Alternative hybrid education options
Serving the alternative education community with inclusive, credible and accessible group options
About Gather and Grow
Mission
At Gather and Grow, our vision is to give families an inclusive, credible and accessible alternative education option where children can grow and thrive in an enrichment community. We also 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.
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. Children may be introduced to or participate in activities that align with a variety of belief systems. This may look like a scripture reading during morning curriculum, making a dream catcher in an afternoon nature class and a winter Yule celebration. By introduction and growth in understanding, the hope is to remove fear-based hate and foster a community where peace grows in it's place.
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 while aligning with the Gather and Grow mission. 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 individual savings based on group instruction with many class costs significantly less than individual tutoring. We shop materials with best value in mind. We provide opportunities to fundraise and/or receive discounts with helper participation. We allow for portion payments over time. We purpose to create options that fit well into everyone's budget while giving your children access to a regular shared time of enrichment with peers and friends.