Our program is centered on real-world interaction and hands-on learning. Technology is not a standard part of our curriculum—students will read physical books, write on real paper, work at an old-school chalkboard, observe live demonstrations, and engage in tangible, meaningful activities. While we may occasionally use computers to watch a short video (for things that cannot be demonstrated in person) or to conduct learning assessments, screen time is kept to a minimum. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please feel free to ask!

Valley Marigold operates out of my home in northwest Lehi, where we've created a warm and engaging learning environment. Our primary spaces include the basement, kitchen, and backyard, each thoughtfully designed for different types of learning.

We have a dedicated instruction area free from distractions, cozy spots for quiet reading, and seating around a large kitchen island for cooking and experiments. When we need fresh air, we can gather at a big table on the covered back patio, enjoy the grass and trampoline for movement breaks, or tend to the garden and potting shed for hands-on growing experiences. While there is a pool on the property, it will remain covered and locked during class time.

Adventure Days will take place at various local parks and other locations. Families will be informed in advance, and we will meet at the designated spot for that day’s activities.

Absolutely! We have an open-door policy, and parents are always welcome to visit or volunteer during class time. Anytime your child is in my home, you are welcome to come right in—no need to knock! You trust us to teach and care for your child, and in return, I trust you to be part of our learning space whenever you'd like. Whether you're here or not, I will always treat your child with the love and respect they deserve.

Each Valley Marigold class is 2.5 hours, and we expect that families will have additional study and instruction time as part of their own homeschool rhythm. We do not assign mandatory homework, but we will offer activities and projects that can be optionally continued at home.

We stay in close communication with parents and strive to tailor assignments to fit your child’s needs and the unique way you run your homeschool program. Our goal is to support and enhance your family's learning journey, not to add unnecessary pressure.

At Valley Marigold, you are free to choose any homeschool curriculum that best fits your family’s needs. If you’d like recommendations, we’re happy to offer guidance. However, purchasing a specific curriculum is not required—whether you follow a structured program or take a more flexible approach, we will have engaging instructional materials available during class to support your child’s learning.

Each day at Valley Marigold is an opportunity for hands-on learning and outdoor exploration, so children should come dressed for the season with appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. A water bottle is essential, as we stay active throughout the day.

If your child follows a specific curriculum at home, they are welcome to bring their workbooks so we can better understand their progress and personalize their learning experience.

Families don’t need to worry about school supplies—Valley Marigold provides pencils, paper, art supplies, and all materials for projects. Students will also receive notebooks or journals to take home, but they’ll need to bring them back each day.

We understand that life happens! If you're running late for drop-off, that's okay—just let us know, if you can. Your child is always welcome to join in whenever they arrive.

For pickup, we do ask that you be especially mindful of the time, as we’ll be preparing for the next class or moving on to other activities. If someone else will be picking up your child, please let us know in advance who is authorized to do so.

You’re also welcome to arrive a little early for pickup and enjoy the end of class with your child—it’s a great way to see what they’ve been up to!

If your child is sick, we encourage them to stay home and rest to prevent the spread of illness. To the extent possible, we will share materials or updates on missed instruction and activities. Because we work so closely with each student, we can ensure they pick up right where they left off when they return. While we’re unable to offer refunds or discounts for missed days, we’ll do our best to keep your child on track and engaged in their learning.

If I’m ever sick and unable to hold class, I will notify families as soon as possible. In the rare event that I need to cancel more than two classes per semester (for each area of academic focus), a partial tuition refund will be provided. Fortunately, I’m generally quite healthy, and missing class is an uncommon occurrence!

One of the wonderful benefits of homeschooling and Valley Marigold is the flexibility it gives families to travel and learn beyond the classroom. We fully support you in making the best decisions for your child’s education, including taking advantage of travel opportunities. If your family plans to be away, we just ask that you let us know in advance so we can adjust accordingly and ensure your child stays on track with their learning. Please note that we do not offer refunds for missed school days.

We understand that allergies can be a challenge, and we will accommodate as much as possible. If your child has food allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know so we can be mindful of their needs. For severe allergies (such as bee stings), we ask that you inform us if your child will have emergency medications available.

That said, some allergens are simply part of our environment. We have a friendly and loving golden retriever who shares our space, and outdoor adventures are an essential part of Valley Marigold—so while we can make many adjustments, allergies to pets, dirt, or fresh air may be unavoidable!

Adventure Days are a special benefit for families enrolled at Valley Marigold, offering additional outdoor play and mostly unstructured activity time with a broader group of children. Siblings are always welcome, and if you have a friend with you that day, they can join in, too!

However, we ask that families not extend invitations to those who are not enrolled in Valley Marigold. Adventure Days are part of our microschool program, and families interested in joining should reach out to us.

Please also keep in mind that when art projects or planned activities are included in Adventure Days, we will only provide supplies for enrolled students. Additionally, a parent or guardian must be present—these are not drop-off events.

We understand that cost is an important consideration. Compared to traditional private schools, a microschool program like Valley Marigold offers a much more affordable option while still providing a rich, engaging, and highly personalized education. Your child will benefit from small group learning, individualized attention, and a curriculum designed to nurture curiosity and confidence—all at a fraction of the cost of most private schools.

We believe that every child deserves access to a meaningful and personalized education. Families in Utah may be eligible for financial assistance through the Utah Fits All Scholarship, which provides funding for educational expenses, including microschools like Valley Marigold. Additionally, there are other grants and scholarships available to homeschooling families that can help offset costs. We encourage you to explore these options, and we’re happy to provide guidance or resources to help make Valley Marigold an accessible choice for your family.

Like most educational programs, a small annual price increase is expected to account for rising costs. However, families who maintain continuous enrollment will lock in their original tuition rate and will not be affected by future increases. This means the price you start with is the price you keep for as long as your child remains enrolled at Valley Marigold.