About Willow Pond Farm
Willow Pond Farm – Center for the Arts & Sciences is
an intentional community dedicated to supporting families in education. We offer
part-time courses in the sciences and the liberal arts. Small class size and an
informal atmosphere enhance the learning experiences.
Established in 2002, Willow Pond Farm was initiated by a group of parents who needed a site to share their homeschooling experiences with other families. Together, we hold common goals for educating our children in a safe, fun, and enriching environment.
Our mission is to create a homeschool cooperative and a learning center which provide enriching educational opportunities, resources, and space for families committed to direct involvement in their children's education.
The farm, located two miles south of North Branch, is situated on 5 acres of rural land, and is home to sheep, a pig, chickens, dogs, cats and a handful of smaller animal friends. Children take classes outside when the weather is pleasant, or in the cozy education center nestled in the pines.
A theater, complete with stage, lighting, and sound equipment is the newest addition to the Center. It doubles as a gymnasium in the winter. The farm also has a large organic garden, a playing field, a swing-set/play area, a pond for ecosystem studies, a wooded area, and pastures.
Philosophy/Goals
- Willow Pond Farm (WPF) does not discriminate based on race, religion, creed, culture, gender, ethnic or national origin, (dis)abilities, age, or any other individual difference.
- WPF is not affiliated with a particular religion. It embraces diversity and respects individuality.
- Parent involvement is considered paramount to the success of the programs.
- Developmentally appropriate, meaningful learning experiences inspired by a variety of educational philosophies will be provided.
- Courses will be taught using a variety of approaches including (but not limited to hands-on, inquiry, child led, integrated and thematic approaches.
- The use of multiple approaches to teaching will support the various learning styles of children.
- Small classes of multi-age students will promote responsible social growth with emphasis on respect, tolerance, cooperation and fun!
- Students will be immersed in a non-discriminatory, non-violent, nurturing environment – a place where they feel safe and a place where they feel encouraged to express their creativity and individuality.
- WPF is a learning community rich in compassion and enthusiasm for life and learning.
Nuts and Bolts
Courses are offered for three 10-week trimesters each year starting in the middle of September and running through the first week of June. Two breaks occur within this time, including an extended break during the month of December and another 2-week break in March. Week-long day camps are offered during the summer.
Most WPF courses are taught by WPF parents. Some of the courses are taught by outside instructors. Parents are encouraged to teach a course, but are not obligated to do so. The original idea of the cooperative was that parents would teach each other's children in their fields of interest or expertise. This still holds today as the glue for keeping the cooperative together.
Course descriptions and schedules are given to the members prior to the trimester. Registration is held at Willow Pond Farm, often at a social event for members and prospective families. Each teacher will determine the maximum number of students allowed in the course. Most courses have a maximum of 8–10 students, with the exception of Choir, Theatre, and outdoor activities. Acceptance into a course will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to members.
The day begins at Willow Pond Farm at 10:00 a.m. and usually goes until 5:30 p.m. Some families come for the whole day and others come for selected classes throughout the day. Although courses can be taken a la carte, families are encouraged to become involved in the community.
Each week the whole co-op community meets during “Social Hour!” to play group cooperative games, discuss topics related to social health, and plan large group activities such as volunteering, service projects and field trips. Throughout the trimester small groups take part in lessons from The Ophelia Project curriculum which expose students to positive ways of dealing with relational aggression and peer pressure. Skills in leadership, active listening, communication, and group dynamics are among many discussed and practiced during this time.
When the children have free time, either over lunch hour or between classes, they are welcome to go outside and play or stay inside and play quiet games, read, or chat. Everyone needs to be considerate of others who may still be in a class or who need a little down time.
Parent involvement is considered paramount to the success of Willow Pond Farm. It is important to know that WPF is not a drop-off site. Parents are expected to remain at the Center with their children and to assist them in their classes when necessary. Children 5 years and under must always be accompanied by their parent. As the children become self-disciplined, parents may make arrangements with the teachers regarding parental presence in class. It is up to the parent to check with the teacher to determine whether or not the class requires parent participation. If it is not necessary for the parent to be present in the class, the parent is welcome to assist another class or spend time elsewhere on the premises.
A program is scheduled at the end of each trimester. It is a time set aside
for the students to “show what they know”. It is also a great time for
community-building as most of the families are present for a social event. 
Other
social events are held throughout the year including an Ice-Cream Social in late
summer, a Holiday Humdinger held in December, and a Valentine Valtz in February.
A Talent Show and Movie Nights are being planned for summer months. These
events are designed to build community, to create a forum for the generation of
ideas, and to relax and socialize.
Member families meet to discuss recommendations, concerns, and visions pertaining to WPF at Monthly Meetings. All co-op members are encouraged to partake in the monthly meetings and to bring any discussion ideas, questions, or requests to the meeting. The meetings are run using a consensus method, to allow all members to have an equal say in decision making. Meetings are generally held on the first Friday of each month.
Class Fees
Willow Pond Farm offers memberships to families who wish to use the facilities for their children regularly throughout the year. Students can take classes as non-members as well.
| Student Type | Approximate Cost Per Hour | A One-Hour Class Per Trimester (10 weeks) |
| Member | $6.25 (or less if taking more classes) | $62.50 |
| Non-Member | $13.00 | $130.00 |
Please find more information regarding fee structure at Membership.
If you have any questions, please contact us