planting seeds & sparking flames
A secular, progressive homeschool co-op for liberation-oriented families in the Richmond, Virginia area. We grow curious kids and caring global citizens — hands in the dirt, hearts in the work.
Get in touch Learn moreWho we are
Seeds & Sparks is a small, intentional homeschool co-op built on three values: intersectional, inclusive, intentional. We teach children the realities of the world and their role as good global citizens — with truthful history, real current events, nature stewardship, and hands-on projects that address real problems. We are explicitly progressive, culturally-affirming, and secular.
Those two flames guide everything we do. We name our shared values FLAMES:
We honor the full, layered identities of every child and family, and teach history and current events truthfully.
A culturally-affirming, decolonizing space where kids are met with gentleness and belong exactly as they are.
Small by design, consensus-minded, and grounded in repair over blame and direct, caring communication.
How it works
Every Thursday, children move between two halves of the day — the forest and the classroom — so each child gets both. The two blocks are braided together season by season, so the outdoor work and the classroom work reinforce each other.
The outdoor half — forest, garden, and nature stewardship on ten acres of old farmland. Led by Rachel. Opening circle, sit spots and journaling, hands in the dirt, and child-led play.
The classroom half — social studies and justice-focused learning. Led by Chiara. Truthful history, community, and real-world problem-solving through story and project work.
Two age groups split the day and trade places at midday, so everyone experiences both blocks:
Picture books and play — sensory exploration, naming plants and animals, planting with support, and simple stewardship jobs.
Research and project-based learning — inquiry, real garden responsibility, nature journaling, and mentoring younger friends.
Calendar
Thursday meetings, field trips, and community events. The full year runs September 2026 through June 2027.
Get in touch
We'd love to hear from families who share our values. Fill out our interest form to tell us a little about your family, or reach out by email to say hello.
Fill out our interest formor email us
Seeds & Sparks is a small, closed community. New families join through a referral from a current member family — so if you don't know someone yet, reaching out is a warm first step.