At our schoolhouse, we do not follow a single curriculum. Instead, we use a carefully planned scope and sequence that covers the key mathematical concepts and skills commonly taught at each grade level. This approach allows us the flexibility to meet students where they are, provide meaningful hands-on learning experiences, and adapt instruction to the unique needs of each child. Our goal is to build strong mathematical understanding rather than simply move through a textbook. Students will encounter age-appropriate concepts in number sense, computation, problem solving, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and mathematical reasoning through a variety of activities, lessons, games, discussions, and practice opportunities. Whenever possible, mathematical concepts will be taught through hands-on activities, manipulatives, real-world applications, and engaging games that help bring learning to life. We believe students learn best when they can see, touch, build, explore, and discuss mathematical ideas. Games and interactive activities provide valuable opportunities for practice and reinforcement while fostering a positive attitude toward mathematics and developing confidence in problem-solving. As a hybrid learning community, we view parents as the primary educators in their children's lives. The schoolhouse serves as a partner and support system, providing instruction, guidance, accountability, and encouragement while families continue the important work of learning at home. Together, we can help students develop both confidence and competence in mathematics. We are excited to walk alongside your family as we nurture curious thinkers, capable problem-solvers, and lifelong learners.

Because we meet for a limited amount of time each week, we have carefully chosen to focus our classroom instruction on the areas where direct teaching has the greatest impact on a child's long-term success as a reader. For this reason, we use All About Reading as the foundation of our reading instruction. Strong reading skills begin with a solid understanding of phonics. Through systematic, explicit phonics instruction, students learn the building blocks needed to decode words, develop fluency, and become confident, independent readers. We believe that investing our limited classroom time in direct phonics instruction provides families with the greatest support as they continue learning at home throughout the week. In addition to phonics instruction, students will receive age-appropriate instruction in handwriting and basic grammar concepts commonly taught at each grade level. These lessons are designed to strengthen communication skills and support overall literacy development. We will also incorporate regular read-aloud experiences into our reading time, exposing students to rich vocabulary, quality literature, strong comprehension skills, and the joy of sharing stories together. Read-alouds allow students to engage with books beyond their independent reading level and help foster a lifelong love of learning and reading. Families are welcome to continue working through All About Reading at home alongside our classroom instruction, allowing students to benefit from consistency throughout the week. However, because we recognize that every family has unique goals and preferences, parents are also welcome to choose and implement their own language arts curriculum at home if they prefer. As a hybrid learning community, we believe parents are the primary educators of their children. The schoolhouse is not intended to replace home education but rather to come alongside families by providing instruction, encouragement, accountability, and support. While we are honored to play a role in your child's educational journey, the majority of learning will take place at home through the faithful involvement of parents and caregivers. Our hope is to equip families with tools, guidance, and confidence as we work together to cultivate capable readers, thoughtful communicators, and lifelong learners.

No. SONShine Schoolhouse is a homeschool hybrid program designed to support and enrich your family's homeschool journey.  Families remain responsible for maintaining their homeschool legal status through their chosen homeschool option, church school, or cover school in accordance with Alabama law.  We provide academic instruction, hands-on learning experiences, life skills, outdoor education, Bible teaching, and community support, while parents retain primary responsibility for their child's homeschool enrollment and records.  If you are new to homeschooling in Alabama, we are happy to point you toward resources that can help you understand your available options. 

Every family is different! Some SONShine families choose to participate in additional homeschool co-ops, sports, enrichment classes, church groups, or community activities throughout the week. Others find that our two-day program provides the perfect balance and prefer to enjoy slower-paced learning days at home on the remaining weekdays. Our goal is to create a rhythm that allows families to experience both meaningful community and the flexibility that homeschooling provides. In addition to our regular schoolhouse days, SONShine hosts at least one Fun Friday each month, featuring field trips, service projects, special events, or other community-building experiences. We also encourage families to connect with one another on Fridays and throughout the month for playdates, park days, and fellowship opportunities. There is no expectation that families participate in other programs—SONShine can be one part of your homeschool journey or serve as your family's primary source of homeschool community.

For the 2026/2027 school year we will meet on Mon & Wed from 9:30 - 2:30. This is a drop off program. If there is enough interest for a 3 day program, we will add this to our scheduling. As of now, our class start date is August 10th and we will meet every Monday and Wednesday. You can see the tentative class schedule below. This schedule is subject to change.