Our Distinctives

  • We are a Christian school reflecting a Charlotte Mason style of education, and we welcome families who have not accepted Christ. We do not require a statement of faith of any family. Our ultimate aim is the formation of a child's character.
  • We rely primarily on narratives because stories leave an imprint on the mind. Research shows that casual connections create a web of associations and forge strong memories. Children remember what they think about.
  • We know that our method helps children become strong readers for two reasons. We offer challenging literature, some of which the teacher reads aloud, that builds broad background knowledge. Narration encourages students to monitor their thinking.
  • Spending a whole school year on one period in history spaces the study of a specific area of knowledge over a longer period of time. Students remember more when their study is distributed, not crammed. 
  • Our lessons are short, but memorable. We scaffold understanding by forging a chain of memory: children recall what they remember of the prior lesson, read a passage, share what they learned, and have a conversation about the text. The teacher's role is to introduce the material, monitor the flow of the lesson, and make rare comments only when required.
  • A multi-age classroom allows children with scattered abilities work at their own level. Children who excel in some subjects and struggle with others will feel more competent as a result.
  • Being outdoors (working in the garden, studying nature, playing freely, and taking a long walk) lengthens attention span. Our students spend time in green space as part of the curricula.
  • To honor homeschoolers in Clarendon County who were a vital part of the formation of Harvest. We welcome the homeschooling community to join us for our clubs and extra-curricular activities. At least one parent must attend and participate in the activities.
  • The Feast includes a walk at Taw Caw Park, service projects, and enrichment time at school: music, art, handwork, Shakespeare, and citizenship.