop both research and presentation skills.
Math Games and Logic
Families will enjoy a fun and interactive approach to sharpening math and critical thinking skills. Each session will begin with a brief group introduction or demonstration. Families will then break into smaller groups based on skill level and spend approximately 30 minutes engaging in a variety of math and logic games. These activities are designed to build confidence, reinforce key concepts, and develop problem-solving abilities—all while having fun and connecting with others.
We are currently in the process of selecting the curriculum, which allows us the flexibility to tailor the course to the interests and needs of the students.
We are currently in the process of selecting the curriculum, which allows us the flexibility to tailor the course to the interests and needs of the students.
Grammar & Narration
Students and parents will be grouped according to skill level to ensure appropriate support and challenge in both grammar instruction and narration practice. Each session will include a short, focused grammar lesson tailored to the group's level, followed by guided narration work that helps students develop their ability to retell and reflect on rich ideas through writing or oral expression. This time is designed to strengthen language foundations, foster clear communication, and build habits of attention and reflection in a supportive, skill-appropriate setting.
Inquiry & Imagination
Families will cultivate a deeper understanding of the natural world through a blend of living books (nature lore), thoughtful discussion, hands-on observation, and meaningful research. Rooted in the Charlotte Mason philosophy, this class encourages children to slow down, delight in the rhythms of the seasons, and develop a lifelong connection with nature.
This course for younger students includes two research projects. First, they will create a Classroom Nature Field Guide, combining observation, research, drawing, and narration to build a colorful guide that showcases their growing knowledge. Second, students will complete a Bug Board Project, collecting, identifying, and labeling local insects to create a visual, educational display that deepens their appreciation for the insect world.
Older students will work on a first semester Science Fair project, and in the second semester, they will research different topics given and present their findings weekly.
This course for younger students includes two research projects. First, they will create a Classroom Nature Field Guide, combining observation, research, drawing, and narration to build a colorful guide that showcases their growing knowledge. Second, students will complete a Bug Board Project, collecting, identifying, and labeling local insects to create a visual, educational display that deepens their appreciation for the insect world.
Older students will work on a first semester Science Fair project, and in the second semester, they will research different topics given and present their findings weekly.
Notebooking
In Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy, notebooking is a key tool for deep, reflective learning. Students will explore and practice various forms of notebooking, including keeping a Book of Centuries—a personal historical timeline—maintaining nature journals to record observations through written narration and sketches, and keeping a Book of Firsts to document their first discoveries and experiences in the natural world. Parents are encouraged to work on their own notebooking along with their students.
Art skills such as drawing, watercolor, and shading will be gently taught and practiced to support students in capturing the beauty of the natural world with care and confidence.
Finally, each family will work together to create a historical artifact based on our current history cycle. Families will research, design, and build an artifact, and then display it in our Classroom Museum. On Museum Day, families will share what they created and what they learned, bringing history to life for our whole community!
To celebrate, we will end Museum Day with a history-themed feast, where families can bring dishes inspired by the time periods studied.
Art skills such as drawing, watercolor, and shading will be gently taught and practiced to support students in capturing the beauty of the natural world with care and confidence.
Finally, each family will work together to create a historical artifact based on our current history cycle. Families will research, design, and build an artifact, and then display it in our Classroom Museum. On Museum Day, families will share what they created and what they learned, bringing history to life for our whole community!
To celebrate, we will end Museum Day with a history-themed feast, where families can bring dishes inspired by the time periods studied.
3rd GRADE & BELOW
At The Hive, we are excited to offer enriching opportunities for younger students, provided there is enough interest and attendance. While specific plans are still being developed, our approach will be heavily influenced by delight-based learning, focusing on topics that spark curiosity and engagement. Classes offered will be based on the interests and topics that parents are willing to present. The final structure of these sessions will be shaped by the interests and needs of both parents and students, ensuring a dynamic and enjoyable learning experience. All topics, book selections and scope and sequence will need to be presented and approved by RCA.
FOR PARENTS
A Hope for Our Parent Community:
Our hope is that The Hive will be more than just a place of learning—it will be a space where community flourishes and genuine relationships are formed. We would love to see parents gathering together during co-op hours to enjoy coffee, pray for one another, or even participate in a book study. This is a space for both students AND fellow homeschoolers to grow, connect, and be encouraged.
Our hope is that The Hive will be more than just a place of learning—it will be a space where community flourishes and genuine relationships are formed. We would love to see parents gathering together during co-op hours to enjoy coffee, pray for one another, or even participate in a book study. This is a space for both students AND fellow homeschoolers to grow, connect, and be encouraged.
Parent Responsibilities for The Hive Participation:
- Classroom Support:
Parents may be asked to assist with classroom management, setting up materials, or helping students during group activities. This support ensures the class runs smoothly and students are engaged. - Teaching or Co-Teaching:
Parents may be asked to teach or co-teach a class or subject area using the Charlotte Mason method. Training may be required. - Providing Materials and Supplies:
Parents may need to help gather or provide specific materials, such as books, art supplies, or other hands-on learning tools, in order to ensure that the class has the necessary resources to thrive. - Maintaining Communication:
Staying informed about upcoming events, changes to the schedule, and class needs through emails or group meetings is essential for fostering a collaborative and responsive co-op community. - Supporting Child’s Social Development:
Encouraging positive behavior, cooperation, and responsibility within the co-op environment is key. Parents should help reinforce good communication and respect for others in the classroom. - Financial Support for Co-Op Costs:
Parents may be asked to contribute to co-op-related expenses, whether it's for hiring a tutor, purchasing supplies, or covering other logistical costs that help the program run smoothly. - Respecting Co-Op Policies and Procedures:
Familiarizing themselves with the co-op’s guidelines and expectations, including attendance, punctuality, and participation requirements, helps create a structured and supportive learning environment for all students. - Support Safety:
All participating parents must complete a background check and be familiar with RCA’s safety policies and procedures to ensure a secure environment for all students.