Homeschool On The Farm
A Hands-On Learning Experience for Every Age
Rooted in real-world experience
At Hansel Hill Farm, we believe education happens best when it's rooted in real-world experience. Our Homeschool on the Farm program gives students the chance to learn by doing—caring for animals, tending the land, exploring science through nature, and finding joy in community.
We want this to be more than a field trip. We’re offering a full-season connection to the rhythms of the farm, with weekly lessons designed to align with Maryland homeschool requirements across multiple subjects: science, math, language arts, physical education, and more.
👩🌾 Homeschool on The Farm: Spring 2026
This 10-week program runs once a week, from the last week of March/first week of April through the third week of June. Each session includes direct instruction, hands-on application, and free play to build both skills and confidence.
We offer four programs:
Little Lambs
Level: New to the Farm/Beginners
Ages: 3–5 years (approximate)
Focus:Foundational farm learning with a gentle, very supportive structure. Parents stay and help guide.
Activities: kids engage in farm chores (e.g., feeding and brushing animals, weeding) and are given a brief lesson and a related hands-on activity, such as learning the plant life cycle and planting a seed to take home.
2 sessions to choose from:
Mondays: 9:30 am–10:30 pm (Aug 31st to Nov 16th)
Thursdays: 9:30 am–10:30 pm (Sept 10th - Nov 19th)
Busy Bees
Level: Beginners
Ages: 5–8 years (approximate)
Focus:Foundational farm learning with a gentle, supportive structure.
Activities: Kids engage in farm chores (e.g., feeding and brushing animals, weeding) and have a short lesson with a related hands-on activity, such as learning the plant life cycle and planting a seed to take home.
2 sessions to choose from:
Mondays: 1030 am–1230pm (Aug 31st to Nov 16th)
Thursdays: 1030 am–1230pm (Sept 10th - Nov 19th)
Farmer in Training (FIT)
Level: Intermediate
Ages: 8–12 years (approximate)
Focus: This mid-level program is for learners ready to engage in more complex instruction and tasks. Participants should be able to work independently or in a team.
Activities: Lessons are detailed, focusing on specific farming practices (e.g., learning how to prune trees, followed by practicing the skill). Projects are structured to mirror real agricultural work and often span multiple weeks, requiring consistent effort and follow-through.
2 sessions to choose from:
Mondays: 10am – 1 pm (Aug 31st to Nov 16th)
Thursdays: 10am –1 pm (Sept 10th - Nov 19th)
Apprenticeship with Farmer Brian (AFB)
Level: Advanced
Ages: 12 years and older
Focus: For highly committed learners who have spent significant time on the farm. This is an intensive program focused on real-time farm needs and management. Participants are expected to demonstrate strong leadership abilities by assisting and modeling behavior for younger program participants.
Activities: Apprentices work alongside Farmer Brian, performing complex tasks as dictated by the current agricultural cycle and farm needs. The structure is less lesson-based and more hands-on execution. Learners must be able to work independently or as part of a team on major projects. Examples of complex tasks include operating the tractor, designing and building farm infrastructure, or managing the orchard. Projects often span multiple weeks, requiring detailed planning and follow-through.
1 sessions to choose from:
Mondays: 9:30 am–1:30 pm (Aug 31st to Nov 16th)
Cost & Registration
Tuition ranges from $265 to $315 per student depending on the program. Space is limited, and sessions typically fill quickly.
Homeschool On The Farm: FAQs
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Busy Bees is ideal for younger children or those who are new to the farm setting. It focuses on basic farm tasks, gentle hands-on lessons, and structured play.
FIT is better suited for older or returning students who are ready for longer, more in-depth projects like orchard care, greenhouse design, or small engine work.
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Parents are required to stay on site and to participate in the “Little Lambs” program. Busy Bees and FIT programs are "drop off" programs to help foster growth and independence. Our farm also has very limited parking available, further driving this requirement. If you'd like to remain onsite, we will make exceptions on a case-by-case basis, and ask that you remain in the designated waiting areas (picnic tables by the entrance to the farm.)
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Each day includes a short seated lesson (about 15-30 minutes), farm chores, hands-on learning time, and free play. The goal is to keep kids moving, engaged, and connected to the land throughout the session.
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Yes—community is a big part of our homeschool program. Students make friends, work together on farm tasks, and enjoy unstructured time to connect and play. Many families return season after season because of the bonds their children build here.
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Yes! We regularly host small groups for private learning days. Email us at hanselhillov@gmail.com to start planning.
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Water bottle
Snack (optional)
Weather-appropriate clothing (they will get messy!)
Closed toed shoes
Sunscreen or bug spray if needed
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We typically run two homeschool sessions per year—one in the spring and one in the fall. Be sure to follow us on social media or check the website for upcoming dates.
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Please be aware that your child being able to use a port-a-potty independently is REQUIRED to attend, as we do not offer bathroom assistance, nor do we let other children help each other either.
Questions?
Email us at hanselhillov@gmail.com if you have questions about an upcoming event, want to partner with us, or need help planning your visit. We can’t wait to see you at the farm.
