Farm Hands
farm school with untamed farm
A hands on homeschool enrichment program rooted in faith, farm life and seasonal rhythms. At Farm Hands, children are invited to dig deep into the wonders of the natural world, such as hatching chicks, harvesting veggies from our class garden, learning to milk dairy goats, playing in the mud, and experiencing the joy of real farm work. Designed for homeschool families in the Southwest Michigan area, our unique program offers an educational experience that grows and flows with the seasons. Whether we’re planting in spring, gathering eggs in summer, or preparing for winter’s rest, every week brings new adventures and learning opportunities on the farm.
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3 hour classes | 12-week trimesters | Fall, Winter, Spring
Our Beliefs.
We believe God has called us to be stewards of the land, just as He entrusted Adam in Genesis 2:15. We honor that calling by tending the earth with care and inviting children to do the same. We believe children learn best through hands on play, real experiences, and a bit of healthy risk taking. Whether they’re doing farm chores or pulling carrots from the soil, kids thrive when they’re trusted to explore, contribute, and get a little dirt under their nails. We want kids to be curious, capable, and grounded rooted in God’s creation and connected to the rhythms of the land.
Our Mission.
Our mission is to make farm life come alive for children through hands on experiences that spark curiosity, build relationships, and cultivate a lasting wonder for the world around them. Whether a child has never set foot on a farm or simply can’t get enough of it, Farm Hands is a place where they can dig in, connect deeply, and grow. We believe every child should have the chance to feed a goat, run through a hay field, and feel the joy of real, meaningful work, no matter their background or experience. We’re here to open the gate and welcome them in.
What it is.
Farm Hands is a season-by-season farm immersion experience where kids jump into every part of homestead life while building relationships. Each week they’ll learn different topics and build off them. Possible topics but not limited to- hatching chicks and caring for them as they grow; Plant, tend, and harvest their own class garden; Explore the forest and practice safe, respectful foraging; Churn fresh cream into butter; Learn the basics of animal and plant husbandry; Splash in mud, build forts, and follow their curiosity wherever it leads. Every activity is woven into a holistic, regenerative approach that honors the land, respects the animals, and sparks a lifelong love of learning.
"The best education does not happen at a desk, but rather engaged in everyday living- hands on, exploring, in active relationship with life."
-Vince Gowman
At Farm Hands, we embrace the beauty of a blended age learning environment. Our Family Collective model brings children ages 4–12 together in a shared space where everyone has something to offer and something to gain. Older children have the opportunity to step into leadership, mentoring younger ones through example, encouragement, and hands-on help. In turn, the littlest learners grow in confidence and curiosity by watching and working alongside their older peers. Our classes are designed to flex and flow with the group- sometimes leaning toward the younger ones with play-based activities, and other times diving deeper to challenge the older kids. No matter the day, we aim to present every lesson in a way that’s engaging, inclusive, and full of joy, ensuring each child feels seen, valued, and excited to learn. This natural, cooperative rhythm mirrors how children have learned for generations- together, on the land, as part of a working, learning community.
Depending on demand, we may open classes
divided into age groups at some point in the future.
JUST A FEW
CLASS TOPICS
Students will have the opportunity to collect chicken eggs from "their" chickens!
SOME MORE
DETAILS
We are outdoors, weather permitting.
​​Being outside and on the farm, with our hands and minds immersed in nature is what we're about. At the heart of everything we do is the philosophy that “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” As long as it’s safe, we’ll be outside rain or shine, snow or sun, fully immersed in the farm’s seasonal rhythm. We embrace every kind of weather as an opportunity for learning, resilience, and adventure.
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Class Size.
​We maintain a 1:8 teacher to student ratio, allowing us to foster strong relationships, guide hands on learning with care, and meet each child right where they are. This smaller group size also helps cultivate a safe, peaceful environment where children can build confidence, ask questions, and fully engage with farm life.
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Tuition Cost.
