FAQ

How much time do the children spend outdoors?

1. We plan for an average of 2 hours per day. Some days will be spent mostly outdoors, while others will require more indoor learning and activities. 

Are the children allowed to use any technology?

1. We use a few websites for personalized learning (ex. IXL) that will help parents track their child’s progress. These online activities will be completed on a computer or tablet. We do not allow technology during free play or breaks. We want the children to socialize with each other during this time. 

Will the schedule be the same each day? 

1. Research shows that schedules are vital for children of all ages. While we can mix things up more than a traditional school setting, we do like to keep the day-to-day structure about the same. This helps to ensure a calm, efficient, and safe environment for the children to learn. We want participants to become familiar with the flow of events, rather than focusing on the time of each activity or it becoming a rigid minute-by-minute schedule.

Is BOA a school?

1. No. We are an outdoor, nature-based program focused on teaching most of the core subjects and real life skills. All participants at BOA are registered homeschool students. We are a supplemental program here to help parents and children learn in a unique way. 

Do the children receive grades per lesson or activity?

1. We do not give grades. If your child is best motivated by seeing a number or letter on their worksheets or after completing a lesson, we can discuss this on a case-by-case basis. We want to do whatever it takes to keep your child motivated, thriving, and accountable, but we do not keep grade books or discipline children for not doing well on a lesson.   

Can my child attend on an irregular basis?

1. This is not an option at this time. 

Can I join my child during the day?

1. We would love to have parents join us in the schoolhouse, out on the farm for activities, or for lunch from time to time!

Can my child bring lunch?

1. You may send snacks and lunch with your child. We have a refrigerator in the tiny house. 

Is there a program fee discount for multiple children?

1. No discounts, but we do offer registration priority for siblings.

Why am I still responsible for my child's education if I'm paying for an instructor?

1. We are an educational program, but do not classify as a school. This means, we cover as many core subjects and topics as possible throughout our time together. We do our best to prepare each child for the Georgia Department of Education Homeschool requirements, such as assessments at the end of each year starting in 3rd grade and180 days of instructional time. While our goal is to provide all that the participants need, we want parents to be in the driver’s seat of their child’s education and prepared to stay updated and involved with the subjects they may need more time and help understanding. 

How will my child be disciplined?

1. Any children that cause consistent problems in the classroom will receive 2 warnings before removal from the program. We will be diligent in documenting the problems, clearly communicate these issues with the parents in person and in writing, but will not ignore issues that are not being resolved by the parents/child. 

   1. First warning - a one-on-one conversation with the child, where we will decide together how to best handle the bad behavior. If the situation is too difficult, we will contact the parents and ask for the child to be picked up immediately. Parents will be verbally notified at pick up as well as via email. 

   2. Second warning - a meeting at the time of pick up with the child and parents to discuss the ongoing issues. We will recap the meeting via email to the parents. 

   3. Third warning - the parents will be contacted and asked to pick up their child immediately. The child will be removed from the program. The program fee is non-refundable. A recap of the situation will be emailed to parents. 

Who will my child be exposed to during the day?

1. We strive to provide a safe, healthy, and fun environment for the children to learn in and we want parents to feel confident when bringing their children to us each day. We conduct background checks on all tutors and daily leaders the children will be in contact with. We will not have access to background checks for the adults leading activities in the local community, and some that are out on the farm. Michelle and/or Amber will always be present when the children are learning outside of the schoolhouse. If there are ever any concerns, please contact Amber Harris at 229-308-7143.

How are sick days handled?

1. For your child: Your child is not allowed to attend if they are sick. Please be respectful of others and make sure your child has been symptom free for no less than 24 hours.

2. For our tutor: We will always give parents as much advance notice as possible for any days the tutor must take off. There may be times when we are unable to give as much notice as we wish or that you need, but we will keep you apprised on emergency situations and do our best to limit unexpected absences. 

How strict is attendance?

1. We are not strict on attendance. We want you to have the flexibility you need and deserve with your child. Please keep in mind that frequent absences may cause your child to fall behind with the curriculum, which may require more structured work at home.

Do I get a refund if I withdraw my child?

1. Refunds are only offered for participants if you withdraw in the first 30-days following the program start date in 2026.

Is there a religious component to learning?

1. Many homeschooling curriculums are religion-based. Some we enjoy, others we do not. We like to choose a specific curriculum based on what will best fit your child and family to meet the educational goals for the year. If there are specific topics you do not want your child exposed to, we can discuss this early on in the registration process. 

Is BOA considered a college preparatory school?

1. Although BOA is not a school, we believe we are preparing kids for college if they choose, as well as work in the real world, and skills that will stick with them forever.

How many kids will be in the "class?"

1. We will accept up to 5 kids this upcoming school year. 

What does the program fee include? 

1. The program fee helps to cover enrollment fees, daily tutor, time spent with White Oak Pastures experts and specialists, curriculum materials, and general school supplies.

Other than the program fee, what expenses are parents financially required to cover?

1. If your child chooses to eat lunch at the White Oak Pastures General Store, you will be required to pay for this separately. Parents will be notified of any off-farm field trips and workshops that may require additional payment, but we try to keep these to a minimum.