Homestead Schoolhouse offers hands-on traditional learning in Taney County

The Homestead Schoolhouse, located on State Hwy. 76 in Taneyville, Missouri, offers families a new, yet at the same time old-fashioned, option for their children’s education. Using the one-room schoolhouse classroom model, the school combines some of the best aspects of homeschooling, public school and private school to create a learning environment that encourages individual motivation and equips students to succeed as successful adults with a strong work ethic. 

The Homestead Schoolhouse has developed from the dreams of Kimberly and Brenten Blake. As a builder, Brenten knew the importance of hands-on training in practical skills; and as Christian parents, they also realized the value of a biblical foundation for lifelong participation in a church community, including musical preparation for worship. 

With God’s help, their construction business experience, and the provision of some favorable financing, including a donor who felt God prompting them that “someone needs a building,” The Homestead Schoolhouse opened in the fall of 2024 as a K-8 Christian school. Accreditation is underway with the National Association of Private Schools, and the plan is to add a grade each year to become a K-12 school by 2028; 31 students are currently enrolled in K-9. The attractive new building in Taneyville sits on 20 acres, allowing room for future expansion as well as to house the animals and equipment needed for practical education. 

During a recent visit by Globe staff, student engagement was obvious in an environment that combines efficiency with a relaxing atmosphere where kids can thrive. The school day opens with a Bible class for all students; they then rotate between three multi-age classrooms for English/literature, math, history, science and music, as well as time outdoors caring for animals and working on hands-on projects. 

“The academic work is similar to that of classical school models,” said Kimberly Blake. “It includes plenty of memorization of Scripture, math facts and historical documents such as the Gettysburg Address.” 

In addition to Mrs. Blake and another teacher, Mrs. Knight, there is a student manager for each of the building’s two floors. Students are responsible for chores, with a chart assigning tasks and grades given for effort and quality of work. Janitorial and animal care duties are directed by Mr. Sims, including skills such as the building of new pens for a calf-raising project. A hot lunch is available, or students are welcome to bring a packed lunch. 

Woven into the academics and practical skills are core values instilled into each student: 

●      Striving to love God with all their heart; 

●      Learning to base decisions on the Word of God; 

●      Applying a biblical perspective to academic success; 

●      Developing a strong work ethic and internal motivation; 

●      Developing God-honoring personal relationships that prepare students to lead and impact communities for Christ. 

Homestead and life skills taught include construction, mechanics, gardening, baking, sewing and more. 

Community partnerships and parent input are essential to the school’s educational approach, with several community friends involved in skill-based afternoon sessions. Connections are being formed with area private teachers of various musical instruments, in case students wish to build on the basics taught at school. The Herzog Foundation, which helps support Christian education in communities, has been a valuable partner in developing parent surveys and leadership training, and a supportive donor base helps fill the gap between income and expenses, keeping tuition very attainable for families of average means. 

Future goals include a new educational building, currently underway, which will allow for additional students and expanded skills classes. Also in the planning stages are a possible preschool and event venue, as well as a storefront location to sell products the students make and grow. Not only would this help support school expenses, but it would provide students an opportunity for supervised training in customer service skills in the store. 

Interested in this wonderful opportunity for your children or grandchildren? Visit the website, https://thehomesteadschoolhouse.org, or check out The Homestead Schoolhouse, with some exciting photos of activities, on Facebook.