Q:

A:

Mission 

Our mission is to create an affirming and secular homeschool community prioritizing the unique needs of neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and adolescent learners, embracing their diverse identities, and focusing on safety and acceptance. Members are empowered to organize a variety of academic and social experiences that meet the needs and interests of the learners, enriching their journey toward adulthood.

Aim

RHC aims to provide space and opportunities for its members to develop facilitated group learning and  social activities, coordinate field trips, enrichment programs and special events, and support class facilitators in fostering affirming, secular education.  

Q:

A:

Being secular means that RHC functions without religious bias or influence. Our values emphasize fostering a learning environment that respects diversity, promotes understanding, aligns with current scientific advancements, and is dedicated to cultural competence.

Q:

A:

 No, RHC is not a drop-off program. A designated caretaker is required to stay on-site during activities to ensure safety and support for all learners 12 years old and younger. 

What about for teens?
Your teen may be eligible for limited supervision if they are 13 or older under specific guidelines. 

Q:

A:

 Here’s an overview of how we approach education:

How do classes get developed?
Members collaborate to create classes that reflect their children’s interests and academic needs. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, families provide input to shape our offerings, ensuring the learning experiences are engaging and relevant.

What types of classes are offered?
Classes at RHC typically fall into three categories:

• Traditional Academic Classes: Focus on core subjects.
• Enrichment/Interest-Led/Project-Based Classes: Allow learners to explore topics they love.
• Clubs/Social Activities/Free Play: Foster socialization and creativity.

What is the cohort structure?
We use a flexible cohort structure as a guideline, not a strict rule. Our cohorts include:

• Lower Elementary: PreK-2nd grade
• Upper Elementary: 3rd-5th grade
• Middle School: 6th-8th grade
• Lower High School: 9th-10th grade
• Upper High School: 11th-12th grade

This structure helps create learning opportunities that match children’s developmental phases while encouraging collaboration among learners of different ages and abilities.

How Do High School Classes Work?

High school courses often blend home study with in-person sessions that emphasize labs, group activities, and discussions to enhance understanding of the material. As a homeschooling parent, you will support your child's studies on the days they are not at RHC. Grades and transcripts are ultimately at the discretion of parents and caregivers; however, they are encouraged to seek feedback from class instructors, who may provide grades for submitted assignments.

Who leads the classes?
Classes at RHC are guided by both member families and community partners, bringing a variety of skills and expertise to our class offerings.

Is RHC open to all homeschooling styles?
Absolutely! RHC welcomes families with different homeschooling styles. Some may complete academic work at home and attend RHC for enrichment, while others might use RHC as their primary educational framework. Our goal is to support our members' unique homeschooling journey.

Q:

A:

RHC embraces and welcomes diverse learners, including those who identify as neurodivergent or disabled. However, it is important to understand that RHC does not operate as a support service and, therefore, does not employ support workers. As parents and caregivers, it is your responsibility to provide the necessary support and scaffolding to meet your children's learning, emotional, social, and sensory needs.

We encourage families to openly discuss areas where additional support and accommodations might be required with class facilitators and other community members, both during class/group sessions and outside of them.

Q:

A:

Prioritizing the security and privacy of our members, we reveal our location after confirming vaccination and the family's decision to move forward post-Zoom interview. For your family's planning convenience, we are situated near Maymont Park in Richmond, VA

Q:

A:

RHC families organize social offerings throughout the year, including informal and spontaneous meetups, field trips, festive days, and various engaging activities such as theme days, apple picking, go-carts, and putt-putt. These activities foster connections, build friendships, and create a vibrant social community for all members.

Q:

A:

Family Contribution 

RHC has a yearly per-family membership contribution that covers the rent, insurance fees, website, and supplies.  The contribution may be paid all at once or in installments.  

To support being accessible to families regardless of their access to financial resources, we are using an equitable payment model: 

• Equitable rate $342 helps ensure accessibility to all families, regardless of their access to financial resources.

• Sustainable rate $274 covers the cost of space rental, insurance, website use, expo days

• Accessible rate $204 is for families with less access to financial resources.

Class Fees 

 Class facilitators set fees for classes and clubs, ranging from $25 to $350 per semester.  Many class facilitators offer payment plans, sibling discounts, and their own tiered payments. 

Q:

A:

Families are not required to teach classes at RHC. However, we encourage families with elementary-aged children to actively participate in supporting classes by engaging in activities. Members lead most classes and clubs in the elementary cohorts, and your involvement enhances the learning experience and fosters a sense of community. 

While many classes in the upper cohort are provided by community partners with specialized knowledge, we still encourage class proposals from our members.

Q:

A:

RHC is a volunteer-powered organization, and each family is expected to complete community service hours. We also encourage families to engage in committee work to help ensure the smooth operation of RHC.

Community Service Levels: All families are encouraged to contribute to the best of their ability.

• Equitable Level: 16 credits
• Sustainable Level: 13 credits
• Accessible Level: 7 credits

Tasks include:

• Morning Set-Up
• End-of-Day Clean-Up
• Safety Monitoring

Q:

A:

• contribute financially to support the collective (ie., facility fee);
• complete community service hours as required. 
• abide by the health and wellness policy;
• be accountable for the safety and whereabouts of their children and considerate of other member families in our community,
• assist all children to maintain  behavior standards for our mutually considerate community while participating in Richmond Homeschool Collectives activities and
• utilize restorative practice strategies whenever possible.

   

Q:

A:

Step 1: Complete an APPLICATION. 

Step 2: We'll contact you to schedule a video chat

Step 3. Show proof of the initial covid vaccination, and attend an in-person meet & greet

Step 4: Pay the community contribution, create your member account, and start signing up for activities! 

Q:

A:

 REQUEST MORE INFORMATION FORM