About Grail Homeschool Academy
You will wish that you started homeschooling sooner!
Philosophy & Mission
We believe that homeschooling is one of the greatest gifts that you can give a child. At Grail our goal is to provide the space and opportunities to support families on their homeschooling journey. By focusing on free play, movement and arts, families can connect and children can explore, have fun & thrive.
Helping Your Child Explore, Grow, & Learn
Children under 8 typically need 1 to 2 hours of direct instruction per day. While traditional public schools often have 6- to 7-hour days, this includes transition times, lunch, and electives. In a 1-to-1 or home setting, young brains can only focus on academics in short bursts.
Active children develop important physical skills such as coordination, agility, balance, and strength. The ability to move freely and engage in regular physical activity is an essential part of healthy childhood development. For many children, remaining seated for extended periods of time can be both physically and mentally challenging.
Our Story
Stewart and Laurel Carroll homeschooled their two daughters for five years during their middle and high school years, creating a meaningful and rewarding experience for their entire family. Homeschooling allowed their daughters to slow down and enjoy their teenage years with greater balance, reduced peer pressure, and the freedom to learn at their own pace without the burden of excessive busy work.
Through this personalized approach to education, both daughters developed independence, confidence, and a strong sense of responsibility. Today, both are enrolled in private colleges with substantial scholarship awards while also playing active leadership roles in operating Grail Jiu Jitsu and Grail Homeschool.
Kristen Vallejo Photography
Social Skills
By spending time away from screens and engaging in real-world experiences, children develop stronger interpersonal connections and gain valuable communication skills through meaningful interactions with individuals of all ages.
In addition, homeschooling environments often provide opportunities for children to interact with peers across a wide range of age groups. These experiences help foster empathy, build confidence, and encourage the development of leadership skills in a natural and collaborative setting.
Critical Thinking
Traditional education models often emphasize what to think, while homeschooling environments can provide greater opportunities for children to develop how to think. Homeschooling allows families to tailor learning experiences around a child’s individual interests, strengths, and natural curiosity, fostering deeper engagement and a lifelong love of learning.
In an age shaped by artificial intelligence, rapid technological advancement, and constant access to information, success is no longer defined solely by memorization of facts. Today’s children benefit most from developing critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and intellectual adaptability. Homeschooling offers the flexibility to nurture these skills through inquiry-based learning, hands-on experiences, and personalized educational approaches.
Coordination & Core Strength
Homeschooling often provides greater flexibility for children to incorporate movement throughout the day, allowing for a more active and developmentally appropriate learning environment. Research has shown that increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behavior are associated with improved cognitive function, social-emotional development, and overall well-being in children. A 2023 systematic review published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that healthy movement behaviors—including regular physical activity and reduced sedentary time—were linked to stronger physical, psychological, and educational outcomes in children and adolescents.
Research supports the value of curiosity-driven and student-centered learning. A study published in Educational Psychologist found that when students are encouraged to pursue topics of personal interest, they demonstrate greater motivation, deeper comprehension, and stronger long-term retention of knowledge (Renninger & Hidi, 2016). In addition, the World Economic Forum has identified critical thinking, creativity, and innovation among the most essential skills for the future workforce in an increasingly AI-driven world.
What We Offer
Grail Homeschool
Wednesdays 9am – 11:15am
Children in the martial arts program can stay and attend the Grail Homeschool Martial Arts class from 11:15 – 12pm (drop off)
Jiu Jitsu & Martial Arts
Homeschool Movement Class Ages 1.5 - 6
This is a 30 – minute class designed to build confidence, coordination and self control. This class is a combination of fitness drills, gymnastics and simple martial arts. Everyone is welcome to participate and do what they can. Wednesday mornings 10am
Homeschool Martial Arts Ages 6+
This class is a dedicated martial art class that incorporates fitness, agility, Jiu Jitsu, Kickbxoing and self defense. This class is designed to build a skill set in striking & grappling to improve agility, coordination, self control & self defense. This is a structured program with uniforms and belt ranking. Many children participate in the daytime & evening track.
Wednesdays 11:15-12pm
Jiu Jitsu ages 3+ evening track
These classes are dedicated martial art class that incorporates fitness, agility, Jiu Jitsu, Kickbxoing and self defense. This class is designed to build a skill set in striking & grappling to improve agility, coordination, self control & self defense. This is a structured program with uniforms and belt ranking. Many children participate in the daytime & evening track.
Community
At Grail we offer community events like Pot Luck Parties, Moms Kickboxing, Fundraisers for charities and more – have a great idea? Please share!