The Conejo Valley of Southern California is home to thousands of homeschool children. The community was large before Covid school closures, but after, it skyrocketed. Some programs saw their enrollment grow by 20x!  Many families who were thrust into homeschooling realized, after the dust settled, that they preferred it to public school.  Sadly, many had no choice but to send their children back to school due to their work schedules or inability to keep up with the work with multiple children, or just due to a fear they would not being doing "enough" for their child's education.

With thousands of children learning at home, we need more resources to support families.  Interacting with peers, working in groups, being outdoors, experiencing independence, taking on new learning challenges and being exposed to different teachers all play a role in a child's development.  

Unfortunately, our community lacks programs that offer homeschool children a place to go to learn from credentialed teachers and have in-classroom time.  Families need options to send their children for teacher-led learning to supplement their at home study, fill in the gaps where they need extra support, give mom (and dad) a healthy break or allow them quiet time to work, give siblings some space of their own, or diversify their school subjects.  It would give children who thrive in homeschool but can't leave public school due to a lack of a place to go, a chance to get the alternative education they deserve.  

The Bending Willow Academy was my dream of several years when we first started our own homeschooling journey. It's now a real business, with some much needed help to get it off the ground in the way I see it.  I have hired highly experienced, degree-holding, credentialed teachers who share the same vision as I, and we have created days full of core subjects and enriching classes targeting children grades 1-5. This drop off program is so needed in our community and would allow struggling parents and children a safe space to further their education throughout the week during school hours.  

I spent years meeting homeschool families through park meet ups, events, and various groups, and really listened to what people's needs were in the challenging homeschool journey.  It was always an astounding, "I wish we had drop off options so my kids can learn and I can work, or get a break".  What was once a seed in my mind has blossomed and I'm now humbly asking for any help I can get to launch this program for our community.  

My academy will serve the entire Conejo Valley which consists of Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Agoura Hills and Calabasas, as well as surrounding cities Simi Valley and Camarillo.

I have self-funded everything so far, but still need money for additional business expenses. I have projected it will be able to sustain itself within 6 months.   Thank you for your time and consideration!  www.thebendingwillowacademy.com