Seeds & Sparks

Seeds & Sparks — a secular homeschool co-op for liberation-oriented families

Based in the Richmond, Virginia area. We grow curious kids and caring global citizens — hands in the dirt, hearts in the work.

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Thursdays, 10:30–2:30 · September 2026 – June 2027 · Ages 3–11 · Richmond, VA area

Who we are

A place to be seen, known, and valued exactly as you 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, through truthful history, real current events, nature stewardship, and hands-on projects that address real problems. We are explicitly progressive, culturally-affirming, and secular.

Our values — FLAMES: Forward Thinking, Leadership, Activism, Mutuality, Equal Rights, Solidarity. With Tony Benn's quote about the two flames in the human heart: anger against injustice, and hope that you can build a better world. This co-op is for your family if you're seeking: a progressive, intersectional, secular, culturally-affirming, inclusive, decolonizing educational approach; developmentally-appropriate projects on truthful history, current events, and stewardship of nature; meaningful connections with others who share your values; and a place to be seen, known, and valued exactly as you are.

How it works

Two blocks, two groups, one connected day

Every Thursday, children move between two halves of the day — the forest and the classroom — so each child gets both. Two age groups, Seedlings (ages 3–6) and Embers (ages 7–11), trade places at midday. The two blocks braid together season by season, so the outdoor work and the classroom work reinforce each other.

The Seeds — our outdoor half led by Rachel

Forest, garden, and nature stewardship on ten acres of old farmland.

The Seeds: Welcome to our year outside. Every week, rain or shine, children gather on the same patch of land and come to know it — its trees and weather, the creatures who share it, and the food we can coax from its soil — moving with the seasons rather than against them. The Seeds: Alongside the science and the growing, we make time every session to sit quietly and notice, move our bodies hard, and look after one another. A living draft that braids together with the classroom units. Quote from Black Elk about paying attention to even the smallest creature.

The Sparks — our classroom half led by Chiara

Social studies and justice-focused learning, through story and project work.

The Sparks: Welcome to our year of social justice education. Following the threads of stewardship from our forest schooling, our classroom time sparks children's vision about the way we steward the gift of our shared humanity. Quote from Toni Morrison: the function of freedom is to free somebody else. The Sparks: Each week we gather in our indoor classroom to uncover ideas and themes that uplift the humanity of all people. Seedlings explore through picture books and play; Embers expand through research and project-based learning. Quote from Howard Zinn about small acts multiplied by millions of people. The Sparks: Over the year we engage in several student-led initiatives that address real-world needs, fostering a sense of agency and capability in the children. These evolve with the children's knowledge and critical thinking. Quote from Cornel West: it is a beautiful thing to be on fire for justice. The Sparks units: 1 Hispanic Heritage and Immigrant Rights, 2 Community, Banned Books and Voting Rights, 3 Indigenous Studies and Land Stewardship, 4 Sustainable Design and Climate Justice, 5 Lunar New Year and Ramadan, 6 Black Excellence, 7 Intersectional Feminism, 8 Disability Advocacy, 9 Food Security and Justice, 10 Pride Month and Juneteenth. Quote from Bernice King: social change is not a project, it's a way of life.

A Thursday, start to finish

Calendar

Our year together

Thursday meetings, field trips, and community events. The full year runs September 2026 through June 2027.

Get in touch

Curious about joining us?

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 form

or 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.