Monday–Thursday | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | Ages 5–8

Our Core Program is designed to provide a well-rounded education — one that balances strong academics with the essential work of childhood: movement, play, exploration, and connection.

At HVFS, we believe children thrive when learning is both meaningful and joyful. Students receive structured, standards-aligned instruction in core academic subjects while also having generous time to move their bodies, collaborate with peers, build creatively, and spend time outdoors within our mixed-age community.

Academics and childhood are not in competition here — they work together.

Strong Academics, Grounded in Curriculum

Our academic instruction is guided by trusted, standards-aligned curriculum resources that provide both structure and depth.

English Language Arts is informed by Reading A–Z, offering systematic instruction in phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. This structured approach ensures students build strong foundational literacy skills with clarity and consistency.

Mathematics, science, history, and geography are guided by the Core Knowledge framework, which emphasizes coherent, content-rich learning across subject areas. This progression builds background knowledge, cultural literacy, and critical thinking skills over time.

Lessons are thoughtfully sequenced to support mastery and skill development. Teachers remain responsive to individual needs through small-group instruction, discussion, hands-on activities, and meaningful application of concepts.

Students engage daily in:

Structured literacy instruction

Conceptual and skills-based mathematics

Standards-aligned science instruction

History and geography studies that deepen understanding of the broader world

The Power of Mixed-Age Learning

Our intentionally small, mixed-age environment fosters empathy, collaboration, and leadership. Older students naturally model skills and mentor younger peers, while younger students gain confidence and perspective through peer support. Each child is known deeply by their teachers and encouraged to grow at an appropriate pace within a clear academic framework.

A Balanced Daily Rhythm

Each day includes focused academic instruction, opportunities for creative expression, and approximately two hours outdoors in all seasons. Outdoor time supports social development, resilience, physical movement, and imaginative play — serving as an essential complement to structured learning indoors.

We believe children need both intellectual challenge and unstructured exploration to truly thrive.

Ages 5–11 | Mixed-Age Group | 3:00–5:30 PM | Monday–Thursday

Our aftercare program is intentionally designed as a time for children to decompress, explore, and choose their own adventures after a structured school day.

Afternoons at HVFS are rooted in meaningful free play. Children build forts, climb trees, create imaginary worlds, organize games with friends, explore the woods, and move their bodies freely — as childhood is meant to be experienced.

We believe it is essential for children to have space to make their own decisions, negotiate friendships, take appropriate risks, and follow their curiosity. After a day of being told where to sit, what to complete, and when to transition, aftercare provides the opportunity to reset in a setting that values autonomy and imagination.

Teachers serve as thoughtful “play workers” — present, observant, and supportive. They ensure safety, guide social dynamics when needed, help children navigate conflict respectfully, and maintain clear boundaries so everyone feels included and secure. The environment is relaxed, but it is not unstructured. It is intentionally child-led within safe and consistent limits.

Because we spend significant time outdoors year-round, children who thrive in our aftercare program are typically self-starters, nature lovers, and comfortable being outside in a variety of weather conditions. They also tend to do well in a mixed-age environment — children who can play collaboratively with both younger and older peers, adapt socially, and enjoy the richness that comes from multi-age friendships.

Our landscape invites imagination, creativity, and movement — and the children who attend truly love that freedom.

Afternoons at HVFS are not simply “extra hours.” They are an essential extension of our philosophy — honoring childhood, fostering resilience, and building strong peer relationships through play.

Aftercare Schedule & Tuition

Families select a consistent weekly schedule (Monday–Thursday). Tuition is billed monthly and calculated using a four-week month.

1 day per week: $70/month

2 days per week: $140/month

3 days per week: $210/month

4 days per week: $280/month

Tuition is based on the family’s selected schedule and is not prorated or adjusted for absences.

Drop-in care is available for pre-registered families at $25 per day, based on availability.

Transportation (Optional Add-On)

HVFS offers school pick-up from Crozet-area schools when scheduling allows.

Families utilizing school pick-up are charged a $2.50 per day transportation fee, in addition to aftercare tuition. This fee supports time away from campus, liability coverage, and vehicle-related expenses necessary to provide consistent and reliable transportation.

Transportation fees are based on the family’s selected pick-up schedule and are billed monthly using a four-week month. Fees are not prorated or adjusted for absences.