Chagrin Falls | Bainbridge
· Homeschool Enrichment · Ages 8–12
· Homeschool Enrichment · Ages 8–12
Welcome to
Hickory Grove
Schoolhouse
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Children explore nature, the arts, purposeful handicrafts, and everyday life skills through hands-on experiences and outdoor play. Drop off at nine, pick up at noon.
Two ways to attend:
No two classes cover the same ground. Dates and pricing for both are below. Click through for full class descriptions and to register.
Thematic, single-class options. A chance to try out Hickory Grove Schoolhouse, or to take advantage of a specific class of interest.
Four consecutive Wednesdays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, under a shared seasonal theme.
Classes and themes still marked to be announced open for registration on January 11, 2027.
*Future dates are subject to change.
What shapes our time together, whether you come for one class or four.
Part of every class happens outside, in whatever weather the day brings.
Learning by doing, not just listening. Most classes end with something to take home.
Helping before being asked. Seeing a need and meeting it. We notice those moments and name them.
Christian faith shapes how we see the world, how we treat each other, and how we approach the work.
Cristina is a former elementary school teacher who has spent the past several years homeschooling her four children. What started as a decision rooted in her oldest son's learning needs quickly became her family's calling. She has never looked back!
Cristina has curated her homeschool to be one that ditches the timelines but rather embraces the unique pace & interests of each of her children. She believes all children learn best through real-world experiences, meaningful relationships, and a connection with creation. That belief is the backbone of everything at Hickory Grove. She graduated magna cum laude from the School of Education at Loyola University Chicago, has years of experience leading co-ops, and has contributed several articles to Wild & Free's monthly magazine. Cristina is deeply organized, deeply faithful, and deeply passionate about helping every child she works with discover who God created them to be.
Cristina lives a very low-tech life by conviction: no smartphone, no scrolling, no shortcuts. She believes that presence and our full attention is one of the most powerful things you can offer a child, and she brings that fully to every day in the classroom.
In her free time, you will find Cristina exercising, tending her organic garden, making sourdough, cooking whole foods from scratch, watercoloring or meeting up for coffee & good conversation with a friend. She and her husband James are a true team, deeply aligned in how they're raising their four kids and building a life worth showing up for.
Connect With Cristina
An excerpt from Cristina's Backyard Birds Field Guide, published in Wild + Free
Every homeschool event of Cristina’s that I attended was thoughtfully planned and beautifully put together. She has such a gift for coming up with creative, engaging activities that are fun and meaningful for kids of all ages, and her attention to detail really makes each event special. Cristina is also incredibly kind, patient, organized, and thoughtful, which made every event such a wonderful experience for both the kids and the moms!
Carrie
My three kids and I got the pleasure of being a part of Cristina’s bee unit study. She blew me away with her creativity and ability to keep all the kids’ attention. Her love for teaching and God’s creation was evident in every meeting. The kids all felt loved and welcomed, no matter what age!
Jessi
Cristina and I met through a homeschool group a few years ago and she has become a dear friend of mine. I have been part of many events and activities she has hosted and I am always impressed with how much thought and care she puts into every detail. I’m grateful that she genuinely cares about each activity and puts so much intention behind everything she does. I’m always excited to see what she has planned and the kids have such a great time learning with her. She has been an inspiration to me throughout my homeschool journey!
Nina
I have had the pleasure of homeschooling alongside Cristina for almost two years. During that time, she has led many wonderful events for our co-op, with our favorite being “Taste Around the World.” Every event Cristina plans is thoughtfully put together, down to the smallest detail. She has a natural ability to weave her background in education into everything she does, and it truly shows.
AlexFor the Taste Around the World event, Cristina organized an experience where each family chose a country to research and then shared what they learned about its location, history, traditions, and food. The kids loved having the opportunity to present what they had learned and, of course, sample foods from around the world! It was such a fun and memorable way to bring learning to life.
Cristina is a thoughtful, creative, and engaging educator who genuinely cares about making learning meaningful and enjoyable for children. She puts so much intention into the experiences she creates, and as a homeschool mom, I truly appreciate the time, care, and educational value she brings to each one. I would highly recommend Cristina and any class or event she puts together for the homeschool community.
One of my very first homeschool events (which ended up being the first of many to come) was hosted and curated by Cristina. Every detail was thoughtfully planned out and beautiful as well. My kids thoroughly enjoyed it and I remember thinking if this is homeschooling then sign me up! Since then I’ve gotten to know Cristina better and have learned that her attention to beauty and detail extend to all areas of her life.
Rachel
Every day at Hickory Grove Schoolhouse moves between two carefully considered spaces, each one intentional, each one essential.
We're converting the upper floor of our carriage building into a purpose-built classroom designed from the ground up around biophilic principles: the purposeful integration of nature into the built environment to promote wellbeing, focus, and joy.
The loft will feature skylights, dormer windows overlooking the pasture, a kitchenette, and a flexible layout built equally well for focused learning, creative work, and open-ended exploration. A space that feels alive, naturally lit, naturally calming, and designed to help children do their best thinking.
Rendering shown. Construction underway.Ten acres of open fields, fenced paths, mature trees, and genuine farm surroundings are our backyard. Every class spends time outside: exploring, observing, moving, and connecting with the living world in ways that no classroom, however beautifully designed, can fully replicate.
We believe outdoor time isn't a reward or a break. It's built into every class. Children need to move freely, breathe fresh air, and discover what they're capable of when they're given space and time.
Rain or shine. Dress for it.
A glimpse of Hickory Grove, where our days begin and end.
Pick a class or session that works for your family, and reserve your spot. Cristina will confirm and send payment details.
Send a note any time. She usually replies within a day or two.
Email CristinaTo create a place where children grow in friendship, confidence, and character through hands-on learning, active play, and connection with nature.
Rooted in faith and a deep love for the natural world, we believe children thrive when they build real relationships and engage deeply with everything around them.