Alternative hybrid education options
Serving the alternative education community with inclusive, credible and accessible group options
About Gather and Grow
Mission
The Gather and Grow vision is to give families an inclusive, credible and accessible alternative education option where children can grow and thrive in an enrichment community. We strive to provide families opportunity to balance the alternative education lifestyle by sharing in the responsibilities of tutoring, instruction, extracurricular activities and the fostering of friendships. Gather and Grow honors the childhood growth season, infusing many Charlotte Mason principles into our shared time with hopes to help shape the education experience as a lifelong adventure, where children have desire to continue individual relationship with learning based on their early model being fun, healthy and robust. With emphasis on high quality instruction, connection with nature, hands-on activities, life skills and creativity, we prioritize equipping children with a vibrant and adventurous learning model in hope this results in children learning to love learning.
We align with the seasons, encouraging frolicking, outdoor and nature immersive instruction while weather permits, then coming indoors in a more structured manner to continue community momentum once the colder months arrive. We meet one-room-school style, currently serving grades K-8 in Cedar Lake's historic schoolhouse, the Brunswick Community Center (13300 Calumet Avenue). We are a drop-off program with exception to special situations or specific parent/guardian assignments for the day's activities.
Our pillars:
Inclusivity - We encourage participants to embrace their authentic within safe and appropriate boundaries. We hold to the idea that we can combat a highly divisive culture by cultivating love, grace and respect through differences. We hope to sow this intention into young hearts that will grow into our next generation of world shakers, parents, leaders and neighbors. There is a seat at the table for everyone.
Credibility - We hold to a high standard in class offerings, ensuring our children are being taught by people well-equipped and passionate in their area. We maintain a model that is built with integrity and pure intent; we show up, we follow-through, and we give the very best of what we have to offer, helping all of our children grow and flourish. Our success individually is our success collectively.
Accessibility - We strive to keep costs feasible. Our model allows for significant individual savings based on group instruction. We shop materials with best value in mind. We provide and welcome opportunities to fundraise. Helper discounts and portion payments are available. We purpose to create options that fit well into everyone's budget while providing the very best value to investment ratio.
Balance - We believe children should see education as fun, engaging and adventurous! We also believe children should learn to honor boundaries, engage with respect, and exercise good character. Gather and Grow looks to pull the best out of our kids, helping style their education as a balance between nurturing the natural wonder of childhood while prepping for growth into their next life seasons.