​​We do our best to keep costs fair and accessible while honoring the time, effort, and love that goes into creating a rich farm experience for your children. Tuition is $1,500 for the school year (Sept-May). This can be paid in full or in monthly installments. Families who choose to pay in full receive a 10% discount, bringing the total to $1,350. Families who choose monthly installments will have tuition conveniently broken into 9 monthly payments of $166.67. This covers hands on instruction, animal care experiences, gardening supplies, seasonal activities, and access to our beautiful farm spaces. We want to serve your family in the best way possible, and we’re committed to making this experience worth every moment. Sibling discounts: For the second and subsequent children enrolled, a 40% discount is available. See more details at checkout.
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School Year at a glance.
The school year, which runs from September through May, is broke up into three seasonal trimesters. Each trimester is 12 weeks long. Farm Hands will take breaks for holidays, and school vacations. 2025/2026 school calendar below-
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Fall Trimester:
September 9th - November 25
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Winter Trimester:
December 2nd - February 17
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Spring Trimester:
February 24 - May 19
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Class Schedule.
​Farm Hands meets every Tuesday.​
Family Collective (ages 4-12)
10:00 am​ - 1:00 pm​
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What to Wear.
​Please dress for the weather! Rain gear to stay dry, layers in the spring and fall (I suggest wool base layers as they keep you dry and regulate temperature), snow gear in the winter. Rubber muck boots preferred, but any closed toe shoes will do. Please no sandals. We get wonderfully messy, muddy and wet- wear your play clothes and a set of clean clothes to change into if you want to keep the farm out of your vehicle.
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What to Expect.
For the duration of each semester, we are cultivating deep relationships both with our students​​​ and student to student. We are prayerful that these intentional gatherings and activities with like minded families might have life long lasting impacts and foster true friendship. We value the importance of face to face interactions in such a tech-heavy world. At the end of each trimester, we hope your child will have a much deeper level of understanding of the world around them, an appreciation for nature, a basic understanding of animal and plant husbandry, the perseverance it takes to farm and a whole lot of sun soaked farm experiences.​
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Class Rhythm.
- socialize and free play​​
- read aloud and talk about the day ahead
- farm chores
- core class topic
- last minute things, socialize and free play
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Cancellations and Refunds.
We understand that plans change, and we do our best to be fair while honoring the time and energy it takes to prepare for each session. You may cancel no less than thirty days to the start of the next 12 week semester. Cancellations made less than thirty days before the start of the semester will not be refunded, as that spot has been reserved and we may need time to fill it. If your student is pulled from class during an ongoing semester, you will be charged for the remainder of the semester. No refunds or credits will be given for missed class days. If a snow day is called by local schools, we will follow suit for safety, and while we won’t offer a makeup day, we’ll do our best to keep everyone informed and safe. Thank you for understanding and for supporting a program that runs on heart, preparation, and community commitment.​​
MEET THE
TEACHERS
Hi, I’m Ms. A! I'm a mother of five by the grace of God, and the heart behind Farm Hands. My days are spent raising children, tending our family farm, and sharing the rhythms of real, rooted living with others. I gravitate toward an attachment based parenting style and believe deeply in leading by example. I see children as whole, capable humans and I strive to speak to them in a way that honors their thoughts, their feelings, and their unique potential. I’ve spent years homeschooling, homesteading, and learning through experience what it means to grow both farm and family with care and intention. My hope is that every child who joins us here feels seen, valued, and inspired by the world around them.
Hello! I’m Ms. Anna! A mama to three beautiful children. I spend my days at home with my little ones, raising them to embrace traditional family values rooted in the fruits of the Spirit. Our learning is hands on, grounded in real life experiences, and deeply connected to the village that surrounds us. I believe every child is uniquely and wonderfully made. My goal is to support and nurture the dreams and aspirations that grow as children learn and grow. Before stepping into this season of life with my family, I worked as an assistant teacher with children of all ages- from snuggling babies to running an afterschool program. These experiences helped me understand the many stages of childhood development. I’ve also earned several college credits in early childhood development, which have blessed me with both knowledge and practical application over the years. I’m excited and hopeful to connect with local families who are also passionate about raising children to grow into who they’re called to be. May we continue learning from one another along the way. Praise Jesus for a beautiful life and the opportunities it brings!
