About us
A feast of ideas. A life of wonder.
Curriculum
At Hickory House we will not be using dry textbooks, but rich, well-written works that invite students into conversation with great minds of the past and present to study history, literature and science. We will be using booklists and resources from Ambleside Online, a free Charlotte Mason curriculum. Students will also be introduced to poetry, art history, composers, geography, mapwork and nature study. Although we will not be teaching formal, one-on-one reading, writing and math lessons, those subjects will be addressed throughout the day by means of independent reading (there will be one-on-one reading opportunities), several read alouds, poems, copy work, dictation and nature observation. Our Math approach includes games, hands-on learning with manipulatives, review and mental math.
Charlotte Mason-style language arts: copywork (penmanship, spelling, grammar), word study (vocabulary), notebooking, recitations (oral narration and public speaking).
Nature Study Resources: Ambleside Online Nature Booklists, Nature Journaling, Nature Readers
Programs
Form 1 Classes (incoming 1st, 2nd, 3rd graders) Wednesday : Classes will be held from 12 PM – 3 PM. Students going into 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade will be eligible. We start at a later time so children have the opportunity in the morning to complete their reading and math lessons at home. This program is perfect for parents who are interested in a faith-based, literature rich, quality education for their children. There are 3 blocks of lessons every Wednesday that are followed by narration (telling back after hearing a story) and one copy work assignment. Those blocks are literature, geography, and natural science. Students will pack a water bottle and a healthy snack for the afternoon.
Little Wonders Program- Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:30-11:30: Students in this class will enjoy a darling, gentle program filled with poetry, bible readings, phonics, math games, read alouds, writing activities, art and outdoor discovery. We will be using booklists and activities from Ambleside Online. Students will pack a water bottle and a healthy mid-morning snack.
Tutoring/Weekly Homeschool Management: $75 per week. This is for grades K-4th. For this option, your student will meet with a certified teacher once a week for an hour and a half to teach new concepts (math, reading and writing), reinforce learning, get assignments for the week or whatever best meets the individualized plan we create. This is an excellent support for homeschooling families. There will be time set aside for this on Thursday or Friday afternoon.
Founder & Teacher
My name is Anna Maria. I grew up in East Texas then moved to San Antonio and Austin to attend the University of Texas. I have a degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. After working as a nanny I decided to pursue education. I received my teacher certification from Region XIII in Austin. I have 12 years of teaching in the classroom with most of those being in Austin ISD. I began teaching Dual Language Kindergarten. I’ve taught 1st grade, Pre-K, High School Spanish and then Kindergarten again in a private school setting in Tyler. I decided to stay home with my youngest and at the same time began homeschooling my older two sons. It is such a joy watching my own children learn something new. I hope to be able to reach more children as I open up my home to teach early education.
Vision
“To cultivate a love for learning and a life rich in truth, beauty, and goodness by nurturing children’s minds, hearts, and souls through living ideas, nature, and the joy of discovery.”
Mission
At Hickory House, our mission is to cultivate the minds and hearts of children through a Christ-centered, Charlotte Mason education-nurturing curiosity, character, and a lifelong love of learning.