Is ‘Rooted’ a private school?

‘Rooted’ is a non-profit, non-traditional homeschool learning pod that meets on a year-round school calendar setting. Children are welcome from public or private school systems as well as home study programs. According to ‘The Learning Pod Protection Act’, children from public or private institutions that participate in a learning pod can turn in documentation showing participation to be counted as attendance. Parents of ‘Rooted’ home study students are responsible for complying with all Georgia (or South Carolina) homeschool laws, however, our staff can assist with some compliance (registration with the state and attendance for example). Our parents, students, and Guides work together throughout the year to set appropriate learning plans and goals. We also plan to offer assistance in testing in the future (GA requires testing every three years).

What is a “learning pod”?

In 2021, Georgia became the first state in the nation to pass legislation regarding learning pods when it enacted ‘The Learning Pod Protection Act’. According to this bill, a ‘learning pod’ is “a voluntary association of parents choosing to group their children together at various times or places to participate in or enhance their primary educational program”. At ‘Rooted’, we offer a 3 day and 5 day learning pod option for children to gather and enhance their educational experience together. We have been asked and are investigating a 1 day option for our public and private school friends.

What is an “independent learner” or “learner-driven” environment?

A learner-driven environment means the learner selects the material and drives their learning pace. This type of educational environment may feel strange at first for some students or may be the freedom your child has been yearning for. An independent learner is someone who can research questions and figure out a solution when they hit a roadblock with minimal to no help from an adult. They follow instructions, admit when they don't know something, participate in discussions, and strive to learn something new.

What is a “root mate”?

Roots are one of the most important parts of a tree. Roots bring nutrients to keep trees healthy, send messages to other trees (if there is a fungus or insect infestation for example), and even share nutrients with nearby trees. Roots are imperative to maintaining a healthy tree and forest.

At ‘Rooted’ we see classmates as roots and our school as the forest. Classmates keep each student healthy by keeping others accountable, interacting and sending messages amongst each other during learning, and sharing knowledge with each other. Root mates meet together regularly for Socratic discussion, goal setting, and accountability. They encourage growth and inspire each other by learning to be a good listener, provide affirmation, and constructive criticism.

Does ‘Rooted’ serve children with special needs?

We believe that many minor learning disabilities are commonly misdiagnosed and are more likely a result of nature-deficit disorder, unintegrated reflexes, and alike. We believe movement and nature are key pieces missing from every child’s physical, mental, and emotional development and wellbeing. We are not trained to serve children with serious learning or physical disabilities, however, we are happy to offer our professional opinion, assistance, and recommendations in special training to families.

Is ‘Rooted’ a religious school?

Our founding families are strong believers in the faith. We believe in exposing children to the importance of mindful spirituality, acknowledging and understanding how awe-inspiring our amazing world is and was created, explaining the historical timeline of Christianity and how it fits in with other world religions, teaching how Christianity founded the development of Western Civilization, and understanding how religion is the foundation of the American culture. We are outspoken and unapologetic about our faith, however, do not mandate or force anyone to participate in Christian practices or beliefs.

Is ‘Rooted’ an accredited school?

We recognize and acknowledge the appeal of being accredited and are researching multiple options for becoming accredited. Stay tuned!

Is ‘Rooted’ affiliated with a brand or group of schools?

Whilst we respect the numerous types of like-minded learner-driven schools, we researched affiliate options and ultimately decided the best way to preserve our freedoms in several areas (namely religion, curriculum, and communication) required us to be an independent entity. We stand in solidarity with all learner-driven groups and respect each in their own way. However, being independent allows us to communicate more effectively with our families as we uphold our core values of transparency, loyalty, and authenticity. We strive to always be completely open and honest with our families and take ownership when we have missed the mark.

How long is ‘Rooted’ in session for each year?

We operate on a year-round calendar, encompassing blocks of specific learning followed by a week off. Our flexible program allows families to travel together during the year without sacrificing any learning. You can find our school calendar here.

What does a school day look like at ‘Rooted’?

For the convenience of our working parents, we open our doors at 8 am for morning fellowship and start learning together promptly at 9 am. Our day consists of discussion-based learning, group projects, individual study time, and plenty of freedom outdoors - rain or shine! Students may be collected at 3:30 pm, however, we are considering an afternoon friendship club until 5:30 pm for working parents. All students must be collected by 5:30 pm.

Is ‘Rooted’ completed offline and hands-on?

Whilst we acknowledge the 21st century and its technological advances, we believe in teaching children the lifelong necessary skill of finding balance. We utilize several self-paced online tools to provide the tools needed for learning certain subjects. Our lower school (ages 4 - 10/11) spends their entire day outdoors, with 75 minutes set aside for the Redwood House (ages 7-11) to utilize the computer for CORE skills. Our upper school students (ages 12 -16) are allowed two 60-minute time blocks for CORE skills and independent studies; the rest of the day is spent outside and/or not on screens. This frees up the rest of the day for our students to engage in project-based learning and exploring.

What is a Taster Day and Practicum?

Rooted offers Taster Days on Tuesdays only. This is a free opportunity for your child to experience a day in the life at Rooted. Taster Days are offered and scheduled after a tour of our facilities and program has been conducted.

Whilst Taster Days will give a sneak peek into a day at Rooted, our program cannot be truly experienced in just one day. For that reason, we offer a 2-week Practicum for families to submerse themselves in our culture. This allows both families and Rooted staff to become better acquainted in addition to allowing children to fully experience how different each day is at our program. Practicums are scheduled after a tour has been conducted, and preferably after a Taster Day. The cost for our 2-week Practicum is $370 and is non-refundable. Should you enroll your child afterward, that cost will be transferred to your enrollment fee. Otherwise, the cost will be used for the supplies and resources used by and for your child during the Practicum.