Frequently Asked Questions

A: Classes are held Monday through Thursday, 9:00am to 3:00om. We offer both 2-day hybrid options and 4-day full-time options. Days of attendance are determined during registration and finalized after an assessment of each student’s academic skills, learning needs, and individual goals. These classes focus on general grade-level skills, so students do not need to be in that grade specifically—any student who is working at the appropriate skill level can attend. Our learning program provides targeted instruction and enrichment for students in Grades 1–5. All classes are taught by fully qualified, state-verified teachers with degrees, ensuring that your child receives high-quality, professional instruction in a safe and structured environment.

A: No, our classes are completely secular. They are drop-off academic sessions, not a co-op. Parents drop students off at the start of class and pick them up at the end—there is no requirement to volunteer or participate in teaching.

A: Classes are structured to give students focused academic instruction in a small-group setting. Core subjects covered include math, science, reading, and writing, and each lesson incorporates supplemental STEM activities and authentic, hands-on learning experiences that allow students to apply content in real-world ways. Activities include guided practice, skill development tailored to each student’s level, and opportunities to actively engage with concepts, making learning meaningful and memorable.

A: Research-Backed Curriculum

Our program uses the Science of Reading and evidence-based strategies to provide comprehensive instruction in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Every lesson is designed to support mastery, critical thinking, and a love of learning. We use a variety of high-quality, structured online programs to further support independent learning:

• Teaching Textbooks – Math instruction and practice

• Lexia – Literacy and reading support

• Reflex – Math fluency and fact practice

• IXL – Skill-based practice in multiple subjects

• Handwriting – Fine motor skills and written expression

These resources are combined with teacher-led instruction to ensure that students are engaged, challenged, and making measurable progress.

A: Drop-off and pick-up occur at 200 City Hall Avenue, Suite D, Poquoson. Our staff will greet students and ensure they get to class safely. Classes run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on your student’s scheduled attendance days.

A: Our program is designed as drop-off only. Parents are free to leave once class begins, allowing students to focus fully on learning while in a supervised, structured environment.

A: Our program fees include:

• Registration Fee: $100 (one-time annual fee per student)

• Curriculum Fee: $300 (one-time annual fee per student)

• Monthly Tuition per student:

  • $450 for the 2-day program

  • $750 for the 4-day program

A: Yes. In accordance with Virginia requirements:

• Parents must submit a Notice of Intent by the required date to enroll their child.

• Parents are required to provide proof of progress for their children who are between the ages of 6 and 18 as of September 30th of the current school year. This requirement is part of the Home Instruction Statute §22.1-254.1 in Virginia. Parents must submit evidence of progress by August 1st following the school year in which the child has received instruction.

• Progress monitoring occurs throughout the program to ensure that students are making measurable growth in their academic skills.

Our teachers track progress closely and communicate updates as needed, so parents are informed of their child’s growth and areas for improvement. When it is time to submit proof of progress, our team will guide and support families through the process, helping you understand what is needed and ensuring documentation is clear and appropriate.

More information can be found at:

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/parents-students/for-parents/home-instruction

A: To participate fully, each student should bring:

• A device – Laptop or computer for digital learning programs and activities

• Lunch and snack – Students need food for breaks to stay energized and focused

• Water Bottle

Having these items daily ensures students can fully engage with the curriculum and hands-on activities without interruption.

A: Yes! We offer optional extracurricular experiences to enhance learning, including:

• Biweekly walking trips to the library

• Guest speakers on various topics

• Occasional field trips (may include extra fees and transportation)

Parents will always be notified in advance, and participation is completely optional. These activities are designed to give students real-world exposure and enrichment while complementing their academic learning.

A: Student progress is closely monitored throughout the program using:

• Pre-assessments and placement tests – to determine each student’s skill level and place them appropriately

• Ongoing progress monitoring – to track growth and provide targeted support

• Take-home practice – On days when students are not in session, optional take-home work may be assigned to practice skills or review previous concepts

A: Yes! We will host pre-assessment and device setup sessions prior to the first day of class the week of August 17th. This allows:

• Students to complete pre-assessment testing

• Families to set up required devices

• Parents to ask questions and meet teachers

These sessions help ensure that each student starts the program prepared and confident.

A: Yes! We are happy to schedule a tour and introduction session. During the visit, you can:

• See the classroom and learning environment

• Meet the teachers

• Ask questions about the program, curriculum, and schedule

Tours help families feel confident that Blooming Minds is a safe, engaging, and supportive place for their child to learn.

A: The program will run from August 24th - June 4th Mondays to Thursdays, including breaks for:

• Winter holiday break

• Spring break

• Other key holidays

Bad weather days will be determined by the facility on a case-by-case basis, and parents will be notified in advance of any closures or changes.

A: Students receive direct, explicit instruction from a certified teacher in the core content areas of literacy, math, social studies, and science.

While some content includes the use of computers, we intentionally limit technology time. Instead, students engage in:

• Hands-on learning experiences

• Real-world application of skills

• Group collaboration and cooperative projects

This approach ensures students are actively learning through meaningful, engaging experiences.

A: In addition to academic instruction, students develop:

• Executive functioning skills

• Planning and organization

• Problem-solving strategies

• Socialization and cooperation skills

These skills support both academic growth and real-world success.

A: Our program takes a student-centered, mastery-based approach that focuses on both continuous improvement and overall academic growth and development.

We:

• Focus on mastering concepts before moving on, while keeping long-term academic progress in mind

• Connect content areas to help students understand real-world problems and apply their learning meaningfully

• Spend less time on testing and grading and more time assessing learning through hands-on experiences and observation

• Tailor instruction to each student’s specific needs rather than teaching strictly to a whole group

• Hold students accountable while allowing them to progress at a developmentally appropriate pace

• Use multiple learning styles so students can access content in ways that work best for them

• Maintain small class sizes, which allows for a more personalized learning experience and stronger teacher-student connections