Mission Statement
The Homegrown School is a homestead-inspired learning community serving children and families throughout Austin and the surrounding areas.
Our mission is to nurture the whole child through meaningful relationships, hands-on learning, and a deep connection to the natural world. We are equally committed to fostering a strong community of families and educators who partner together to support each child's growth.
We believe children learn best through real experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, independence, and compassion. Each day, our students explore, create, care for animals and gardens, prepare food, solve problems, and contribute to their community- developing confidence, responsibility, and a sense of belonging along the way.
Rooted in nature and guided by respect for childhood, we strive to cultivate capable, resilient, and kind individuals who care for themselves, one another, and the world around them.
Our Educational Approach
At Homegrown, we believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning—especially in early childhood. Just as each child is unique, so too is the way they discover, connect, and grow. For that reason, we intentionally draw from multiple educational philosophies, creating a flexible and responsive learning environment rooted in the needs and strengths of each individual child.
Our approach is primarily inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which views children as capable, curious, and full of potential. We emphasize open-ended exploration, creative expression, and child-led inquiry.
We also borrow elements from Waldorf and Montessori traditions:
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From Waldorf, we embrace rhythms, imagination, and the integration of art, nature, and storytelling into daily life.
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From Montessori, we value independence, practical life skills, and the importance of preparing a thoughtful and purposeful environment where children can confidently engage in hands-on work.
While we expose children to basic academic concepts, we do not follow a traditional lesson plan or structured curriculum. Instead, we foster the organic development of math, science, literacy, social skills, and critical thinking through hands-on experiences such as cultivating food, caring for animals both on the farm and in the wild, and maintaining the interconnected environment around them.
Our Story
The spring of 2020 reminded us all how quickly life can change. Quarantine brought profound loss and uncertainty, yet in that stillness, many of us discovered growth, resilience, and gratitude. Stripped of routine, we found clarity in what truly matters—our families and community, our physical and emotional well-being, and our connection to the earth.
The Homegrown School was born from that moment of reflection—a desire to pass on those lessons to the next generation. As children navigated a world turned upside down, we saw an opportunity to reimagine how they learn and live: through food, friendship, curiosity, self-love, and compassion for all living things.
Here, we grow those values together—in a home away from home.