What is STAR Homeschool Community?

STAR stands for “Seeking Truth and Righteousness.” STAR is a community that meets in Lynchburg, Virginia on Wednesdays, for twenty-eight weeks throughout the school year. We are a non-denominational Christian community, committed to teaching our children hymns, Scripture, and many other beautiful subjects. We are a Charlotte Mason-inspired community.

What ages of children can attend STAR?

Students who are four and up may be enrolled in STAR. Siblings who are under the age of four will need to be in the nursery.

Our students are arranged in “forms,” as follows:

Form 1a: Pre-K through Kindergarten
Form 1b: Kindergarten through First Grade
Form 2: Second and Third Grades
Form 3: Fourth through Sixth Grades
Form 4: Seventh and Eighth Grades
Form 5: Ninth through Twelfth Grades

What does a STAR day include?

It depends on the Form. All students (and moms) start the day with hymns and announcements. After that, Forms 1a, 1b, 2 and 3 partake in the following:

  • Composer study
  • Artist study
  • Apologetics
  • Poetry
  • Read Aloud (Forms 1a and 1b) or Literature Discussion (Forms 2 and 3)
  • Tea time
  • Nature Walk
  • Project Time
  • Memory Work
  • Show and Tell
  • Memory Work Review (if time)
  • Lunch Time

Form 3 have some optional afternoon classes:

  • 1 hour: Art
  • 1 hour: Grammar & IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing)

Forms 4 and 5 have the following courses after hymns and announcements:

  • 1.5 hours: Apologetics, Worldview, Survival & Enrichment (Composer, Artist & Poet)
  • 1 hour: World History & American Government
  • 1 hour: Biology
  • 1 hour: Lunch
  • 1 hour: Chemistry OR Grammar & IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing)
  • 1 hour: Speech OR Excellence in Literature: American Literature

What curriculum is used at STAR?

We use a variety of materials. Our director, Brenda Scott, plans it all out and publishes these plans on The Gentle Learning Company. For a complete list of the books we are using at STAR in the 2023-2024 school year, see our Curriculum page.

What curriculum do families use at home?

STAR families with students in Forms 1a, 1b, 2 and 3 use the Claritas Publishing Cycle 3 memory work materials, and other than that, every other curriculum suggestion is optional.

Families with students in Forms 4 and 5 will need to purchase the books listed on the Curriculum page.

Are there other activities to participate in?

Yes! We are a pretty active group! We have mom’s nights, field trips, movies at the end of a chapter book, potlucks, and more! These are not required activities, but they are highly encouraged.

Does a family need to be “religious” to attend STAR?

Yes. STAR is a Christian community and there is a statement of faith that will need to be agreed to and signed.

Are there any requirements of moms at STAR?

Yes! Moms of students in Forms 1a, 1b, 2 and 3 are required to stay in class and help their child. Also, moms are expected to help at least 11 times per year with one of the following:

  • Set Up Team
  • Clean Up Team
  • Play Piano for Hymns
  • Wash Tea Cups

Moms are needed for

What is the cost to participate?

This year, the fees are:

Forms 1a, 1b, 2 and 3

  • $60 appication fee per family
  • $625 per year tuition per student
  • $215 per 1 hour afternoon class (Form 3)
  • $20 worth of supplies per student (purchased for the whole community)

Forms 4 and 5

  • $60 application fee per family
  • $375 per year for Apologetics, Worldview, Survival & Enrichment (required class)
  • $250 per year for each additional class (plus $30 lab fee for science)
  • $20 worth of supplies per student (purchased for the whole community)

Nursery (for children under 4 years old)

  • $250 per year

How do families apply?

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Last year, we let a few families join us in January, under special circumstances. There is no guarantee that we will be able to do that this year. If you are interested in joining us in January, you may fill out our application form here:

https://form.jotform.com/230486498397171 (fill out one per child)

Please make sure that you agree with the Statement of Faith, the Mission and can abide by the Family Expectations.

We will let you know if there are any openings.

How to learn more:

We have Training Day Videos on the site, as well as our initial Information Meeting (though a few things have changed since we created this last video). You can also check us out on Instagram and Facebook.