Young Apprentice 

A Homeschool Enrichment Program For ages 10–12 with Etta Mae

Welcome to the Young Apprentice Program — a gathering place where hands, hearts, and imaginations weave together to create, discover, and grow. This is more than a class; it is a living, breathing circle of young makers and dreamers, a place where curiosity is nurtured and skills are honed through meaningful, tangible work.

Rooted in the art of making by hand, creative expression, and the quiet wisdom of the natural world, this program offers homeschooled youth ages 10 to 12 a nourishing environment to explore their unique gifts. Here, we honor the unfolding of each child’s abilities and interests, providing opportunities to learn through doing — to shape, carve, paint, stitch, and build with intention and care.

Throughout the year, students will engage in a rich rhythm of artistic practices: from the meditative flow of fiber arts, to the earthy grounding of woodwork, to the vibrancy of painting and the playful discovery of printmaking. These skills not only result in beautiful, useful objects, but also cultivate qualities of focus, patience, resilience, and creative problem-solving.

To work with our hands in intentional ways, strengthens our will — that quiet, steady force within each person that carries us through challenge and toward completion. In tending to a project from beginning to end, children learn to trust in their abilities, meet mistakes with grace, and find joy in both the process and the finished creation.

Our day is held in a balanced rhythm of coming together to learn/create, and breathing out into freedom to run on the farm, play and grow friendships.  Here, students are provided  a safe, inspiring container where art and craft become living languages — tools to express one’s inner world and cultivate confidence in one’s abilities.

Young Apprentice runs weekly from September through May (with breaks for holidays), offering children a chance to build community, grow their artistic voices, and soak in the natural magic of the seasons. 

Each Tuesday from 9:00 am to 3:15 pm, children gather for a steady rhythm of guided creative classes and open, joyful time to run and play on the farm. This balance of work and play, stillness and movement, supports the whole child — body, mind, and spirit.  Young Apprentice offers three core classes each gathering day:

Handwork~ Inspired by the Waldorf tradition, students learn timeless skills while also cultivating qualities of focus, endurance, creativity, and joy in accomplishment. Specific project details for the year will be shared in the Fall.

Art ~In this class students will explore a variety of artistic mediums — from drawing and painting to three-dimensional creations of papier-mâché. Students will nurture their own unique creative voice and learn to express themselves through the many elements of art.  

Creative Crafting ~In this dynamic class, students will immerse themselves in a variety of practical hands-on projects.  With new topics rotating every 3 to 6 weeks (depending on the interest of the group), subjects may include :Wood carving & whittling, Felt-making, Puppetry, Creative Bookmaking, Wildcrafting, Nature crafts and Seasonal projects such as Pysanky (Ukrainian egg dyeing).

Financial Overview for the 2025/2026 School Year

For ages 10-12 (students must be 10 by June 1st)

For the Young Apprentice Program, there are two main fees for each school year: a Registration Fee and Tuition. New families will also pay a one-time Interview Fee.

Fee Details:
Interview Fee: $50 (for new families only)
New Student Registration Fee: $150, due at enrollment to reserve your child’s spot

Tuition:
Daily class rate (includes supplies, tax, and transaction fees) is priced at $11.50 an hour X 6.25 hrs a day = $72  a day (rounded to nearest dollar).
School Year Total: Based on 33 classes = $2,376

Choose Your Monthly Payment Plan:

• 12-Month Plan: Tuition of $2,376 may be paid in 12 monthly installments of $198. From June 2025 through May 2026.  Invoicing will begin June 1st. 

• 9-Month Plan: Tuition of $2,376 may be paid in 9 monthly installments of $264. From September 2025 through May 2026. Invoicing will begin September 1st. 

Payment Methods:
Cash, check, and EFT (electronic funds transfer)

Refund Policy:
Full details about refunds, absences and withdrawals can be found here.

Sibling Discount:
We welcome families with multiple children, click here to learn more.

Financial Aid:

Financial aid available on a need basis. Please inquire at time of enrollment. Click here to learn more and apply.

How to Enroll:

1. Send an email to Etta Mae at yellowsolarseed@gmail.com or text (808) 333-0325 to check class availability.

2. If space is available, families new to the Center of Creativity will be invited for a one-hour interview visit — a chance to meet, tour the space, ask questions, and enjoy a craft together.  Interviews are scheduled after the $50 interview fee is received. 

3. Once your child is accepted, the $150 annual registration fee may be sent to confirm and hold your child’s spot in the program.

If you have any questions during the enrollment process, feel free to reach out to Etta Mae by phone, text or email yellowsolarseed@gmail.com (808) 333-0325