The Cardinal’s Nest

Where Little Learners Take Flight

The Cardinal’s Nest is a unique blend of a homeschool pod and a micro school, created to offer children a rich, relational learning experience on a small 3 acre homestead.

Meeting once a week for 12 weeks during both the fall and spring semesters, The Cardinal’s Nest is designed to complement your family’s homeschool rhythm — not replace it. Our gatherings provide a consistent, nurturing space where students in grades K–4 come together to learn, explore, and grow. Classes are limited to 10-12 students max.

Inspired by the Charlotte Mason philosophy, our days are centered around living books, nature study, thoughtful observation, and the formation of good habits.

At The Cardinal’s Nest, we believe education is more than information — it is formation.

We aim to nurture the whole child: heart, mind, and hands.

Like a nest, our environment is intentionally small, cozy, and secure — a place where children are known, encouraged, and gently challenged. From this safe place, they will gain the confidence to stretch their wings and grow in wisdom, independence, and joy.

— Alyssa Horton, Founder of The Cardinal’s Nest

  • In a world that often rushes childhood, we offer a gentle rhythm of nature study, thoughtful exploration, practical life skills, and shared discovery — creating space for wonder, growth, and confident foundations that extend far beyond the classroom.

  • Faith: We believe education flourishes when grounded in truth, with a reverence for God and His creation.

    Wonder: Childhood is fleeting. By protecting space for awe, discovery, and thoughtful observation, our goal is to nurture a lifelong love of learning.

    Whole-Child Formation: Education is so much more than academics. We develop the heart, mind, and hands, building character, wisdom, resilience, and practical capability.

    Meaningful Work: From farm study to handcrafts and life skills, we believe children grow in confidence and competence through real, purposeful work.

    Community: Learning flourishes in connection. We cultivate a small, relational environment where each child is known, valued, and encouraged, while partnering closely with families.

    Stewardship: We model care for God’s creation and embrace a gentle, intentional rhythm of learning that resists hurry and values what is lasting.

  • When searching for our property, one of my visions was to be able to host a homeschool group where children could have hands on experience with farm aspects, utilize nature in their studies, and interact with their peers in an environment that was intentionally created for them.

    Protecting childhood, while simultaneously raising well rounded adults, firm in both their faith and their education.

    A dream placed on my heart several years ago, brought to life as The Cardinal’s Nest.

Tuition

Tuition for The Cardinal’s Nest is $1,200 per semester, with a $100 non-refundable deposit required to reserve your child’s spot. The deposit is applied toward the semester’s tuition balance.

Tuition is all-inclusive and reflects the full learning experience offered throughout our 12-week semester. This investment covers curriculum, thoughtful planning, instructional time, materials, supplies, and the in-class learning experiences that make our gatherings meaningful and cohesive.

Beyond our time together, tuition also reflects the preparation, organization, and yearlong vision that support a consistent and purposeful educational rhythm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does payment work?

Families may choose to pay in full, or to pay in 4 monthly payments of $275 (Sept.-Dec.).

The $100 deposit reserves your child’s spot and is applied toward the semester balance.

Payment dates will be outlined in your enrollment agreement.

Is tuition prorated for missed days?

No. Tuition reflects the full semester commitment and is not adjusted for absences.

What happens if we decide to withdraw our student?

Because planning, curriculum preparation, and material purchases are made in advance, tuition is considered a semester commitment.

If a family withdraws before the semester begins, any tuition paid beyond the deposit will be refunded.

If a family withdraws after the semester has begun, tuition is non-refundable.

We encourage families to prayerfully and thoughtfully consider enrollment before committing.

Do you use a specific curriculum?

While several of our projects and studies will be designed by me personally through the use of great books, we will also be utilizing other curricula for special unit and theme studies.

Do you offer financial aid?

At this time, formal financial aid is not available.

I am an approved EFA vendor for students who are in the program.

Families are welcome to inquire about payment plan flexibility if needed.

How do I get started?

Please complete and submit an application (one per student).

Once submitted, I will be in touch to let you know if your student(s) have been accepted for the semester.

If accepted, you will then sign a parent/student terms of agreement and pay the $100 deposit to hold your student’s spot.

Schedule for 2026/2027

Fall Semester 2026

September 1st — December 1st

9:30 - 2:30

Fall Break — October 20th

Spring Semester 2027

February 2nd — April 27th

9:30 - 2:30

Spring Break — TBD